Itaewon Class Review

Itaewon Class is an underrated kdrama that is heartwarming and entertaining, though it has received mixed reactions from fans. This contemporary series follows the life of one man as he attempts to recreate himself in the bustling streets of Itaewon.

The location in Seoul is a hotspot for nightlife, from trendy bars to busy restaurants, and is popular among tourists and locals.

Airing in 2020 on Netflix, Itaewon Class is based on a webtoon of the same name by Jo Gwang-jin and had some what of a fanbase already.

The drama follows the journey of Park Sae-Ro-Yi (played by Park Seo-Joon), as he seeks revenge after his father’s death, as well as his ambition to build a successful restaurant business.

Park Se-Joon is already a familiar face among K-drama fans, having starred in several hit series like What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, Hwarang, and She Was Pretty.

In Sae-ro-yi’s backstory, we learn that expelled for punching CEO Jang’s son, Geun-won, who was bullying a classmate.

After Geun-won’s reckless driving kills his father, Sae-ro-yi attacks him, landing him in prison for three years. Seven years later, he opens his bar-restaurant, DanBam.

The drama thrives on its well-rounded cast. Jo Yi-seo evolves from a cold strategist to a key ally, while Ma Hyun-yi is a lovable and loyal presence. Jang Dae-hee’s complicated life makes him more than just a villain.

However, not every character was likeable. Toni feels mostly pointless, meanwhile Hyeon-yi, while also a bit of a token character, had more development than most of the side characters.

Needless to say, I wouldn’t watch the show solely for its plot, as it’s fairly predictable at times. While Sae-ro-yi’s quest to take down Jangga Group and build his restaurant empire provides the backbone, it’s the characters that truly carry the story. The drama is more about the relationships that form and evolve under pressure—friendship and loyalty, in the face of adversity.

Now onto the pacing… The show starts off quite slow, taking its time to build the world and set up the characters. Early episodes drag a bit as they focus on backstory, and it can sometimes leave you distracted. Itaewon Class has 16 episodes in total, with each running for around 70 minutes.

Overall, the show has some great moments and strong character development. However, it can feel slow at times, especially in the early episodes, which might feel like a drag for some viewers. So keep that in mind if you’re looking for a faster-paced story.