Why Itaewon Class Became a Global Cultural Phenomenon and the Blueprint for Modern K-Drama Storytelling
When Itaewon Class premiered in early 2020 on JTBC and Netflix, few could have predicted the cultural firestorm it would ignite. What seemed like a niche underdog story about a rebellious young man starting a pub in Seoul’s most diverse district turned out to be a revolutionary drama that redefined K-drama tropes. Rooted in themes of revenge, resilience, social justice, and non-traditional love, Itaewon Class resonated across borders, genders, and generations. It challenged the conventional notions of success, explored Korea’s social hierarchies, and gave voice to the marginalized—all while delivering gripping storytelling and unforgettable characters.
More than just a K-drama, Itaewon Class became a mirror reflecting the generational angst and aspirations of modern Korea. It broke stereotypes by featuring LGBTQ+ characters, biracial individuals, and strong female leads in ways rarely seen in mainstream Korean media. With its strategic release on Netflix, it became an international success, with fans in the US, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East rallying behind Park Sae-ro-yi’s dream of building a business empire not out of greed, but integrity. Adapted from a popular webtoon, the drama fused gritty realism with stylistic flair, making it both a socially-conscious narrative and an entertainment powerhouse.
Whether you’re a writer, blogger, content creator, or K-drama aficionado, understanding the core ingredients that made Itaewon Class an unstoppable force can provide valuable insights. Below, we break down the story, characters, cultural context, and long-term influence of this modern classic. This deep dive will guide you through its thematic complexity and why it still captures attention years after its finale.
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Park Sae-ro-yi, played by Park Seo-joon, is a character molded by injustice. Expelled from school for standing up to a bully and losing his father to corporate corruption, he symbolizes the everyman standing up to an unfair system. His stoicism and refusal to compromise on his beliefs make him a modern-day folk hero. Unlike typical male leads, Sae-ro-yi is not driven by romance but by moral vengeance and a dream of building a world where integrity triumphs over power
The strategic setting of Itaewon
Itaewon is more than a backdrop; it's a symbolic location representing diversity, rebellion, and openness. As a multicultural neighborhood in Seoul, Itaewon reflects the drama’s core themes of inclusion and change. Setting DanBam, Sae-ro-yi’s pub, in Itaewon allowed the story to naturally incorporate characters from marginalized communities, such as transgender chef Ma Hyun-yi and Korean-African Tony Kim. Itaewon’s vibrant nightlife, street culture, and global crowd give the drama a unique energy unmatched by most urban-set K-dramas.
Jo Yi-seo: A complex female anti-hero
Kim Da-mi’s Jo Yi-seo is one of the most layered female characters in K-drama history. A genius-level IQ sociopath with social media savvy and fierce loyalty, she defies the "sweet girl" trope. Yi-seo’s moral ambiguity and relentless ambition make her a fascinating counterpart to Sae-ro-yi’s steadfast righteousness. Her unrequited love for Sae-ro-yi and eventual transformation into a co-leader of his dream arc adds depth to the show’s romantic and professional narrative.
Villains that mirror real-world corruption
Jang Dae-hee, the chairman of Jangga Group, embodies institutional corruption, abuse of power, and classism. His son, Jang Geun-won, symbolizes the dangerous entitlement bred in the elite. The show's antagonists are not just personal enemies—they are metaphors for the systemic barriers that hinder social mobility. This realism gives the revenge arc emotional weight and broad societal relevance.
A revenge story with emotional intelligence
Unlike other revenge dramas that thrive on melodrama, Itaewon Class uses a slow-burn, emotionally grounded approach. Sae-ro-yi’s plan spans years, showing his growth, setbacks, and evolution. The story teaches that revenge doesn’t have to destroy—it can transform. It’s about winning with grace, not bloodshed. This cerebral approach to vengeance makes the show emotionally satisfying and intellectually resonant.
Social inclusion and diversity
The inclusion of a transgender character, a biracial Korean, and a convicted ex-inmate breaks many K-drama taboos. Ma Hyun-yi’s gender identity is handled with sensitivity, and she is respected by her peers. Tony Kim’s struggle with national identity as a Korean-African man highlights Korea’s ongoing dialogue about race and belonging. These characters aren't tokenized—they’re fully realized individuals with their own dreams and conflicts.
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Power of friendship and chosen family
One of the show’s core strengths is the camaraderie among DanBam’s crew. Despite coming from marginalized or troubled backgrounds, they form a surrogate family grounded in loyalty and shared vision. This theme of chosen family speaks strongly to younger audiences, especially those disillusioned with traditional societal structures.
Realistic portrayal of entrepreneurship
Itaewon Class realistically depicts the struggles of building a business from scratch. From budget constraints to branding challenges and cutthroat competition, the show doesn’t romanticize entrepreneurship. It shows the sweat, sacrifice, and perseverance required to succeed in Korea’s hyper-competitive F&B industry.
Webtoon roots and stylistic influence
Adapted from the webtoon of the same name by Gwang Jin, the show retains its graphic novel vibe. The characters' looks, narrative structure, and stylized dialogue mirror the webtoon’s essence, making it visually appealing and tonally distinctive. This helped attract a younger demographic familiar with web-based content.
A breakout soundtrack that matches the show’s vibe
The OST of Itaewon Class is as iconic as its story. “Start Over” by Gaho became a chart-topper and anthem of resilience. Other tracks like “Still Fighting It” and “You Make Me Back” reinforce the show's emotional highs and lows. The music elevates scenes and anchors them in viewers' memories.
Cinematic direction and high production value
Director Kim Sung-yoon brings cinematic flair to the series. Creative camera angles, emotional close-ups, and dynamic pacing give each episode a polished, almost film-like quality. The use of lighting and framing subtly communicates character emotions and thematic shifts.
Tackling mental health and emotional trauma
Both Sae-ro-yi and Yi-seo deal with deep psychological trauma—grief, parental loss, bullying, societal rejection. The show doesn’t shy away from exploring these topics. It humanizes these issues, showing how resilience and support networks can lead to healing.
Subversion of romance tropes
Unlike most K-dramas where romance is central, Itaewon Class treats it as a subplot. Sae-ro-yi’s feelings evolve slowly, and love is shown more as partnership and mutual growth than mere infatuation. Yi-seo’s love is assertive but never manipulative, subverting the passive love interest archetype.
Global success on Netflix and cultural export
Thanks to Netflix, Itaewon Class reached a global audience instantly. It trended in multiple countries and was subtitled in dozens of languages. The drama’s cross-cultural themes made it accessible even to those unfamiliar with Korean society. It became a gateway K-drama for many international fans.
Merchandise, fashion, and business influence
Sae-ro-yi’s iconic haircut and Yi-seo’s edgy fashion became trendsetters. The drama even inspired real-life DanBam-themed restaurants and pubs in Korea and abroad. Its influence extended beyond entertainment into lifestyle and business culture.
Strong supporting cast
Characters like Soo-ah, Seung-kwon, and Ho-jin aren't mere sidekicks—they have rich backstories and motivations. Their relationships with Sae-ro-yi evolve meaningfully over time, adding layers to the narrative and emotional payoffs.
Commentary on generational conflict
The drama explores the tension between old and new Korea—conservatism vs. innovation, hierarchy vs. equality. Sae-ro-yi represents a new ethical capitalism, while Jang Dae-hee clings to outdated power structures. This clash is emblematic of generational debates happening across Korean society.
Long-term legacy and influence on K-dramas
Itaewon Class set a new standard for what a mainstream K-drama could tackle. Its success encouraged other dramas to be bolder in themes and casting. Shows like Our Beloved Summer and Juvenile Justice show traces of its narrative bravery.
Why Itaewon Class still matters in 2025
Five years later, the themes of perseverance, ethical leadership, and social change remain relevant. In a post-pandemic world that values purpose-driven stories, Itaewon Class continues to inspire those fighting for their dreams against all odds.
