Itaewon Class remains one of the most influential K-dramas of the last decade, captivating audiences with its raw portrayal of ambition, justice, and social diversity. Based on the popular Kakao Webtoon, the series tells the story of Park Saeroyi, an ex-convict who opens a bar-restaurant in the vibrant district of Itaewon while seeking revenge against the powerful Jangga Group. Beyond its gripping plot, the show broke numerous records and cultural barriers. In this article, we explore 43 fascinating facts that define the legacy of this masterpiece.
The Webtoon Origins and Creative Vision
One of the most unique aspects of Itaewon Class is that the original webtoon creator, Jo Gwang-jin, actually wrote the screenplay for the drama. This is rare in the industry, as webtoon adaptations are usually handled by professional scriptwriters. By having the original creator at the helm, the drama maintained a high level of fidelity to the source material’s spirit. The webtoon itself had accumulated over 220 million views before the show even aired, providing a massive built-in fanbase.
Production and Casting Secrets
- Park Seo-joon’s Dedication: To achieve the iconic ‘chestnut’ haircut of Park Saeroyi, Park Seo-joon had to get his hair trimmed every four days for six months.
- Kim Da-mi’s Debut: While she was already known in the film industry for ‘The Witch,’ Itaewon Class was Kim Da-mi’s first-ever television drama role.
- Yoo Jae-myung’s Transformation: The actor who played Chairman Jang Dae-hee is actually much younger than his character. He underwent hours of special effects makeup daily to age his appearance.
- Ahn Bo-hyun’s Background: The actor playing the villainous Jang Geun-won was a former amateur boxer, which helped him during the physical confrontation scenes.
Social Representation and Cultural Impact
Itaewon Class was revolutionary for its inclusion of themes often considered taboo in South Korean media. It featured a prominent transgender character, Ma Hyeon-yi, played by Lee Joo-young. The show’s portrayal of her journey was praised for its sensitivity and empowerment. Additionally, the inclusion of Kim Toni, a character of Guinean-Korean descent played by Chris Lyon, sparked important national conversations about racial identity and what it truly means to be Korean in a globalized world.
Diversity in the Heart of Seoul
The choice of Itaewon as the setting was deliberate. Known as the most international district in Seoul, Itaewon serves as a metaphor for the characters’ status as ‘outsiders.’ The drama highlights the district’s unique atmosphere, where people of all backgrounds, religions, and sexual orientations coexist. This setting perfectly mirrored Park Saeroyi’s philosophy of building a business where people are valued above profits, regardless of their past or identity.
The Iconic Soundtrack and the V Connection
The soundtrack of Itaewon Class is as legendary as the show itself. Gaho’s ‘Start Over’ became an anthem for youth and resilience, topping the Gaon Digital Chart for weeks. Perhaps the most famous trivia is the involvement of V from BTS. A close friend of Park Seo-joon, V produced and sang the indie-pop track ‘Sweet Night’ specifically for the drama. The song broke global records, reaching number one on iTunes in over 118 countries, the most for any solo artist at the time.
Key Symbolism and Hidden Meanings
- DanBam’s Meaning: The name of Saeroyi’s pub, ‘DanBam,’ translates to ‘Sweet Night.’ It represents his desire to turn his bitter life into something sweet.
- The Soju Philosophy: The recurring motif of drinking soju represents the weight of life; Saeroyi notes that when life is hard, the alcohol tastes sweet.
- The Clock Motif: The watches and clocks seen throughout the series symbolize the long-term nature of Saeroyi’s 15-year revenge plan.
- The Bridge: The Noksapyeong Bridge where characters often meet symbolizes the transition between their past struggles and future hopes.
Global Success and International Remakes
The show’s success wasn’t limited to Korea. After its release on Netflix, it became a global sensation, consistently ranking in the Top 10 across Asia and South America. This popularity led to the Japanese remake titled ‘Roppongi Class’, which aired in 2022. The Japanese version adapted the story to the Roppongi district in Tokyo, showing the universal appeal of the ‘underdog vs. conglomerate’ narrative. There have also been discussions regarding a Taiwanese adaptation, further cementing its status as a global franchise.
Awards and Recognition
Itaewon Class didn’t just win hearts; it won prestigious accolades. At the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards, Kim Da-mi won Best New Actress for her role as Jo Yi-seo. The series also won ‘Best Drama Series’ at the 25th Asian Television Awards. These awards recognized the show’s high production value, exceptional acting, and its ability to blend corporate thriller elements with heartfelt human drama.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia
- Park Bo-gum’s Cameo: In the final episode, superstar Park Bo-gum made a surprise cameo as a chef, which was a nod to his previous work with the director on ‘Love in the Moonlight.’
- Hong Seok-cheon: The real-life ‘King of Itaewon,’ celebrity restaurateur Hong Seok-cheon, appeared as himself, lending authenticity to the setting.
- The Real DanBam: The building used for the first DanBam location became a major tourist attraction, with fans flocking to the area to take photos.
- Director’s Vision: Director Kim Sung-yoon focused on visual contrast, using bright colors for Itaewon and cold, dark tones for the Jangga Group offices.
The Philosophy of Park Saeroyi
The core of the drama’s enduring popularity is the character of Park Saeroyi. Unlike many K-drama protagonists, he is defined by his unwavering principles. He refuses to compromise his integrity, even when it costs him his freedom or his business. His leadership style—investing in people like the ex-gangster Choi Seung-kwon and the misunderstood Jo Yi-seo—offered a new model of ‘human-centric’ management that resonated with younger viewers facing a competitive job market.
Fashion and Aesthetics
The ‘Itaewon Class look’ became a major trend in 2020. Beyond the haircut, Park Saeroyi’s oversized hoodies and bomber jackets influenced street fashion across Asia. Similarly, Jo Yi-seo’s ‘two-tone’ hair and leather jackets became a staple for fans looking to emulate her ‘girl crush’ energy. The show successfully merged high-fashion aesthetics with gritty urban realism, making it visually distinct from the polished look of traditional chaebol dramas.
Life Lessons from the Series
Itaewon Class teaches that revenge is best served by living well and achieving success on one’s own terms. It emphasizes that one’s past does not define their future. Whether it is Saeroyi’s criminal record, Hyeon-yi’s gender identity, or Yi-seo’s sociopathic tendencies, the show argues that everyone has the power to define their own ‘class.’ This message of self-determination is why the show continues to be recommended to anyone going through a difficult period in life.
The Legacy of the Jangga Rivalry
The rivalry between DanBam and Jangga Group served as a critique of the ‘Gapjil’ culture (abuse of power) in South Korea. By showing a small business take down a massive conglomerate through innovation and loyalty, the drama provided a sense of catharsis for the audience. The final confrontation between Saeroyi and Chairman Jang remains one of the most satisfying conclusions in K-drama history, proving that true power comes from conviction, not just money.
The Impact on Tourism
Itaewon saw a significant boost in tourism following the drama’s success. Locations like the G Guesthouse (which served as the exterior for the second DanBam) and the various bars along the world food street became pilgrimage sites. Even though the district has faced challenges in recent years, the ‘Itaewon Class’ association remains a vital part of its cultural identity, drawing fans who want to experience the ‘Sweet Night’ for themselves.
Conclusion: Why It Still Matters
In conclusion, Itaewon Class is more than just a revenge story; it is a cultural landmark. With its 43 facts of production excellence, social bravery, and thematic depth, it redefined what a K-drama could achieve on the global stage. It challenged viewers to think about justice, diversity, and the true meaning of success. Years after its finale, the spirit of Park Saeroyi continues to inspire millions to ‘start over’ and pursue their dreams with unyielding courage.
