Itaewon Class (2020)

7.5 chestnuts?

It’s been a very long time where I can say that I was able to watch a number of episodes non-stop.
I did put this drama on hold for a while, I wasn’t even going to consider it. I have to admit I completely judged it without even giving it a shot, I didn’t know what to expect when I started it and my little theories were very much proven wrong (For some reason I assumed it would be a martial arts drama, idk I saw ‘class’ in the title and I went with that). This drama is way different from what I thought it to be.
Although some elements were very predictable, I truly enjoyed the concept of this drama. It’s different and a change from the dramas that mainly focus on the romance and I liked that. It’s nice when you’re rooting for other things besides the romance.
About the predictability though, I cannot stress enough how many times I screamed at the screen “I’m disappointed but not surprised!”
I truly liked every character but I will have to say not one failed to not frustrate me. You will find yourself being frustrated by each character in this drama.
I have to also mention the time skips in this! I felt like I went through a time machine. I can see why they were used for the plot to an extent. But I feel like we could have got more glimpses of what happened during them. QUESTION, HOW IS HIS HAIR STILL THE SAME AFTER ALL THESE YEARS?!!!!
Overall, would I watch this drama again? Did I enjoy it all throughout? And would I recommend it?
I wouldn’t necessarily watch it again and that’s because personally I have to be in the right mood to watch angst-filled dramas kinda like this. I mostly go for light-hearted and fluffy dramas so this wouldn’t really normally be on my radar but I can still say that I enjoyed it and I’m glad I watched it. However, to answer the second question, I didn’t enjoy it all throughout, I kind of feel like the ending was dragging for it to be you know - predictable. That being said, I would still recommend it to anyone, it’s a good drama and a lot of life lessons that could be picked up. Park Seo Jun really did great with his role!

Leia Mais

"Life is just one shot I won't hesitate; I have to live my own life"

Seeing the range of ratings and comments on characters doesn't surprise me. This was an interesting show. I often think about personal ratings objectively and subjectively. I might think a show is really top notch but makes little emotional impact and vice versa. If I think about rating Itaewon Class (IC) in terms of 'film craft' or 'intellectual analysis'- in other words, the more objective criteria - the rating would be much lower. For the 9.5 I'm rating it at, it's based on emotional satisfaction, re-watch potential, and how much it impacts my life.

The story is the weakest part of the show, yet good enough. Many plot lines felt outrageous, unbelievable, even unnecessary. The vengeance plot was overkill. However, there are cues for letting go of realism and flowing with the outrageous. That the intensity of Janga vs. Danbam battles is set in a 'my sauce is better than your sauce' setting, helps us realize the set/story is intrinsically silly. In most shows, the feeling I get is that the characters are advancing the story. With IC, it feels the reverse. It's about the story advancing character. Their distinctiveness and authenticity, itself, is the most enjoyable aspect of the show. Who cares who wins the restaurant business battle? We know from the start how that is going to end. Character presentation, alone, intrigues me and elicits reflection on self and society.

Music. Very effective. Two anthems, "Start Over" by Gaho and "Brand New Way" by Damon, were stand outs, emotionally priming us for the mood of the show. "Start Over" is rhythmically driving, sweet, uplifting; it's a great tune to symbolize 'driving towards a goal'. If I recall correctly, this tune plays as Park Sae Roy is running, thinking about his goals. "Brand New Way" is energetic, over the top, fight-like; symbolizing Jo Yi Seo's brashness and growing confidence of the DanBam Team to battle Janga. If I recall correctly, it often played after something exciting or positive happened for the DanBam team.

Ok, Jo Yi Seo next. I understand the comments about not liking Jo Yi Seo as well as her non-convincing 'chemistry' with Park Sae Roy. But this is perhaps where older life perspective generates a different perception (or simply just my personal taste). I'm older and have grown tired of well-defined human behavior and socially constructed norms. That Jo Yi Seo is off the charts on social norms, and IC as a show is not normed 'averagely', I found that off-beat vibe to be quite refreshing. Novelty alone isn't enjoyable, but when done well (enough), it has the potential to wash the boredom away in a redundant world of similar plot/character types. Jo Yi Seo was unapologetically herself both with other characters and how she presented to us, the viewership. She was not ladylike or friendlike or daughterlike in the normal ways.

Regarding Jo Yi Seo and Park Sae Roy's chemistry, it's under the surface and brewing, slowly. In romance, Park Sae Roy is shy, implicit, and proper. With his rigid principles, a wildcard like Yi Seo is hard to digest quickly. She's brash, explicit, improper. Oh Soo Ah is that classic, proper beauty we're trained to love at first sight. Sae Roy's inner dialogue, inner feeling, may not be well known to him. He's obsessed with moving forward, higher, achieving his goals. Jo Yi Seo is the one that propels him forward, what he's driving at the most, releasing his emotions towards a larger catharsis once he's achieved revenge/success. Her acceptance of him as he is, and what he wants to become, is absolute, even ruthless; she'll hurt others to help him. Oh Soo Ah does have chemistry, but it's mostly attraction at the surface (eye) level and a past connection that she's held onto, which is understandable when considering her relationship to Sae Roy's father and being an orphan. Sae Roy and Yi Seo are climbers; they need to take risks to grow. Soo Ah isn't in climb a mountain mode; she's looking to maintain security.

Jo Yi Seo's impact on the DanBam team is very strong as well. The poem she sends to Ma Hyun Yi during the contest is impactful; I'll post it at the end of this review. As with Sae Roy, Dan Bam members have a slow time digesting this odd, acquired taste that is the brilliant Jo Yi Seo.

It is food for thought for those of us in our own romantic adventures. Eye-level attractiveness is a good start, but where does that really take us in the long run? Personality, values, helping one another achieve life goals and dreams, has an even larger upside than 'physical attraction' in the long run. Admittedly, the younger version of myself was more concerned with attraction. It almost feels irrelevant now at an older age. Therefore, comments about Yi Seo not 'looking' like the right partner for Sae Roy strikes me as a youthful comment. As the characters mature, it's not surprising to me that Yi Seo and Sae Roy grow together the best, and that he did indeed prefer Oh Soo Ah in his earlier years.

Jang Dae Hee was outstanding. The scene in Episode 6 (~1:02:00- 1:03:30) where he learns about a surprise stockholder, laughs outrageously, throws down his clipboard, then says "I thought I was hungry" and then "It's time to eat" is top notch. Watch that carefully and tell me that's not incredible acting.

Contrary to much of the reviews here, I didn't connect all that much with Sae Roy. He didn't disappoint me at all. I just didn't get much emotional impact from his character. It's probably the fact that Yi Seo, the diamond next to him, simply shone too bright.

Fun fact, although I had much Korean food before watching IC, I hadn't had the traditional 'stews'. When I had the chance to order between Kimchi Stew and Soft Tofu Stew for the first time, it was so hard to pick. My taste preference was for Kimchi Stew, but the show's effect was pulling me hard towards the Soft Tofu Stew. I ended up picking Kimchi Stew at the last second, but it's cute that a TV show nearly decided my maiden Korean stew order.

Here's the poem that Yi Seo recites to Hyun Yi:

“I’m a rock.
Go ahead and sear me.
I won’t budge an inch because I’m a rock.
Go ahead and beat me up
I’m a solid rock.
Go ahead and leave me in darkness.
I’m a rock that will shine all alone.
I don’t break, ash, nor decay as I go against nature’s way.
I survive.
I’m a diamond.”

Itaewon Class, Episode 12
Poem by Gwang Jin creator of the original web comic series Itaewon Class.

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Talking about real stuff

Well...mostly at least. Although I found this drama very lengthy, it carries a special place in my heart due to the things that are talked about. Taboo topics that aren't very well spoken of in some countries are put into the spotlight in this drama - which I'm a sucker for. I honestly love people who use their public platform to speak about gender, racism and self developement in any form.

The following might be very controversial, brace yourselves (no spolers don't worry)

To be completely honest, there is none but one character in this Drama that I actually like...and the one I do like is a support role (hurray Kim Donghee). It's hard to say why I don't like these characters without giving spoilers but what I can say is, that I'm not a big fan of selfish "step over another" people. Nevertheless (Song Kang stans hands up) I guess not really liking any of the characters makes this drama even more charming, since you don't really have anyone to root for and, in my case, can watch without really caring what happens to the individuals.

I know I have been quite hard on this drama but it is only because most people know of it or have even seen it...so maybe people know what I'm talking about.

The overall acting as well as the production are perfect, all of these Actors and Actresses reall unterstood their assignments portraying their roles.

I'm guessing I am pretty torn between liking and disliking this one, so I really think it depends on taste and preference in story and development thereof.

Leia Mais

inspiring but romantically unsatisfying

OK. Here goes. Start.

First, I really liked Park Saeroyi. But even I should have realized that he would have gone way beyond expectation and just do what Park Saeroyi does. There are K-drama romances, and there are K-drama flannigans. This is one of them. Besides a perfect first episode, and an otherwise rocky start, it jumbles and tumbles like Dumbo but on solid footing. Because Park Saeroyi is first shown after seven years, smiling at Oh Soo-ah, wearing his heavy boots and he is almost never shown in different shoes after. The soundtrack was particularly good, K-dramas considered, and the insert songs were beautiful. More than just one I keep listening to after. Start, Still Fighting It (I hope they play it again after episode 14), Someday the Boy, and two others I think, I will have to find.

Yes, while I could finish, I dropped with two episodes remaining. I think watching this show, esp. after the food wars segment, gave me a motivation to make a decision about my life. I have a dream, but it's time to think about what I really want. Why I want it, and then, to think about how to shape my life going forward. I think this was a show that tried to do more than its 16-episode run allowed, but that's OK. I'll just pat it on the head and move on. I'll talk about how this show, until the romance didn't go the way I wanted, hit me.

So again, back to Park Saeroyi. You have inspiring characters, you have stalwart, unchanging characters, and you have good. Truly good - characters. In this, they put together all three. I may have the capacity for being truly good, and sometimes show it, but I need to be good every day. I need to be better, and be so good that even I don't doubt it (although I think that true good thinks it never attains the bar). I have a dream, and for the longest time I thought I wanted it for one reason. But I'm starting to realize what the act of writing really means to me, and that it's OK - perhaps better - to withstand the slings of arrows and outrageous fortune, and keep fighting it. Set a goal for further down the line. And aim even higher. I don't want to watch Breaking Bad for ambition, but Itaewon Class was about business ambition raised around people, the people around us we can't do it with. And maybe there's love too, and while K-dramas tend to "try romance" as a default (unless the premise distinctly forbids it), I saw something hopeful, something proud, in Park Saeroyi's ambition which was driven by revenge. In a way, his story resembles Edmond Dantès, where even he realized how he felt, and how he could go this way. I hesitate to apply this to my own life - this third part - because it's so much more delicate, and I need to get my life together first, before I can truly deserve that, rather than get my life together for someone else. I think in this way Oh Soo-ah, as she was to Saeroyi, is truly inspiring.

Other than Park Saeroyi's Tanjiro-levels fortitude, my favorite scenes were those with Ma Hyun-yi. Complete acceptance. Really lovely to see from a country that's somewhat trailing behind in that department, and I think like many other parts of this drama, a warm nod to the hope and strength and family we can bring to others. Itaewon Class is a powerful show, and while I'm not sure if I'm going to see the last two episodes, because I can talk about the two waylaid sons, the domineering chairman; Toni, who heightens the inclusiveness even further, or the former gang henchman who became a failed comedic support, the former bullied kid who slams at hedge funding, or the epic Kang Min-jung. There are tighter shows. There are "better" shows. But I think this one, more than Twenty-Five Twenty-One's Na Hee-do and My Mister, will make me at least think about the proper steps going forward. What do I really want to do with my life, who do I want to spend it with, and the kind of person I want to be. Thank you Park Saeroyi for showing me.

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Cho Yi-seo queen

Ep. 8 left me in a limbo. It'd be stupid to believe Yi-seo would betray Sae-royi, but I'm afraid that whatever she's planning will be misunderdtood -if it's not planned with Sae-royi.

This drama is so perfectly made that I have 0 complaints about it. Yi-seo is mean, selfish and goal-oriented no matter what, which makes me love her since her first appearance. But what I love the most about her is that there is so much room for improvement to her character and that's what I'm looking forward to the most. I don't really know how I feel about Soo-ah yet, but I definitely don't like her as much as Yi-seo. She's a strong woman who lets nothing stand on her way too, which I love, but I'm not entirely sure about her stand yet. Also, the fact that Yi-seo and Sae-royi are complete opposites makes their dynamic so much more interesting.

On the other side, I hope we can see some character development on Sae-royi as well. We see him as the perfect man: emotional, but cold-headed enough so he plans everything out; goal-oriented, but also incredibly empathic and people-centered, so he can manage a group to reach the goal. He is perfectly balanced and has been planning his strike back at Jangga for the next 15 years and can overcome every obstacle that gets on his way without losing focus or his values. He is way too ideal, even has the perfect amount of emotional character. There MUST be something to improve on him.

Of course we've seen him grow from a hot-headed teenager who was about to kill his father's killer with his own two hands, into a man with a perfectly-planned goal for his future; not to mention that he was an asocial boy with troubles to make friends, but who now is the owner of a pub in which his main focus is to reach his goals alongside his workers who he thinks of as friends.

There has definitely been some development in his character from teenager to adult, but I'd also like to see some improvement during his adulthood, but I just can't think of what could that be because he comes off too perfect.

Anyway, I'd still need to wait until the end of the week to see what on earth is Yi-seo planning after meeting Mr. Jang. It had been a long time since a drama made me this excited while waiting for the next episode.

Leia Mais

I had high expectations bec of the hype for this drama, but i personally think it's just one of those predictable kdrama, nothing special. I didn't even feel the chemistry between Saeroyi and Yiseo, they build Saeroyi and Sooah's story way too strong in first 2 episode. Then Yiseo came and i thought they'd have a good chemistry based on what i read in other reviews so i still give it a shot, but i don't really feel it, they would be better for a brother sister relastionship. I also thought Yiseo's character would be a cool sociopath based on the first episodes but Yiseo's character became too childish and annoying. Not just that, some situation are too predictable and some are too much and not realistic. I think it would be better if Saeroyi didn't end up with any of the two female lead and just have an open ending for the romance. Park Seo Joon and other casts' acting is good tho. That's it.

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Disappointing and wasted potential

This drama started really, REALLY well. It was deserving of all the initial hype. The editing, cinematography, and plot coupled with great scoring were unprecedented. However, everything got thrown away at around ep 12. The writing became too sloppy that the characters seemed liked hypocrites. So much for character development huh. Plus the last 2 episodes? What was that even? It’s like the writer didn’t know how to end things well, so he used his webtoon experience and just whisked whatever plot twists he had in mind, capitalizing on what most fans wanted to see. That in the process it lost coherence, logic, and brilliance. Acting-wise, the actors were stellar. But everything else about this drama was just plain disappointment, especially the romance. It was almost disgusting and seemingly a mere afterthought.

I wanted to appease myself with the fact that it’s the first drama of the screenwriter anyway, but no, he just created a very big damage to the story that it’s beyond forgivable.

I would not recommend this to friends without a big warning. Watch at your own risk.

Leia Mais

Itaewon class is definitely not a rom-com if that's what you're coming here to watch. I'd be honest and say that I was disappointed too, but it has opened me up to a new type of drama that I really enjoy. It's one of the most eye-opening dramas that I've watched and really makes you think about your own life.

I've read my fair share of reviews and many have mentioned the lack of depth in character, romance, or storyline. Park Saeroyi's character is very unique. He's persistent in what he wants and he cares a lot about those around him. Some people have mentioned that he lost his character once he kneeled in front of the old man for a woman but he knew what he was doing. He had no choice or else one of the closest people around him would die. Knowing his character, he would've done it for any of his friends.

Many reviews have said the romance wasn't well developed. While I agree that's semi-true, the reason why he's been rejecting Yi-Seo over and over again is that Geun-Soo was always after her and he didn't want to betray him. He was also very focused on his revenge for his dad so his life did not revolve around his love story. And he had a clingy Soo-Ah to deal with. He kinda lost track of who he had feelings for before he did realize he was in love with Yi-Seo.

There are some places where I think the storyline could be better. It did feel a little rushed towards the end and some scenes gave me a question mark. For the most part, it was a good story and I feel like PSRY's life has given people a new perspective in life. I especially loved that the story featured a lot of minorities: strong female leaders, LGBTQ+, PoC (other than Koreans), ex-convicts. It gave a fresh feeling to the drama.

I'd say go for this drama if you don't want the typical sappy rom-com. The acting is superb from all the characters, especially PSRY, Yi-Seo, and the old man. This drama is different from the norm and I'm all here for it.

Leia Mais

actually problematic

i got hooked on the first few episodes and then it came to a point when the plot was DRAGGING. it became an old good for nothing rich man vs. young good for nothing poor man. it tried so hard to justify both parties' actions and why you should hate evil old man and root for good young man to the point it became pretentious for me. only the acting was what pushed me to keep watching. its good they addressed issues like racism and transphobia, but it felt like they were just there, just so (but im not one to comment about it because im not a black poc and im not trans).

but WHAT BOTHERS ME MOST!!!! is

that part of 10-years-younger yiseo kissing DRUNK AND PASSED OUT 10-years-older saeroyi???? HUH this must be some male fantasy. and then later on...we see yiseo stopping drunk sooah from kissing saeroyi and then blabbing laws about harassment?????? HUH? WHAT ? WHY ???? the only explanation is that it's written and directed by men. up until this day, men cant write actual strong female characters without making them act tough or cold. they really tried to prove a point that a huge gap isnt predatory because the younger girl was the one who pursued the older man... and they painted yiseo as some highly-competitive woman who refuses to lose, to hide that fact.

even if healthy huge age gap relationships do exist, this was simply not a good one to show it as it believes it did. lol.

Leia Mais

First of all I decided to write this review because I read the other reviews and comments and saw too many negative opinions. So I want to write a good one for all of us who enjoyed it a lot. (Would want to point out tho if we even watched the same drama because the drama I watched was good LOL).

Points:
- People say that they couldn’t take Yi Seo. I get it, at some point of the drama I hated her (maybe for two episodes) when she got really mean with Geun Soo and Soo Ah about the building thing but the thing is, did the writers give her a free way with this? NO. Saeroyi got mad with her. But the thing is, if she didn’t bitch about the building thing, do you think Saeroyi would have decided to buy one? She made him realize that at that moment they needed a REALISTIC alternative. Yi Seo’s role here was set right from the start if not from the start, you guys should have seen it the moment she cut off the would-be kiss of Soo Ah and Saeroyi with her hand over Soo Ah’s mouth. She is a crazy character. And if it’s only me I like her. For once a refreshing main female character.
- People say that the romance between Yi Seo and Saeroyi is weird. I don’t think so. If you actually watch kdrama a lot, most of the earlier scenes point out that Yi Seo will end up with Saeroyi ( I really don’t know why some think otherwise). And if not Yi Seo would you like Soo Ah? Yi Seo even pointed out the obvious when they met at the cafe four years later that Soo Ah was only for herself, even Soo Ah realized it and knew what she lost because of hesitating too much when Saeroyi was so determined to save Yi Seo.
- Jang Geun Soo turnover haha. Tbh his characters is one of the pitiful ones. Some say it’s weird that he suddenly became a villain but I don’t know about you but I called it that moment Yi Seo said “If you really decided you want me, take over Jangga.” I knew at some point that he will go to Jangga. If you look at his last conversation with Saeroyi at the rooftop when he resigned, he said that Saeroyi is really amazing. And that he would want to change to and try to achieve his goals like Saeroyi. His goal was Yi Seo. But the thing is HE WAS A KID. At the ending scene after the IC Co. took over Jangga And Saeroyi was talking with Geun Soo, Saeroyi literally called him a kid. Not sure about the real reason why but I assumed that it means “It’s not your fault, the adults around you didn’t really show you a good example so you haven’t grown up yet.” Maybe who knows. But it was obvious that he was going to turn against them.
- Park Saeroyi kneeling down. That scene was phenomenal! I didn’t think that PSJ’s back was so powerful hahaha. He was kneeling down to show some kind of “surrender/deafeat” but he was dominating that shot! I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. And it was not much of defeat but out of pity. Saeroyi realized that the old man was actually ridiculous to the point that he was not worth it at all. At first Saeroyi saw him as a powerful man and wanted to reach for what he did but he realized at that moment that the old man was nothing but “trash”. He couldn’t believe he wanted to go after a trash and so kneeling down became nothing. Did you see Jang Dae Hee’s face when Saeroyi explained that to him? When I saw his face “SATISFACTION!” hahahaha.
- Romantic change at the end. Tbh Saeroyi didn’t have anything to live for anymore. Nothing that would make him happy, hence his scene with his dad by the bridge. He keeps remembering Yi Seo who put her life on the line for him and he decided that I want to live for that person too because I love her. And it’s not weird that he only realized it at the end. Remember he’s a 34 years old guy who didn’t have his first kiss yet. And he was used to the thought that “I like Soo Ah” that he didn’t realize he actually loves Yi Seo. It was pretty well written for me.

But then again, this might just be me. Still It was a great drama! It slowed down in the middle a bit but it’s fine because Park Seo Joon hahahah.

Leia Mais

btw this review will be basically me talking about the ending because i have A LOT to say!
so don't read anything if you haven't watched ep 16 yet.

story and acting was really good, i liked most of the characters, evil characters were portrayed really well.. i also liked how human many of these were (like Sooah and Geunsoo), showing us that good characters can have flaws as well and learn from their past mistakes. i was very fond of Saeroyi's character, definitely one of the few main male characters i actually like lol.
however, i have to say that i didn't like Yiseo much :/ i found her to be really petty, which is okay if you think about that because she's a sociopath and of course she's not going to be flawless, but still her attitude most of the times didn't sit well with me :| and i'm happy that they ended up together, they look very cute, but i disliked how she treated everyone real badly EXCEPT him just because she was in love. i think i'd have given this drama a 10/10 if Saeroyi's didn't end up dating anyone, because the romance of the drama wasn't the main topic, you know. i think i kinda ship him with Sooah tho. like I know she did bad things but in the last two episodes, she really redeemed herself. but anyways, im happy that she respected and supported Sry's relationship with Yiseo. she deserved to go on her own path and open her own restaurant! im so proud of her character development.
the friendship of the Danbam staff was really cute, i like how theyre there for each other. we definitely need to see more dramas like these, without the stupid work hierarchies existent in korean society (and other societies as well ofc). also, i appreciate how this drama touched on taboo topics, like foreigners and lgbt. very different from what i've been watching these years!

definitely recommending this to my friends :)

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