[Korean Drama] Itaewon Class: A Comprehensive Review

Korean Poster of Itaewon Class

ITAEWON CLASS (2020)

Rating	PG15	Directors	Lee Sangyun, Jung Sujin, Han Sukwon
Time/Duration	FRI, SAT 22:50~00:20	Producers	Kim Sungyoon
Episodes	16	Script	Cho Gwangjin
Producing Company	Showbox, Contents Jieum	Original	Based on Cho Gwangjin's original Webtoon <Itaewon Class>
Distributing Channels	JTBC(Korea), NETFLIX(global)	Main Actors	Park Seojun, Kim Dami, Yoo Jaemyung, Kwon Nara

 

Review

As this is the first time I'm writing a review of a Korean drama, there could be parts that I could be misleading or lost. If you would kindly comment on any of the parts that I'd need to review again, it would be very helpful in bringing you constructive articles in the future. I'll try to be as genuine in my review as possible.

 

Nowadays, especially in Korean society, noblesse oblige and caring minds about others have been lost. People are becoming egoists, and more individualistic. The drama throws out following questions: "Can you live by simply doing what you want?", "Who is your life for?"

These are questions that one could've heard in his or her particular time in life. Faith in ourselves is lost, and suddenly we see ourselves lost in others' words, compromising our faiths and consciousness to others. We are swayed. Is this the kind of life that we really want? Why does sticking to morals and personal principles oftentimes isolate ourselves from the society?

 

 

 

PARK SAEROI, protagonist in this drama, is here to answer these fundamental questions. He is the follower of superego -- tackling the egoists of this world. He seems to be a social misfit at first hand, but is a warmhearted and humane individual -- someone who we truly need in modern day society full of people who care solely about themselves. To those who couldn't reveal their superego to the world, PARK's act of strongly pushing his faith and convictions to reach his goal while caring truthfully about people around him will bring catharsis.

Itaewon, where the story is based on, is a place many Koreans call in a direct translation, "Mini World." It's a place where the world gathers. Walking the streets of Itaewon, you'll see people of all races, gender identities, and age -- all living in their respective realms while also respecting that of others'. It's a place of freedom, opportunity, and creativeness -- but most importantly, it's the perfect place for PARK SAEROI to commence his superego dreams. Behind the scenes of Itaewon, there are still competitions, whether it be love or business; but these small competitions don't become obstacles to PARK -- they are seen as opportunities.

 

Melting a story of building a successful startup into PARK's superego reveal, Itaewon Class never allows us to set back our focus. Dalbam Pocha, PARK's startup, acquires members who are full of interesting personalities, allowing the viewers to not get bored.

 

Other than PARK, there are other characters who bring significance to this series. Dalbam's manager, CHO ISEO, is an exemplary of duality of character. On one side, she is portrayed as a sociopath who acts without sympathy. On the other hand, she is one of the most adorable and cutest character in the drama -- with viewers giving her a nickname, "human chipmunk." It's also worth a praise that the directors didn't depict her as a typical female character. She is sweet and sometimes submissive, but oftentimes, she is strong in her opinions and acts without mercy. 

 

 

 

Furthermore, the director's touch on minorities is worth a praise. PARK SAEROI, while operating his street pub Dalbam, recruits atypical employees -- those least likely to be hired. His employees include a transgender, African-Korean, sociopath, ex-convict, and 2nd heir to a major Korean conglomerate. Focusing lens on all levels and parts of the society, the director successfully shouts out to us to become individuals who are more caring and acceptable. Most importantly, he enlights our superego, highlighting that we shouldn't evaluate others and ourselves based on others' words.

 

I would give this drama 5 stars out of 5 as it throws out a successful message to our society, tackling the most corrupted parts of our lives. The love and business conflicts that appear here and there throughout the storyline also takes part in making this drama shine without losing viewers' focus.

Characters

Image from Netflix

Members of Dalbam Pocha [Pocha is a Korean style street pub] (indicates actor)

Listed in the order, left to right

MA HYUNI (Lee Juyeong): Cook of Dalbam. Previous factory co-worker of PARK. Revealed as transgender.

TONY (Chris Ryan): Mixed-race child born between Korean father and mother of Ghini descent

PARK SAEROI (Park Seojun): CEO of startup business Dalbam. His motto is to live with faith to call a spade is a spade.

CHO ISEO (Kim Dami): Manager of Dalbam. She's a sociopath with IQ 162, 10 year old difference with PARK

JANG GEUNSU (Kim Donghee): 2nd heir of Korean food chebul [family-run conglomerate]. One-sided love with CHO

CHOI SEUNGKWON (Ryu Kyungsoo): A previous gangster, he plans to escape out of the black world, working as Dalbam's server being his first step.

 

 

 

Members of the Janga Group [food conglomerate] (indicates actor)

JANG GEUNWON (Ahn Bohyun): Heir apparent of Janga. He's a egoist who dares nothing in this world, except for PARK SAEROI

KANG MINJEONG (Kim Haeun)): Executive Director of Janga

JANG DAEHEE (Yoo Jaemyung): CEO of Janga, supporter of winner takes it all with a belief in natural selection.

OH SUAH (Kwon Nara): Individualist but a careerwomen as Head of Janga Group Strategy Team. Childhood love of PARK SAEROI

JANG GEUNSU (Kim Donghee): 2nd heir of Korean food chebul [family-run conglomerate]. One-sided love with CHO

 

Background

Itaewon

South of Downtown Seoul

Subway Line 6