Itaewon Class is an underrated kdrama that is heartwarming and entertaining, though it has received mixed reactions from fans. Here’s my thoughts.
What is Itaewon Class About?
Itaewon Class is a gripping drama that follows the journey of Park Sae-Ro-Yi (Park Seo-Joon), a young man who starts his life again after the tragic death of his father.
The film is set against the bustling backdrop of Itaewon, a vibrant district in Seoul known for its nightlife and food culture.
After being expelled from school for punching Geun-won, the privileged son of the powerful CEO of Jangga Group, Sae-Ro-Yi’s life spirals into chaos when Geun-won’s reckless driving leads to his father’s death.
A brief stint in prison follows, and upon his release, he opens his restaurant, DanBam, in Itaewon, determined to take down the Jangga Group and its corrupt empire.
While Sae-Ro-Yi’s quest for justice is at the heart of the drama, it also shows him grow as a leader and entrepreneur.
Along the way, he forms a diverse group of allies, including Jo Yi-seo (Kim Da-mi), a brilliant but emotionally distant strategist who transforms from a cold observer to a pivotal partner, and Ma Hyun-yi (Lee Joo-young), a talented chef whose unwavering loyalty plays a crucial role in the success of DanBam.
Is Itaewon Class Worth Watching?
At its core, the series is a story about resilience and friendship, and to me, that makes it worth the watch.
The romance, while present, is not the central focus—this is about the lives of a group of close-knit people.
One of the show’s standout elements is its character development. Throughout the series, we see Jo Yi-seo’s transformation from emotionally distant to a compassionate and supportive partner is one of the most rewarding arcs, and Ma Hyun-yi’s quiet strength and loyalty are what make her character so lovable. Even the antagonists, like Jang Dae-hee, are far from one-dimensional.
However, Itaewon Class doesn’t come without its flaws. The pacing can be slow, especially in the early episodes, as it takes time to establish the characters and their backstories.
Some viewers might find the first few episodes a bit of a drag. At 16 episodes, each running about 70 minutes, it’s a bit of a slow burn, so if you’re looking for something more fast-paced, the start may feel like a slog.
But if you stick with it, the character-driven storylines and emotional depth make the payoff worth it.
Overall, Itaewon Class is a worthy K-drama.
Rating
Where you’ve seen Park Seo-joon….Park Seo-joon is a popular South Korean actor known for his versatile roles in both dramas and films.
He is known his roles in hit K-dramas like What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, Hwarang, and She Was Pretty.
He has also appeared in successful films such as Midnight Runners and The Divine Fury.
Where you’ve seen Kwon Nara….Kwon Nara is a South Korean actress and former idol who first rose to fame as a member of the girl group Hello Venus under Pledis Entertainment.
After leaving the group, she transitioned into acting, appearing as Jo Yi-seo in Itaewon Class.
Her other notable dramas include Suspicious Partner, where she played a supporting role as an intense prosecutor, and My Amazing Boyfriend, where she starred alongside Kim Min-seok.