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Itaewon Class (이태원클라쓰) is a groundbreaking 2020 South Korean drama series that takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster journey through the life of Park Saeroyi (박새로이), portrayed by the charismatic Park Seojoon (박서준).
This gripping K-drama explores themes of resilience, empowerment, revenge, ambition, love, and the pursuit of dreams, in the vibrant and diverse Itaewon neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea.
Adapted from a popular webtoon of the same name, Itaewon Class, directed by Kim Seongyoon (김성윤), is a masterful blend of captivating storytelling, thought-provoking themes, and a stellar cast that includes Kim Dami (김다미), Yoo Jaemyung (유재명), and Kwon Nara (권나라). “Itaewon Class” promises to be a must-watch K-drama.
| English Name | Itaewon Class |
|---|---|
| Hangeul | 이태원 클라쓰 |
| Revised Romanization | Itaewon Keullasseu |
| Genre | Drama, Romance |
| Webtoon | Itaewon Class (이태원클라쓰) |
| No. of Episodes | 16 |
| Original Language | Korean |
| Country of Origin | South Korea |
| Original Release | January 31, 2020 – March 21, 2020 |
| Original Network | JTBC – Joongang Tongyang Broadcasting Company (제이티비씨) |
| Written by | Jo Gwangjin (조광진) |
| Developed by | Kim Dosoo (김도수) |
| Directed by | Kim Seongyoon (김성윤) |
| Starring | Park Seojoon (박서준), Kim Dami (김다미), Yoo Jaemyung (유재명), Kwon Nara (권나라) |
| Executive Producer | Jo Joonhyung (조준형) |
| Producers | Lee Sangyoon (이상윤), Jung Soojin (정수진), Han Sukwon (한석원) |
Table of Contents
Itaewon Class Official Trailer | NETFLIX ASIA
Synopsis
Itaewon Class explores themes of perseverance, friendship, and the pursuit of justice in the bustling streets of Seoul’s Itaewon neighborhood. The story revolves around Park Saeroyi (박새로이), a determined and principled young man who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and revenge after a tragic incident alters the course of his life.
A Quest for Justice
The series begins with Saeroyi, portrayed by Park Seojoon (박서준), as a high school student with a strong sense of justice. However, his life takes a dark turn when he confronts the son of a powerful and corrupt food conglomerate, Jang Daehee, played by Yoo Jaemyung (유재명). This encounter leads to a series of unfortunate events, including the wrongful imprisonment of Saeroyi.
Resilience and Redemption
Upon his release, Saeroyi is determined to seek justice and fulfill a promise he made to his late father. He opens a small but unique restaurant called “DanBam” in the multicultural district of Itaewon, recruiting a diverse and passionate team of misfits, each with their own dreams and aspirations. Together, they strive to turn their restaurant into a symbol of success and individuality, challenging the corporate giants that dominate the food industry.
The Power of Friendship
Throughout the series, Saeroyi’s journey is interwoven with complex characters, including Jo Yiseo, portrayed by Kim Dami, an ambitious and intelligent young woman who becomes his right-hand woman. As DanBam faces numerous challenges and threats, the team must overcome personal and professional obstacles, all while Saeroyi’s quest for justice against Jang Daehee intensifies.
Itaewon Class Takeaways
Standing Up for What’s Right: Itaewon Class boldly emphasizes the importance of standing up for our beliefs and principles, even when faced with formidable opposition. Saeroyi’s courageous journey in seeking justice against corporate injustice serves as a lesson in showing us that it’s essential to stay true to our values, even in the face of powerful adversaries.
The Strength of Friendships: The drama beautifully showcases how strong friendships can have a transformative impact. Saeroyi’s diverse team at DanBam demonstrates that when we unite with others, combining our unique strengths and backgrounds, we can achieve remarkable things. It’s a reminder to nurture and value our friendships.
Resilience and Determination: In Itaewon Class, we witness the incredible power of resilience and determination. Park Saeroyi’s unyielding commitment to his goals, regardless of challenges, teaches us that when faced with adversity, we should stay strong, persevere, and never give up on our dreams.
Embracing Diversity and Individuality: Itaewon, with its rich mix of cultures and people, teaches us to embrace diversity and appreciate each person’s individuality. Just like in the drama, celebrating differences and respecting various perspectives can lead to a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Redemption and Personal Growth: One of the most powerful lessons from Itaewon Class is the possibility of redemption and personal growth. Characters evolve and learn from their past mistakes, illustrating that no matter our past, we can choose to grow, learn, and make positive changes in our lives. It’s a message of hope and transformation.
Itaewon Class Cast
The following list includes several members of the Itaewon Class cast and their respective character roles.
| Cast | Revised Romanization | Hangeul | Character Name | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Seojoon | Bak Seojun | 박서준 | Park Saeroyi | DanBam’s Proprietor |
| Kim Dami | Gim Dami | 김다미 | Jo Yiseo | DanBam’s Manager |
| Choi Myungbin | Choe Myeongbin | 최명빈 | Jo Yiseo | young Jo Yiseo |
| Yoo Jaemyung | Yu Jaemyeong | 유재명 | Jang Daehee | CEO of Jangga Group |
| Choi Minyoung | Choe Minyeong | 최민영 | Jang Daehee | young Jang Daehee |
| Kwon Nara | Gwon Nara | 권나라 | Oh Sooah | Jangga’s Strategic Planning Head |
| Ok Yerin | Ok Yerin | 옥예린 | Oh Sooah | young Oh Sooah |
| Kim Donghee | Gim Donghui | 김동희 | Jang Geunsoo | Jang Daehee’s second son |
| Ahn Bohyun | An Bohyeon | 안보현 | Jang Geunwon | Jang Daehee’s first son |
| Kim Hyeeun | Gim Hyeeun | 김혜은 | Kang Minjung | Jangga’s Executive Director |
| Ryu Kyungsoo | Ryu Gyeongsu | 류경수 | Choi Seungkwon | DanBam’s employee |
| Lee Jooyoung | I Juyeong | 이주영 | Ma Hyunyi | DanBam’s Chief Cook |
| Chris Lyon | Keuriseu Raieon | 크리스 라이언 | Kim Toni | DanBam’s part-timer |
| Hong Seojoon | Hong Seojun | 홍서준 | Mr. Kim | Jang Daehee’s right-hand man |
| Yoo Dami | Yu Dami | 유다미 | Kim Sunae | Jang Daehee’s Secretary |
| Lee David | I Dawit | 이다윗 | Lee Hojin | Park’s Investment Manager |
| Kim Yeojin | Gim Yeojin | 김여진 | Jo Jeongmin | Jo Yiseo’s mother |
| Yoon Kyungho | Yun Gyeongho | 윤경호 | Oh Byeongheon | Detective |
| Choi Yuri | Choe Yuri | 최유리 | Oh Hyewon | Oh Byeongheon’s daughter |
| Cha Mikyung | Cha Migyeong | 차미경 | Kim Soonrye | Toni’s paternal grandmother |
| Won Hyunjoon | Won Hyeonjun | 원현준 | Kim Heehoon | Gang leader, Saeroyi’s cellmate |
| Han Hyeji | Han Hyeji | 한혜지 | Kook Bokhee | Yiseo & Geunsoo’s classmate |
| Cha Chunghwa | Cha Cheonghwa | 차청화 | Bureau Chief’s wife | Bokhee’s mother |
| Im Soeun | Im Soeun | 임소은 | Bokhee’s friend | Bokhee’s friend |
| Ahn Solbin | An Solbin | 안솔빈 | Saeroyi’s classmate | Saeroyi’s classmate & admirer |
| Son Hyunjoo | Son Hyeonju | 손현주 | Park Sungyeol | Saeroyi’s father, Jangga’s employee |
| Hong Seokcheon | Hong Seokcheon | 홍석천 | Hong Seokcheon | Sooah’s aquaintance |
| Yoon Park | Yun Bak | 윤박 | Kim Sunghyun | Geunsoo’s friend |
| Jung Yoomin | Jeong Yumin | 정유민 | Seo Jeongin | Geunwon’s blind date |
| Seo Eunsoo | Seo Eunsu | 서은수 | Part-time job applicant | Saeroyi’s aquaintance |
| Kim Iljoong | Gim Iljung | 김일중 | Kim Iljoong | “The Best Pub” show’s Host |
| Jun Nomin | Jeon Nomin | 전노민 | Do Joongmyung | CEO of Jungmyung Holdings |
| Lee Junhyeok | I Junhyeok | 이준혁 | Park Joongi | “The Best Pub” show’s contestant |
| Park Bogum | Bak Bogeom | 박보검 | Handsome Chef | Sooah’s restaurant Chef |
The Legacy of “Itaewon Class”
Itaewon Class is a compelling tale of determination, redemption, and the enduring power of friendship, set against the backdrop of a vibrant and diverse neighborhood.
As Saeroyi and his team navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and personal growth, they inspire viewers with their unwavering determination to stand up for their beliefs and overcome the odds in the dynamic world of Itaewon.
The show offers valuable life lessons about staying true to oneself, the strength of unity, and the capacity for change and growth, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
