"Itaewon Class": Why was it so successful?

Itaewon Class aired its first episode on JTBC on January 31st, 2020. Based on a popular Korean webtoon (online comic) it quickly and inexorably became one of the most loved dramas of last year and probably the most awarded.

Just to mention a few achievements: TIME Magazine named it one of "The Best Korean Drama on Netflix", while Forbes listed the series as one of the best Korean dramas of 2020.

It won several awards during the 2020-2021 edition of awarding ceremonies, such as Best 2020 Drama at the APAN Star Awards, Best Drama Series at the Asian Television Awards or Best OST and Best Actress during the Baeksang Arts Awards

My sister and I watched Itaewon Class recently and at first failed to see its appeal: sure, it was a good one but how was it possible that it has been loved so much by both national and international fans?

Well, that's exactly what we'll try to find out today!

1. Webtoon fans

The original webtoon was already pretty popular in South Korea and with Jo Gwang-Jin writing the drama screenplay (as well as the comic), it's no surprise that the audience share was always high.

While international fans were satisfied with the ending, national-based ones found it 'lacking' and that brought the webtoon author to express his thoughts on Instagram. He apologized if the ending wasn't what fans had expected, stated that the cast and crew had worked really hard so the only one at fault was him.

I haven't read the webtoon, but I didn't feel like the final episode lacked something, if anything I think all stories and open issues have been closed up nicely.

2. The stories inside THE story

Every character has its own background and I liked it a lot that a bit of their past was disclosed in each episode. That's why I felt a sense of 'completeness' when the drama ended as all stories have been told and no character has been left aside.

Itaewon Class cast a light on various topics, some of them already known by k-drama lovers but there were also new ones on crucial aspects of South Korean society that can be EASILY spread globally: 

● there's Toni Kim, an African born young man who came to Seoul to find his father and has to endure all sorts of prejudices and racist comments. It is also shown how difficult it is for a foreigner to obtain/maintain a visa.

● Hyun-Yi is a transgender. This raises controversies anywhere in the world, but in Asian countries like South Korea, Japan, and so on there's still a mentality where openly admitting you're different is seen as a bad thing. This topic has been dealt with in an earnest and simple way: she's a loyal, serious, and beautiful person and that's what mattered the most to Park Saeroyi.

● Mental health is another big, silent protagonist as basically all characters have some past burdens that threaten their mental stability. You thought 'Psycho, But It's Okay' and 'Flower of Evil' were open about it? Just wait and watch Itaewon Class. From a heartless father and his emotionally flawed sons to Park Saeroyi's first love (whom I still have to understand) to the staggering genial and insensitive Jo Yi Seo, there's not a single character who's spotless and that was appealing as I think it describes how real people are nowadays...not all are bad, but there's a wide range of greys out there.

This one is the most twisted of all

3. Cast

Park Seo-Joon is one of the most loved actors in South Korea, he has been the protagonist of cute and heartwarming dramas like 'Hwarang', 'Fight For My Way' and 'What's Wrong with Secretary Kim?' as well as in movies (he has a part in Academy Award-winning movie 'Parasite') so I think that's what drew a lot of attention on the drama at first. But don't underestimate the rest of the cast: we have rising actors Kim Da Mi and 'Extracurricular' Kim Dong Hee along with seniors actors like 'Suspicious Partner' and ' Your Honor' Kwon Na-Ra and Ahn Bo-Hyun, whom I've already seen in 'Dogko Rewind' and 'Her Private Life'. 

They all brought their A-game as you can't really accuse the drama of being poorly acted. They were exceptional in every frame, no doubts about it.

4. OST and Scenography

"Start Over" by Gaho and "Sweet Night" by BTS V are probably the most famous, but the overall soundtrack is variegated and fits perfectly the various scenes atmospheres.

Last but not least, a special mention goes to how photogenic and melancholic Seoul is: from the title's neighborhood of Itaewon to Namsan Tower peaking almost everywhere, the city plays as a huge supporting set and I think it was the most effective touristic campaign ever made. Sure, almost all dramas are set in the South Korean capital, but there is something about the underground and hipster city portrayed in Itaewon Class that you can hardly find in other series.

Final thoughts: I still have to make up my mind about whether I liked this drama or not. 

What's certain is that it was completely different and unexpected that I'll definitely remember it for a long time. The characters were all flawed and sometimes broken beyond any hope of repair, the relationships they had complex and sometimes toxic but they are also able to make friends for life who are there to help you no matter the obstacles ahead.

While researching for this post I started understanding why it was one of the most loved dramas in 2020 and how he managed to attract that amount of viewers worldwide.

Now, tell me, what are your thoughts on Itaewon Class? 

Do you find it overrated or a gem?

 

Ph: hancinema.net and Instagram HERE