Everything You Need to Know About the Hit K-Drama Itaewon Class
If you are looking for a story of resilience, revenge, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, look no further than Itaewon Class. This South Korean romantic drama-comedy became a global phenomenon, capturing hearts with its intense storytelling and unforgettable characters. Based on the webtoon by Gwang Jin, the series follows an underdog's journey to take down a powerful conglomerate through sheer willpower and entrepreneurship.
Since its release on JTBC in early 2020, the show has garnered massive viewership and critical acclaim, proving that even against the most formidable giants, one can succeed by staying true to their principles.
Key Facts
- Genre: Romantic drama and comedy
- Episodes: 16
- Original Network: JTBC
- Original Release: January 31 – March 21, 2020
- Lead Actor: Park Seo-joon
- Lead Actress: Kim Da-mi
- Major Awards: Winner of the 25th Asian Television Awards for Best Drama Series
Series Overview and Production
Itaewon Class was developed by Kim Do-soo for Showbox and written by the original webtoon creator, Gwang Jin. Directed by Kim Seong-yoon, the production utilized a single-camera setup to bring its cinematic vision to life. Each episode has a running time of approximately 70 minutes, allowing for deep character development and complex plot progression.
The series was produced by Showbox and Zium Content, with executive producer Jo Joon-hyung leading the team. The production's high quality is reflected in its extensive musical score, composed by Kim Joon-seok and Park Seung-il.
Production Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Korean |
| Production Companies | Showbox, Zium Content |
| Total Episodes | 16 |
| Original Network | JTBC |
The Cast and Characters
The strength of Itaewon Class lies in its compelling ensemble cast. The story is anchored by the intense performances of the main leads and supported by a diverse group of characters representing different social strata.
Main Cast
- Park Seo-joon as Park Sae-ro-yi: The determined protagonist driven by a mission of revenge and success.
- Kim Da-mi as Jo Yi-seo: A brilliant and complex character with a high IQ.
- Yoo Jae-myung as Jang Dae-hee: The formidable antagonist.
- Kwon Nara as Oh Soo-ah: A key figure in the unfolding drama.
Supporting Characters
The series features several distinct groups that drive the narrative forward:
- DanBam Staff: Including Jang Geun-soo (Kim Dong-hee), Choi Seung-kwon (Ryu Kyung-soo), Ma Hyun-yi (Lee Joo-young), and Kim To-ni (Chris Lyon).
- Jangga Group: The powerful entity including Jang Geun-won (Ahn Bo-hyun) and Kang Min-jung (Kim Hye-eun).
A Phenomenal Soundtrack
The Original Soundtrack (OST) of Itaewon Class is as iconic as the show itself. The music plays a vital role in setting the emotional tone, from high-energy anthems of perseverance to melancholic ballads.
Notable tracks include:
- "Start Over" (시작) by Gaho: An uplifting track that became a massive hit.
- "Diamond" (돌덩이) by Ha Hyun-woo (Guckkasten): A powerful song reflecting the protagonist's grit.
- "Sweet Night" by V (BTS): A globally recognized track that contributed to the show's international appeal.
- "Still Fighting It" by Lee Chan-sol.
Viewership and Critical Reception
Itaewon Class was a commercial juggernaut in South Korea. The viewership grew steadily throughout its run, starting from an average of 1.261 million viewers in episode 1 and peaking at a massive 4.425 million viewers for the series finale.
The show's success was matched by its accolades. It won several prestigious awards, including:
- Best Drama Series at the 25th Asian Television Awards.
- Drama of the Year at the 7th APAN Star Awards.
- Best New Actress for Kim Da-mi at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards.
- Excellence Award from the Korea Communications Commission Broadcasting Awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the genre of Itaewon Class?
Itaewon Class is categorized as a romantic drama-comedy.
Who is the main actor in the series?
The series stars Park Seo-joon in the lead role of Park Sae-ro-yi.
Was Itaewon Class based on a true story?
No, it is based on a webtoon of the same name written by Gwang Jin.
How many episodes are in the first season?
The original series consists of 16 episodes.
Which famous artist contributed to the soundtrack?
V from BTS contributed the popular track "Sweet Night" to the official soundtrack.