For the first time in forever, I actually watched a K-drama with weekly episodes still being uploaded, and that was ‘Itaewon Class’. It was kind of sweet torture, because I absolutely loved the series, I just also really, really hated having to wait a week for two new episodes. I don’t know how I managed to do that when regular TV was still a thing.
‘Itaewon Class’ has pretty much been the talk of the town in K-drama land. It’s everywhere so beware of the spoilers online, if you haven’t been able to finish it yet. This review is, as always spoiler free.
The show is the first series to be made by Showbox, a film distribution company and is based on the webtoon with the same name written by Gwang Jin. It is available to watch on Netflix.
The Story
Park Sae-Ro-Yi is the main character of ‘Itaewon Class’. We start the series by seeing how he punches a classmate after transferring schools. It’s not exactly the best start. Especially because the classmate is none other than Jang Geun-won, the successor of Jangga Co. His dad, Jang Dae-Hee even comes to the school but things don’t exactly go as he planned.
Park Sae-Ro-Yi is played by Park Seo-joon, Korea’s sweetheart. To be honest, he’s absolutely amazing in his portrayal here. He manages to make Sae-Ro-Yi’s character so relatable and sweet, whilst at the same time still showing his iron spine. It was absolutely fantastic.
Now, Jo Yi-Seo is probably one of my favorite female leads ever. She’s ranking top 5 for sure. Does she always do the right thing? Nope. Is she always kind? Definitely nope. Jo Yi-Seo is strong, stubborn, will do everything she can. And if she’s wrong at first, then she’ll learn and do better in the future. Kim Da-Mi did an excellent job playing Jo Yi-Seo.
The love triangle wouldn’t be complete without our second female lead, now would it. Oh Soo-A, portrayed by Kwon Na-Ra is Sae-Ro-Yi’s friend and crush from childhood. She ends up working for Jangga Co. so there’s a whole bunch of mixed emotions going on. But she’s a very interesting character.
DanBam
The writer of ‘Itaewon Class’ did such a great job with all of the characters. I was so invested in all of their stories and wanted them all to have a happy ending. There’s Tony, played by Chris Lyon who shed light on some of the hardships that Koreans with a different skin color have.
There’s Ma Hyun-Yi played by Lee Joo-Young. She’s probably the first transgender character I’ve ever seen in Korean dramas. I love her storyline so much.
Then there is also Choi Seung-Kwon, an ex-con who met Sae-Ro-Yi in prison and decided to change his life after getting out. He’s adorable and Ryoo Kyung-Soo did a great job.
Overall
Don’t just watch the K-drama ‘Itaewon Class’ for the love triangle (no matter how good it is). Watch it for the diverse characters and storylines. Watch it also for the amazing food. Like for real get me a table at DanBam, the restaurant Sae-Ro-Yi opens. I want to try everything.
Here’s the trailer.
Also if you have a moment, check out the OST because good god, they have some of my favorite artists in there. I’m talking Lee Chan-sol, Gaho, V from BTS, Sondia, Kim Feel, Yoon Mi Rae and VERIVERY.
Here’s a link where you can listen to the full thing on Spotify.
