Itaewon Class
In the heart of Seoul's vibrant Itaewon neighborhood, Itaewon Class unravels the inspiring story of Park Sae Royi (Park Seo Joon), a resilient underdog with a lionhearted spirit, on his quest for vengeance and success. Following a life-altering tragedy that pits him against the ruthless food conglomerate Jangga Co., led by the formidable Jang Dae Hee (Yoo Jae Myung), Sae Royi’s path is anything but ordinary. His unwavering resolve to defy the odds and uphold his principles catapults him into a relentless battle against the corporate titan.
Enter Jo Yi Seo (Kim Da Mi), a dynamic and brilliant young woman with a flair for strategy and a crush on Sae Royi. Her genius and unorthodox methods breathe life into Sae Royi’s fledgling pub, DanBam, transforming it into a burgeoning beacon of hope and defiance in Itaewon. Alongside a diverse crew of loyal and quirky staff, including the stoic Ma Hyun Yi (Lee Joo Young) and the warm-hearted Choi Seung Kwon (Ryu Kyung Soo), DanBam becomes a symbol of dreams, friendship, and the spirit of youth fighting against the tide.
Itaewon Class is more than a tale of revenge; it's a compelling narrative of redemption, love, and the journey towards self-discovery. The series masterfully weaves through the lives of its characters, each with their own battles, dreams, and heartaches, making Itaewon the backdrop for their collective growth and triumphs. As Sae Royi and his team navigate the challenges of personal vendettas, societal expectations, and the complexities of the heart, they find strength in solidarity, embracing their differences to forge an unbreakable bond.
This K-drama sensation, adapted from a popular webtoon, has captured audiences worldwide, thanks to its captivating storyline, stellar performances by Park Seo Joon and Kim Da Mi, and its portrayal of the fight for justice in the face of adversity. Itaewon Class is not just a story about building a business; it’s a vibrant ode to the resilience of the human spirit, the power of second chances, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams against all odds. It’s a journey that promises to leave viewers both inspired and moved, making Itaewon Class a must-watch for fans of compelling storytelling and dynamic characters.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 이태원 클라쓰
🌎 Also Known As: Itaewon Keullasseu
🎭 Genres: Drama, Romance, Food, Business
🏷 Tags: Adaptation From A Webtoon, Revenge, Strong Male Lead, Restaurant, Strong Female Lead, Entrepreneurship, Youth, Underdog
✍ Screenwriters: Gwang Jin
🎬 Directors: Kim Sung Yoon
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: January 31, 2020 – March 21, 2020
📅 Airing Days: Friday, Saturday
📺 Original Network: JTBC
⏰ Duration: Approx. 70 min. per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
- Sae Royi’s Stand: The pivotal moment when Park Sae Royi (Park Seo Joon) stands up to the school bully, setting the tone for his unwavering principles and the challenges to come.
- DanBam’s Opening Night: The launch of DanBam pub captures the essence of dreams coming to fruition, highlighted by the camaraderie among the team.
- The Showdown at Jangga Co.: Sae Royi’s face-off with Jang Dae Hee (Yoo Jae Myung) in the boardroom is a masterclass in tension and drama.
- Yi Seo’s Confession: Jo Yi Seo’s (Kim Da Mi) heartfelt confession to Sae Royi under the beautiful night sky is both tender and powerful.
- The Final Victory: The cathartic resolution of Sae Royi’s long battle against Jangga Co. brings closure and hope.
Filming Locations
- Itaewon Neighborhood: The vibrant streets of Itaewon play a central role, embodying the drama’s spirit of diversity and freedom.
- Noksapyeong Station: This area becomes a recurring backdrop, symbolizing the crossroads of the characters’ journeys.
- Real Restaurants and Bars: Many scenes were shot in actual Itaewon establishments, adding authenticity to the dining experiences depicted.
- Bukchon Hanok Village: The traditional Korean houses here contrast the modern Itaewon, showcasing Seoul’s rich history.
- Jangga Co. Headquarters: Filmed in sleek, corporate buildings to reflect the power and cold ambition of the conglomerate.
Visual Design and Costumes
- Character-Specific Styling: Each character’s fashion reflects their personality, from Sae Royi’s stoic simplicity to Yi Seo’s edgy and bold choices.
- DanBam’s Aesthetic: The warm, welcoming interior of DanBam contrasts with the cold, imposing design of Jangga Co., emphasizing the drama’s thematic dichotomy.
- Cinematography: The use of vibrant visuals captures the essence of Itaewon’s lively atmosphere, while darker tones are used for dramatic moments.
- Costume Evolution: Characters’ styles evolve with their growth, symbolizing their journeys and transformations.
Themes and Messages
- Persistence and Revenge: Sae Royi’s unwavering determination to achieve his goals and avenge his father embodies the theme of perseverance against all odds.
- Inclusion and Diversity: The show celebrates diversity, showcasing a cast of characters from various backgrounds and challenges societal norms.
- Love and Sacrifice: It explores the complexity of human relationships, highlighting how love can drive individuals to great lengths.
- Entrepreneurship and Ethics: The series delves into the moral dilemmas faced in the business world, contrasting ethical integrity with ruthless ambition.
Interesting Facts
- Webtoon Adaptation: Based on a popular webtoon, the drama brings to life the beloved characters with added depth.
- Cultural Impact: “Itaewon Class” sparked interest in Itaewon and its culture, promoting discussions about social issues.
- Global Popularity: The series achieved international fame, resonating with viewers worldwide for its compelling storytelling and themes.
- Soundtrack Success: The drama’s OST became hugely popular, with tracks that perfectly complement the series’ emotional landscape.
Awards
Baeksang Arts Awards 2020
- Best Actor (TV): Park Seo-joon, Nominee
- Best Director (TV): Kim Sung-Yoon, Nominee
- Best New Actor (TV): Ahn Bo-Hyun, Nominee for “Mai Neim” (2021)
- Best New Actress (TV): Kim Da-mi, Winner
- Best Supporting Actor (TV): Yoo Jae-myung, Nominee
Asian Television Awards
- Best Drama Series: “Itaewon Class” (2020), Winner
Asia Artist Awards
- Best Choice Award (Television/Film): Ahn Bo-Hyun for “Mai Neim” (2021), Winner
- Best Icon Award (Television/Film): Lee Joo-young for “Itaewon Class” (2020), Winner
- Best Emotive Award (Television/Film): Ahn Bo-Hyun for “Mai Neim” (2021), Winner
Real-Life Loves on Set
There have been no confirmed reports of real-life romantic relationships developing among the main cast of “Itaewon Class” during or after filming. While the drama’s compelling storytelling and the strong chemistry between its characters captured the hearts of viewers worldwide, any off-screen relationships among the cast members have remained purely speculative.
The cast of “Itaewon Class,” including Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi, Ahn Bo-hyun, and others, have been professional in their interactions, focusing on the success of the series and their performances. They have shared positive experiences working together and expressed mutual respect and admiration for one another in various interviews, but they have not indicated any romantic involvement beyond their roles in the drama.
Trailer
Music / Soundtrack / OST
Gallery
