The class of Itaewon Class
As a disclaimer I would like to say that I had very low expectation of this drama when i went into it. A webtoon adaptation that sticks closely to the original webtoon script can be a little clumsy (and since the writer of this drama is the writer of the webtoon as well I was wary of how it would be produced) since webtoons exist on a diff plane where there is less censorship and topics that are uncomfortable to the regular society are often touched on. I was concerned that the topics wouldn’t transfer to television well and would be butchered. I had convinced myself that I would only watch it as a PSJ loyalist.
I was dead wrong.
Itaewon class is one of the most socially conscious and responsible dramas that has come out in the last few years. The delicate way they handle topics that other shows wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole has warmed my heart. The characters feel real and raw. You would expect a man like Sae Roy Yi to be angry, resentful, destructive, but what you get instead is a calm, rational and responsible young man. Having been through hell at such a young age, he still has the magnamity to be understanding of someone who is part of a family that brought him inconceivable pain. He isn’t blind in his anger, if anything his desire for revenge makes him more focused.
Park Sae Ro Yi is a ride or die friend. If you’ve been a good person and a good person to him specifically, he will go to the ends of the earth for you. That’s what attracts ppl to him, even the mercurial Jo Yi Seo is pulled in by the honesty, tolerance and loyalty he shows. He commands loyalty from ppl, never demanding it, never pushing. Always being a fair and just man.
Also how refreshing has it been to see an adult man not be icky and jump into a yikes relationship with a barely legal girl who’s obviously super into him and can be groomed and moulded. Instead, he keeps an appropriate distance and is always treating her like a kid she is to the adult man that he is. I respect him for respecting her autonomy before jumping into being her knight in shining armour.
His relationship with Soo-ah is also admirable. Disregarding her behaviour, he has been nothing but supportive and understanding of her dilemma. He encourages to choose his greatest enemy over him again and again. Because he knows that he does not have the right to have her life trampled over because he has romantic affection for her.
His relationship with Hyun-Yi is so pure and wholesome. He liked her cooking and as simple as took her under his wing and made her one of his own. He knew her truth and said “what about it??” (which is how it should always be) he never once forced her to come out or to jump any hoops for other people who might be “uncomfortable” and his openness and respectful attitude made others around him change their behaviour as well. The plot line was dealt with so simply and honestly, it was refreshing and a joy to see.
In conclusion, hats off to the writer, the director, the cast, the producers everyone. I’m sorry I went into this drama with preconceived notions. I’ve never been happier to have been proven wrong.
Everyone go watch itaewon class rn!!
