it thought me a lot of things and so for some very odd reasons it made me hate a few things that people do. Like
in the drama, there is something the main character doesn't like to do and hates when people do it (when you watch it, you would find out what I do not like)
at first, the only reason I watched this was because of the lead male character and because it was under the category of romance dramas which was what I like.
I didn't want to continue watching the drama cause the romance in the show was really small but for some very odd reasons I found myself wanting to watch it more
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A Gripping Saga of Revenge, Resilience, and Redemption
"Itaewon Class" is a compelling Korean drama that weaves a narrative rich in themes of perseverance, justice, and ambition. The series, based on the popular webtoon of the same name, tells the story of Park Sae-ro-yi, played by Park Seo-joon, whose life takes a dramatic turn after a tragic incident involving his father and a powerful conglomerate.The plot is driven by Sae-ro-yi's quest for revenge and his determination to build a successful business from scratch. Alongside a diverse cast of characters, each with their own backstories and struggles, the show addresses various societal issues, including inequality, discrimination, and the challenges faced by marginalized groups.
One of the standout features of "Itaewon Class" is its character development. Sae-ro-yi is a particularly compelling protagonist, characterized by his unwavering moral compass and resilience. Kim Da-mi delivers a standout performance as Jo Yi-seo, a brilliant and rebellious social media influencer who becomes a pivotal ally in Sae-ro-yi's journey.
The series is also visually appealing, with the vibrant neighborhood of Itaewon serving as a dynamic backdrop. The soundtrack, featuring artists like Gaho and V, complements the emotional depth of the story.
While some plot points may feel predictable, the overall narrative remains engaging and emotionally resonant. "Itaewon Class" effectively balances moments of intense drama with lighter, more heartwarming scenes, creating a well-rounded viewing experience.
"Itaewon Class" is a must-watch for fans of Korean dramas. Its strong performances, compelling story, and social commentary make it a standout series that resonates with a broad audience.
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The storyline as mentioned earlier is quite trivial, I have watched dramas similar if not 98% followed in suit, but the joint work each character and the expression on the smallest performances were what made Itaewon class a very emotional experience. The depiction of first love and its innocence when lost to hardships of life, and how hard work pays off no matter the period in which the hardships are stretched. Small lessons like that made the impact of the drama heavier
Even with little things like the change of looks of the character but the constant physical appearance of Park Saeroyi over the span of 14years showed how everyone changed in character but little of his ideals and goals changed. These little things details made the drama so much more than it already was. A lot of reviews focus on the aspect of how the main lead was made to look good and how unimportant some roles were.
A protagonist is made to appeal to the hearts of viewers and what you take away is up to your palette, but the supporting characters really taught me a lot especially Kwon Nara and Kim Dong Hee who showed growth in character when faced with hardships and how many people prioritize different things In life. Even the characters that addressed a lot of issues that are faced in South Korea like racism and gender rights were also tackled in this film teaching a lot of people valuable lessons.
Not to mention the lovely soundtrack contributed by various artists and the interludes and instrumentals by composers who have a talent for days. I believe when I listen to the soundtrack of a drama of the basis of the context and internalize it, that piece of work is truly great. shout out to Kim Feel and studio curiosity for blessing my ears every day.
I personally learned a lot from this drama and it made me think about what I would have done if I was in any of their places and not to mention Park Bo Gum's cameo. Itaewon Class makes you reflect and have fun at the same time, watch it you won't regret it!
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DEEP AND MEANINGFUL VIEWING IN MANY WAYS
Please be warned that this review contains spoilers. My focus in this article is primarily to consider the writing of Jo Kwang-jin. He is the author of the webtoon upon which "Itaewon Class" is based. He also wrote the script for the series.Kwang-jin has done an exceptional job. I am full of admiration for him. The drama is intelligently written and sequenced with flair between main-story, back-story, side-story and parallel-story. A number of his characters are quirky and they enliven the entertainment. All the main characters come from a position of social weakness. For example: a black Korean who continually has to authenticate his nationality, two sons who are emotional casualties of a ruthless and domineering father, an illegitimate child, an orphan, etc.; even the billionaire villain was a starving street-child in his early years.
I was particularly impressed that Ma Hyun-yi, one of Kwang-jin’s characters was transgender and that Kwang-jin allows her to shine brightly in the sun. This is a major moment in Korean dramas given South Korea’s continuing reluctance to celebrate that, just like skin-colour or eye-colour or height (etc.), gender identity is a characteristic with which one is born and that ‘normal’ is a word that covers many possibilities. The events that culminated in Ma Hyun-yi’s coming-out as transgender on national television were riveting viewing, and the script and Lee Joo-young’s acting were superb. Anyone who watches this scene with a humane mindset will be emotionally touched by seeing what unconditional love looks like between genuine friends who sincerely care for one another and who see deeper than a person’s surface.
Park Seo-jun is one of my favourite actors and, in this role, he shows the depth and breadth of his abilities. As the lead actor, Park Seo-jun creates a Park Sae-ro-yi who is an uncomplicated man and who stays true his friends 100% of the time -- he never blames nor criticises them. This seems like a simple acting task on the face of it but as one follows Park Seo-jun from episode to episode, it is easy to appreciate that in acting Sae-ro-yi, Park Seo-jun has to dig deep. Sae-ro-yi wholeheartedly trusts those around him and he leads the cast when it comes to demonstrating unconditional love. Sae-ro-yi also never hesitates to accept responsibility however heavy that burden will be. Kwang-jin’s life-philosophies that are delivered to the audience via Sae-ro-yi are truly a gift to the world. In Park Sae-ro-yi, Kwang has created a template for what constitutes an immensely decent human being. It would be a wonderful world -- a really wonderful world, in fact -- if there were more people like Sae-ro-yi around.
In addition: the makeup is first class (watch how Jang Dae-hee ages and becomes increasingly ill); the soundtrack is exceptional and deserves special recognition; all actors create believable and authentic characters; the direction and the production are magnificent. I must also make mention of Ahn Bo-hyun’s acting. His performance as Jang Geun-won is incredible. I have never felt so sorry for the bad guy as I did for Geun-won. It is to Jo Kwang-jin’s writing-credit and Ahn’s acting that Geun-won comes to life as such a deeply flawed character with whom the audience can feel angry, sad and sorry. I never stopped hoping that he would see the error of his ways and change.
There is no doubt in my mind at all that any viewer who watches this show will we richly rewarded if they look beyond simple entertainment and straightforward romance. This is a memorable and outstanding drama. I anticipate that many awards will wander its way. I don't normally re-watch shows but I might make an exception for this one.
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No drama can beat this drama! It shows that no one should ever give up even if it takes 5 years or 10 years, it’s all about believing yourself and that’s exactly what Park Saeroyi showed. Many people hate Jo Yiseo’s character because she’s a “baddie” and she’s “disrespectful” but that’s exactly why I love her character, they need to show that even girls can be strong. Even though he’d character was cocky I really liked how she believed that she would end up making Saeroyi fall in love with her, even when she was loosing confidence she still promised to be by his side. The fact that Saeroyi finally gave up his pride and went in his knees for Daehee after so many years just so he could save Yiseo from danger shows how much she means to him I really enjoyed their chemistry in the drama and the last few episodes made it even better! Jang Geun Won really annoyed me the most ? Like he’s so handsome but he doesn’t know when to give up. I also really am glad that Jang Daehee (the chairman) finally went on his knees even though Saeroyi did it first it’s worst for Daehee because he’s the chairman and he was asking for forgiveness after his company was failing! Enough with those character i’d like to mention Ma Hyeonyi!! She’s so freakin beautiful like how can someone look so stunning with short hair??? The drama did not just display about working hard but it showed how so many people are against transgender and her character just played a big role to how our society is! Over all I don’t know why people have this drama so much because I enjoyed every episode! It’s really worth the watch! Was this review helpful to you?
The Plot: Perfectly executed. I usually hate time skips and this drama had a good amount of them but omg they used them perfectly. It all worked so well together. The story unfolded in an emotional incredible way. I was invested in every second, every word.
Characters: The acting on this drama was so incredible omg. They all created such incredible characters, Each and every character had immense depth, and development. Each one was incredibly portrayed and aged as the show progressed. I use the term "aged" only to mean they each changed. Changed, in incredible ways. Whether they learned through love, hardship, or mistakes, each character grew and developed and it was incredible to watch. Even the characters that we are meant to hate, I loved. I loved to hate them.
Representation: I have to bring this up because never before have I seen a Korean drama with such blatant representation. This show brought up things other series never dared to touch. Whether it be the taboo against LGBT persons in Korea, or the existence of racism that still exists, this drama covered it in such a bold and emotional way. This drama was so important for that fact alone. It made a bold and beautiful statement and did it beautifully.
Honestly this drama can be enjoyed by anyone. It's set up in such a way that you don't have to be a fan of anything in it. I have absolutely no interest in dramas about restaurants, or business, or revenge. None. But it didn't matter because this drama was so much more than that. Romance, humor, friendship, hardship, death, tragedy, loss, injustice, unrequited love, loyalty, growing up, perseverance, and love. This drama wasn't about business, or revenge, or romance. This was a portrayal or what it means to live.
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it was perfect tough
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Great Drama with a great message that everyone needs to watch
This is a story that needed to be told. Korea has too many prejudices that stem from fear and outdated traditions. I have too many personal experiences of intolerance towards many issues stemming from misunderstandings and ignorance. There needs to be more stories about love, equality and inclusion for all people no matter what their situation is. This is a great story about love in all shapes. I would love it if there were more stories of this sort. The acting was on point. I really felt for the characters and the story because they were able to portray such complex emotions. The music aids in bringing the story to life and I can't wait to rewatch it when I feel I need a boost of confidence.Was this review helpful to you?
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I enjoyed watching this drama. Above anything else, it's about sticking to your values and yout own self. Friendship and loyalty. Which is good, and interesting to watch. Specially when you see the characters influencing each other's actions. Even though the male lead is presenting as this upstanding guy with amazing morals, there are times in which he moves things according to his endgoal, even if he knows deep down that it's probably hurting somebody (like how he kept coming back to the ex-cop or in a way took advantadge of a character's feelings for him to keep her by his side when she could've have better offers). And the opposite thing applies, one of the characters is cynical and more of in a gray area but learns from watching him and I like that they start to enjoy live and human interactions together. She says it in the final chapter, neither of them knew what human warmth was until they tried to built it together.I liked that the drama talked about racism, transphobia, ageism and so on, but I find it was a little shallow on its approach. Things don't solve themselves by miracle and knowing how the world, specially Corea, is about those topics, I don't really believe for example in the scene in which a character can easily say she is trans and everybody cheers on her. It's difficult to find that scene realistic, but I want to believe that there'll be a time in which it won't matter. Like the show said, you don't have to prove yourself, your choices, and in my opinion you don't owe people an explanation. I also don't like how easily forgiven the character who outed her was. Like I wouldn't even do that to somebody I considered my enemy, even less to a friend and in a society like that, wtf.
Other issue I had is that I do like the endgame couple and I was sold in why they fell for each other. He broaded her worldview and made her want to live and have values to believe in and work to achieve them by watching him and then later on wanting to fight for him. And she was his pillar, he's always done everything by himself, putting barriers even among his friends, but little by little she became a part of himself without his notice. I understand that, so that's why I liked the pairing. I just would've liked more scenes of them in the 2020 timeline pre-kidnapping in which he catches himself having feelings for her he can't quite understand yet. I think the writers clun to the love square-sometimes pentagon for way longer than they should've have done so.
I wouldn't say this is the best drama I've ever watched, but it was worth watching and I'm glad they're starting to include social issues like the ones they did. I also understand that there might be limits as far of what the writers can say on tv, and that even having a trans character and a character with a darker skin tone it's already a step forward.
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I can't believe it's over. I'm completely absorbed now. From now on I'm worried that a drama like this will be made.Acting and filming and all the scenes selected and the story were all greatThis season was great, please make the second season
Kim Da mi and Park Seo Joon played really well
I love Kim Da mi so much she's so cute. I felt every single moment of good and bad. I think the Korean film industry is getting better and better than Europe
And finally good luck
Itaewon class team I wish you the best of luck
thanks for every thing.?
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Fresh and Unique experience. Different from other dramas!
First of all, I'd like to say about how amazing the cast is. And I was swayed by the uniqueness of the theme in this story. From outside, it may seem as if it's a rom-com but to be honest, till way over the second half I was wondering who will Park Sae-royi end with, because it's that uncertain!There are a lot of things that may seem 'obvious' but it still makes you want to keep watching and see how it goes. Alot of time it feels 'Ah?! I wonder how will he get there..' but the process is not disappointing at all!
The drama is fresh and unique because it's romance is not cliche and cringy. It's not rainbows and flowers and romance is not the very main focus of the drama, it's only the integral part that drives the characters, apart from Sae-royi who is only revenge-driven. The characters are not even remotely perfect and are full of flaws, yet they are surviving and co-existing as they interact with each other. It's not very distant from reality. Everyone here has there own values and beliefs, they make their own mistakes and stick to their principles, some fail alot, some are full of themselves and some become negative along the way while some don't change at all.
It deals with a lot of real life issues as well which I feel― in no way ― is over-exaggerated or too much. It touches the subject of transphobia and LGBT+ in a very mature and rather subtle way that would be socially accepted amongst the korean viewerbase as the subject of LGBT+ is a very sensitive one. This show also (rather first time I'm seeing and it was a little odd/out of place) subtly deals with racism. I came to love Toni, however his character was not properly placed or used so that's a bummer. Also ― realizing Sociopath is a mental condition though throughout the show, Yi-seo was hated because of that (even I did till the last few eps), but if only her condition would be properly evaluated, the viewers would have been able to sympathise a little with her behaviour. She's like a yandere out of anime, much like Gasai Yuno.
The OST is no doubt one of the best to exist! Whenever 'Start' played, I felt so happy. It was one of the reasons that kept me bound to the show. Also, if you relate, you'd see overly emotional OST in a lot of dramas that doesn't even fit well with the scenes but I can't say the same for Itaewon Class. The songs suited perfectly, were not so overly emotional or overly-emphasised, and kept the ambiance really perfect.
My favourite characters are Min-jung and Hyun-yi! And also the granny. Love them all too much <3
Overall, this drama is really cool. It's interesting and keeps you bound even when you feel as if you know what's going to happen. You just feel like 'how' will it happen, it's thrilling and also unpredictable at times. The real fun is in seeing how everything unrolls.
PS: Sweet Night <3
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