Hit K-Drama Climbs Netflix Global Charts Two Years After Finale—Now Set for a U.S. Remake

Two years after its finale, JTBC’s hit K-drama King the Land is experiencing a massive resurgence on Netflix, climbing the global charts and sparking renewed interest. Adding to the buzz, a U.S. remake is officially in development, further solidifying the drama’s global appeal.

‘King the Land’ Heads to the U.S.

According to Variety, a Hollywood adaptation of King the Land is now in production, with Janice Chua, producer of Crazy Rich Asians, leading the project. The remake aims to blend the signature charm of K-dramas with Hollywood-style romantic comedy, adapting the story for a Western audience while preserving its luxury hotel setting and classic rom-com elements.

The original aired on JTBC in 2023, following the romance between Gu Won (Lee Junho), a chaebol heir who hates fake smiles, and Cheon Sa-rang (Im Yoon-ah), a cheerful hotelier who embodies warmth and hospitality. Their on-screen chemistry captivated audiences, making it one of the most beloved rom-coms of its time.

Despite ending in August 2023, King the Land has seen a major second wave of popularity on Netflix, ranking high in the platform’s Global Top 10 (Non-English TV) category. The show gained a strong following in Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, demonstrating the ever-growing demand for K-dramas on international streaming platforms.

From its debut at 5.1% viewership to its final episode hitting 13.8%, the drama was one of JTBC’s biggest commercial hits. On social media, clips from King the Land continued to trend long after the finale, leading to fan edits, reaction videos, and viral parody content that further fueled its resurgence.

K-Dramas Taking Over Hollywood

The U.S. remake of King the Land follows the success of other K-drama adaptations, with Hollywood showing increasing interest in remaking hit Korean series. Following the success of Squid Game and The Glory, industry insiders predict that more K-dramas will be adapted for international audiences.

Fans are now eager to see how the American version will reinterpret the original, and whether it can capture the same heartwarming charm that made King the Land a global sensation.

What’s Next for Lee Junho & Im Yoon-ah?

While King the Land continues to thrive, its leading stars are gearing up for new projects:

Lee Junho: Set to star in Netflix’s Cashero and tvN’s Typhoon Company.

Im Yoon-ah: Will appear in the tvN drama The Tyrant’s Chef and the highly anticipated film Pretty Crazy.

Lee Junho has been actively engaging with his global fanbase through his 2025 fan concert tour, "Midnight Sun." The tour commenced with performances on January 25 and 26 at the INSPIRE Arena in Incheon, South Korea. It then moved to Tokyo, Japan, where concerts on February 8 and 9 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium attracted over 18,000 fans. Subsequent shows were held in Taipei on February 22 and 23 at the NTU Sports Center, and the tour concluded with performances in São Paulo, Brazil, on March 1 and 2 at Vibra São Paulo. This marked Junho's first solo concerts outside Asia, reflecting his expanding international appeal.

Concurrently, Yoona has been connecting with her audience through her official YouTube channel, "Yoona's So Wonderful Day." The channel offers fans an intimate glimpse into her life and activities. Notably, she shared behind-the-scenes content from her attendance at the Valentino Haute Couture 2025 show in Paris, providing viewers with exclusive insights into her experiences at the prestigious fashion event.

Both artists continue to strengthen their global presence and maintain close connections with their fans through these diverse platforms.

With King the Land proving the lasting power of K-drama storytelling, all eyes are on its Hollywood adaptation and whether it can replicate the romantic magic of the original.