BY GENRETALES:
• Title:
Itaewon Class
• Genre:
Drama, romance, rebellion, revenge
• Writer:
Jo Gwang-jin
• Director:
Kim Seong-yoon
• Producer:
- Lee Sang-yoon
- Jung Soo-jin
- Han Suk-won
• Production Company:
Showbox
• Budget:
N/A
• Total Collection:
N/A
• Cast:
- Park Seo-joon as Park Sae-ro-yi
- Kim Da-mi as Jo Yi-seo
- Yoo Jae-myung as Jang Dae-hee
- Kwon Nara as Oh Soo-ah
- Ahn Bo-hyun as Jang Geun-won
- Kim Dong-hee as Jang Geun-soo
- Lee Joo-young as Ma Hyeon-yi
- Chris Lyon as Tony Kim
- Ryu Kyung-soo as Choi Seung-kwon
- Kim Hye-eun as Kang Min-jung
• Country:
South Korea
• Original Language:
Korean
• Release Date:
January 31, 2020
• Number of Episodes:
16 episodes
" Itaewon Class " is a 2020 South Korean television series based on the webtoon of the same name by Jo Kwang-jin. The series follows Park Sae-royi (Park Seo-joon), a young man who is expelled from high school for punching the son of a wealthy businessman. After his father is killed by the same man, Sae-royi vows to avenge his death and open his own restaurant in Itaewon.
Plot:
"Itaewon Class" is a gripping Korean drama series set in the vibrant neighborhood of Itaewon, Seoul. The story revolves around Park Saeroyi, a determined and resilient young man with a strong sense of justice. After a life-changing event, Saeroyi embarks on a journey of revenge, love, and personal growth.
The series begins with Saeroyi, a high school student, who stands up against a bully, Jang Geun-won, the son of a powerful businessman, Jang Dae-hee. However, his actions result in expulsion from school and the tragic death of his father, Park Sung-yeol. Driven by a desire for justice, Saeroyi swears to take down Jang Dae-hee and his company, Jangga Group.
Years later, Saeroyi opens his own restaurant, "DanBam," in Itaewon, with the help of his loyal friends and a group of misfits he encounters along the way. Together, they strive to make DanBam a success while battling against various obstacles, including corporate power, societal prejudice, and personal demons.
As DanBam gains popularity, it becomes a symbol of hope and rebellion for the marginalized in society. Saeroyi's path crosses with Jo Yi-seo, a highly intelligent and ambitious social media influencer, who becomes a key ally in his fight against Jangga Group. Yi-seo's unconventional methods and witty personality challenge Saeroyi's principles, leading to a complex relationship that evolves throughout the series.
Saeroyi's quest for justice also brings him into conflict with Soo-ah, his childhood friend and love interest, who now works as an employee at Jangga Group. Their relationship becomes strained as Soo-ah finds herself torn between loyalty to her employer and her feelings for Saeroyi.
As Saeroyi's revenge plan unfolds, he faces numerous setbacks and betrayals. The drama intensifies as secrets from the past are uncovered, revealing the interconnectedness of the characters and the true nature of their motivations. Along the way, Saeroyi and his team confront their own flaws and personal demons, learning valuable lessons about forgiveness, resilience, and the true meaning of success.
"Itaewon Class" is a compelling drama that delves into themes of social justice, discrimination, and the pursuit of one's dreams. It explores the power of friendship, love, and personal growth, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of individuals as they navigate a complex world.
With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, "Itaewon Class" captivates viewers with its emotional depth, suspenseful storytelling, and unforgettable moments of triumph and redemption.
Analysis:
Itaewon Class is a well-made drama with a strong cast and a compelling story. The series explores themes of revenge, justice, and the importance of following your dreams. The acting is top-notch, and the characters are well-developed. The cinematography is also beautiful, and the soundtrack is catchy.
Themes and Messages:
Itaewon Class explores a number of themes, including revenge, justice, and the importance of following your dreams. The series shows that revenge can be a powerful motivator, but it can also be destructive. It also shows that justice is not always served by the law, and that sometimes it is up to individuals to fight for what is right. Finally, the series shows that it is important to follow your dreams, even if they seem impossible.
Cinematic Techniques:
Itaewon Class uses a variety of cinematic techniques to tell its story. The series is visually stunning, with beautiful cinematography and a catchy soundtrack. The series also uses flashbacks and flashforwards to keep the story moving forward.
Comparison:
Itaewon Class can be compared to other dramas that deal with themes of revenge and justice, such as "Vincenzo" and "The King of Disposition." It can also be compared to other dramas that feature strong female characters, such as "My Name" and "Kingdom."
Review and Opinion:
"Itaewon Class" is a captivating and thought-provoking Korean drama that tackles various social issues and explores the struggles of individuals trying to overcome societal barriers. With its engaging storyline, strong character development, and stellar performances, it manages to leave a lasting impression on its viewers.
The drama revolves around Park Sae-ro-yi (played by Park Seo-joon), a young man who faces injustice and discrimination throughout his life. After a life-changing incident, he decides to open his own restaurant in Itaewon, a diverse neighborhood in Seoul. Alongside a group of misfits, he embarks on a journey of redemption, seeking to defy the odds and make his mark on the business world.
One of the standout aspects of "Itaewon Class" is its well-written characters. Each character is layered and complex, making it easy for viewers to connect with their struggles, dreams, and personal growth. Park Sae-ro-yi's determination and unwavering principles serve as an inspiration, while the supporting characters bring their own unique perspectives and stories, adding depth to the narrative.
Furthermore, the drama fearlessly tackles themes such as discrimination, social hierarchy, and corporate power dynamics. It sheds light on the challenges faced by those who don't fit into societal norms and explores the sacrifices required to challenge the status quo. The narrative emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's values and fighting for justice, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles.
The production quality of "Itaewon Class" is top-notch, with visually appealing cinematography and a well-curated soundtrack that enhances the emotional impact of each scene. The pacing is generally well-maintained, although some might find certain subplots or episodes to be slower than others. However, the drama manages to maintain its overall momentum and keeps viewers engaged throughout its 16-episode run.
While "Itaewon Class" is undeniably an excellent drama, it does have a few minor flaws. Occasionally, certain characters' motivations and actions may feel slightly contrived, and some plot developments can be predictable. Nevertheless, these minor shortcomings do not significantly detract from the overall quality of the series.
"Itaewon Class" is a compelling K-drama that addresses social issues and offers a heartfelt narrative about personal growth, resilience, and justice. With strong performances, well-crafted characters, and thought-provoking themes, it's a must-watch for K-drama enthusiasts and those seeking inspiring stories. I recommend it to fans of Korean dramas and anyone who enjoys a good story.
Conclusion:
Overall, Itaewon Class is a well-made drama with a lot to offer. It is a visually stunning series with a catchy soundtrack and a compelling story. The series explores important themes in a thought-provoking way."Itaewon Class" is a captivating and emotionally charged drama that leaves a lasting impact on its viewers. The series takes us on a rollercoaster journey, exploring themes of resilience, ambition, friendship, and justice.
Throughout the story, we witness the incredible transformation of our protagonist, Park Sae-ro-yi, as he navigates the challenges of life and seeks to achieve his dreams. His unwavering determination and unwavering principles inspire those around him and serve as a constant reminder that one's background should never limit their potential.
The drama also delves into the complexities of human relationships, showcasing the power of forgiveness and redemption. The supporting characters, such as Jo Yi-seo, Oh Soo-ah, and Choi Seung-kwon, each have their own personal struggles and growth arcs, adding depth and richness to the narrative.
"Itaewon Class" also tackles important social issues, including discrimination and prejudice, as it addresses the unfair treatment faced by marginalized groups in society. The series urges us to challenge societal norms and fight for equality and justice.
The exceptional performances by the cast, led by Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi, and Yoo Jae-myung, bring the characters to life with their nuanced portrayals. The chemistry among the actors enhances the emotional depth of the story, making it a truly immersive experience.
The drama's production values are also worth noting, with its vibrant cinematography, well-crafted storytelling, and a powerful soundtrack that heightens the emotional impact of the narrative.
"Itaewon Class" ultimately leaves us with a message of hope and resilience, showing that no matter how many obstacles we face, we have the power to overcome them and create our own path to success. It reminds us that the true measure of a person's worth lies not in their background or circumstances but in their integrity, determination, and the connections they forge along the way.
Overall, "Itaewon Class" is a thought-provoking and impactful drama that captivates viewers with its compelling characters, engaging storyline, and powerful social commentary. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of determination, friendship, and the pursuit of justice.
