Itaewon Class: A Drama of Revenge and Growth for Park Saeroyi

The JTBC drama 'Itaewon Class' powerfully portrays the story of young people who uphold their principles against injustice and achieve success through the character of Park Saeroyi, remaining a widely discussed topic. It is regarded as a growth drama where marginalized youth gather in Itaewon to prove their worth, rather than just a revenge plot. The 16-episode series aired from January 31 to March 21, 2020, and garnered attention as the original webtoon author, Jo Gwang-jin, directly wrote the script.

The drama begins with a tragic incident where Park Saeroyi is expelled after hitting Jang Geun-won, who was bullying a friend on the first day of transfer, and subsequently loses his father. Having lost everything due to the tyranny of Jang Geun-won, son of Chairman Jang Dae-hee, and the power of the Jangga Group, Saeroyi devises a plan to dismantle Jangga while in prison. After his release, he opens a pub called 'DanBam' in Itaewon and, with colleagues like the brilliant Jo Yi-seo and former gangster Choi Seung-kwon, each with their own stories, he confronts the formidable Jangga Group and grows.

Many viewers describe 'Itaewon Class' as a drama where the character of Park Saeroyi and its OST leave a strong impression. Songs like Gaho's 'Start Over' and Ha Hyun-woo's 'Stone Block' drove the drama's atmosphere and emotions, and Park Saeroyi's unwavering commitment to his convictions and his journey to achieve his plans left a deep mark. Numerous reviews highlight how Park Saeroyi's steadfastness in the face of a frustrating reality and the underdog's path to revenge against a conglomerate deeply resonated with audiences.