Itaewon Class

Itaewon Class is a gripping, melodramatic, South Korean TV show from jTBC that aired in 2020. This engaging drama blends elements of romance, revenge, friendship, and entrepreneurial spirit and is based on a popular webtoon by Gwang Jin.

At its core, Itaewon Class is a comprehensive exploration of themes like righteousness, identity, society, and personal growth. With a cast of multidimensional characters, the story does an excellent job of pushing the narrative beyond boundaries, creating a mixture of humor with seriously high stakes.

With South Korean heartthrob Park Seo Joon in the lead role as Park Sae-ro-yi, Itaewon Class ventures into the cut-throat world of food and beverage industry. Sae-ro-yi is presented as a high school student who suffers a traumatic event leading to a life-altering decision. Consequently, he is incriminated and sentenced, which mars his life but not his spirit. This event acts as a pivotal point, leading him to clash in a David versus Goliath scenario against the powerful Jangga Company.

The show beautifully captures Sae-ro-yi's journey as he defies societal norms, supports the downtrodden, and rallies against the injustices inflicted upon the underprivileged, all while striving to climb atop the food industry with his bar-restaurant named 'DanBam', located in the diverse district of Itaewon in Seoul. His reasoning, character, and persistence make him an unconventional and likable hero who does not succumb to the pressures exerted by the affluent and powerful.

Kim Da-mi steps into the role of Jo Yi-seo, who is an influential blogger with an impressive social media following and a razor-sharp business mind, Kesha-like fashion statement making her stand out. She is brilliant, edgy, and darkly charismatic, complementing Sae-ro-yi's style and determination to build a successful business. Her character adds a vibrant streak of modernity and mystique, further driving the story.

Itaewon Class offers an eclectic mix of supporting characters, each enhancing the narrative diversely. These include the gentle and loyal waiter Choi Seung-kwon, the sassy manager and chef Ma Hyun-yi, the ambitious Tony Kim, and the treacherously suave Jang Geun-won. Each of these individuals brings their own life-story, adding depth to the story, enhancing the audience experience and keeping the viewers engaged in their life pursuits.

Itaewon Class is dazzlingly shot, with Seoul's Itaewon area as well as various locations within Korea acting as vibrant backdrops to the story. The cinematography is compelling, and the pulsating soundtrack adds a layer of excitement and emotion. The various shots of food prep up-close introduce viewers to the joy and challenges of running a restaurant. Meanwhile, the cinematography often underscores the tension and emotional gravity of various situations.

With a keen eye on modern, progressive values, Itaewon Class does not shy away from critiquing certain elements of society, such as hierarchy, wealth disparity, and discrimination, always through the perspective of its diverse and colorful characters. The show also portrays various forms of familial relationships, friendships, love, and loss, making it a highly relatable narrative despite its unique Korean context.

Importantly, Itaewon Class is lauded for the courage in addressing pressing social issues such as racism, transphobia, and class conflict, which is somewhat a paradigm shift in traditional K-drama, making it distinctively progressive.

In conclusion, Itaewon Class not only fetches high points for its captivating storytelling, impeccable acting, and brilliant direction, but it also wins hearts due to its nuanced portrayal of human emotions and moralistic values. It celebrates the spirit of resilience, unflinching loyalty, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. The series compels viewers to introspect, offering food for thought as well as entertaining with its delightfully dramatic plot, making it a must-watch for fans of passionate storytelling. Itaewon Class is not just a TV drama; it's a moving tale that redefines and broadens the scope of the K-Drama genre.