"Itaewon Class" is a drama about the dreams, passion, revenge, and love of young people set in Itaewon. It explores human emotions and growth through the gathering of characters from various backgrounds to create their own world. In addition to the intense chemistry between the main characters Park Sae-roi and Joy Seo, Itaewon's lively atmosphere and emotional OST captivated viewers. This work itself was loved as a drama representing the youth of an era.
Itaewon Class: One Life, Two Beginnings
Basic drama information
- Broadcast Period: January 31, 2020 to March 21, 2020
- Broadcasting company: JTBC
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Key actors: Park Seo-joon, Kim Dami, Yoo Jae-myung, Go Ah-sung
Character Introduction
- Park Saeroi (played by Park Seo-joon): Park Saeroi is the central character of “Itaewon Class,” a character with strong will and revenge. In revenge for Jangga Group, who was in charge of his father’s death, he opened a restaurant called Dumping in Itaewon. His personality is strong, sometimes cold, but warm inside and shows deep affection for friends and family
- Joycer (played by Kim Dami): Joycer is Park Saeroi’s business partner, who learns a lot from him and grows up. She has the spirit and passion of youth, and she has her own stubbornness and sense of justice. With her excellent intelligence and ability, she is rather blunt, but she gradually feels human emotions through her meeting with Park Saeroi.
- Jang Ga-ho (played by Yoo Jae-myung): The chairman of the Jangga group, a villain character in the drama. He is an important figure responsible for the death of Park Sae-roi’s father, which leads to a deep foe relationship with Park Sae-roi. Zhang Ga-ho is ready to sacrifice everything for his own benefit, and has a strong sense of power.
- Seo Soo-ah (Acting: Go Ah-sung): Seo Soo-ah is Park Sae-roi’s childhood friend, an important figure who forms a complex love triangle in the drama. She works for the Jangga group and has heartfelt feelings for Park Saeroi even as she goes back and forth. Her personality is soft and gentle, and despite many trials, her mind to watch Park Sae-roi remains unchanged.
Plot Summary
Itaewon Class is set in Itaewon, Seoul, and depicts a story centered on individual dreams, revenge, and the value of friendship.
The drama begins with a scene in which Park Sae-roi (Park Seo-joon)’s father is unfairly killed by Jangga Group’s Jangga-ho (Yoo Jae-myung). This incident is a significant opportunity to change Park Saeroi’s entire life. Park Sae-roi, who learned the cause of his father’s death, develops revenge for Jang Ga-ho and his company, which leads him to Itaewon.
In Itaewon, Park Sae-roi begins preparations to open his own restaurant, “Dumpling.” In the process, he meets people from various backgrounds, and the most prominent figure among them is Jo Yi-seo (played by Kim Dami). Joycer becomes Park Sae-roi’s business partner, and the two grow up relying on each other in the restaurant competition in Itaewon.
Jang Ga-ho and Jangga groups do not want Park Sae-roi’s restaurant to grow successfully. The competition between the two is getting hotter, and in the middle of this, the complex emotional lines with Susa form a complex love triangle. Seo Soo-ah is Park Sae-roi’s childhood friend and working for the Jangga group, and her presence greatly influences Park Sae-roi’s revenge plans and emotions.
Itaewon Class depicts a story centered on individual dreams and goals, and the value of efforts and friendship to achieve them in the unique background of Itaewon. Starting with the revenge of the main character Park Sae-roi, it is a work depicting the dreams, worries, and love of various characters, and it delivers a deep impression and various messages to viewers.
Major Themes & Message
The drama tells the story of overcoming difficulties in reality through various human emotions and choices, such as revenge and forgiveness, love and friendship, and choices at the boundary between success and failure.
OST Information
The OST of Itaewon Class was loved by itself. Major OSTs include “Start” (Singer: Gaho), “Stone” (Ha Hyun-woo), and “Our Time” (Lee Chansol).
Review & Evaluation
“Itaewon Class” is a drama that delicately depicts characters from various backgrounds and pasts pursuing their dreams, passion, and love on a small stage called Itaewon. This work presented a deep exploration of human emotions, growth, friendship and love beyond just the story of revenge.
One of the main strengths of the drama is the deep character setting of the characters. The past of each character, the personality formed by it, and their dreams and passion add great power to the progress of the story. In particular, Park Seo-joon’s Park Sae-roi and Kim Da-mi’s Joy, and the hot chemistry of the two main characters were highly praised by viewers.
In addition, by using the colorful appearance of Itaewon as the background, the modern and unique stage setting stood out. Itaewon’s diverse culture and atmosphere have enriched the tone of the entire drama.
But it wasn’t as perfect as all of the works. In some parts, the progress of the story felt somewhat urgent, and it was also regrettable that some characters’ personal stories were superficially dealt with.
Nevertheless, “Itaewon Class” was loved enough to be regarded as a representative work of an era in itself. This can be attributed to the freshness of the theme, the actors’ passion, and the completeness of the work itself.