Itaewon Class

Behind the Scenes of Itaewon Class: The K-Drama That Redefined Revenge and Representation

Itaewon Class (2020) wasn’t just another K-drama—it was a cultural reset. The series, helmed by director Kim Seong-yoon, blended gritty revenge with underdog triumph, all while tackling social issues rarely spotlighted in mainstream Korean television. But what went on behind the cameras? latestnetflix.com's view is that here’s what the evidence reveals about the making of this breakout hit.

From Webtoon to Screen: A Risky Gamble

Itaewon Class marked a first for South Korean television: it was the debut series produced by Showbox, a company better known for blockbuster films like Train to Busan . Adapting Jo Gwang-jin’s popular webtoon of the same name, the show faced high expectations. The source material’s raw, anti-establishment themes—centered on an ex-con’s quest to topple a corporate giant—could have easily backfired in a drama landscape dominated by romantic comedies and historical epics. Yet, Kim Seong-yoon’s direction, praised for its "compelling narratives and strong character development," turned the adaptation into a critical and commercial success .

The series’ 16-episode run (airing Fridays and Saturdays on jTBC from January to March 2020) kept viewers hooked with its tight pacing and morally complex characters . But the real gamble? Its unflinching portrayal of social issues—classism, discrimination, and LGBTQ+ representation—at a time when Korean television was still tiptoeing around such topics.

Park Seo-joon’s Career-Defining Role

Park Seo-joon’s portrayal of Park Sae-ro-yi, the ex-con turned restaurateur, wasn’t just another leading role—it was a turning point. In a rare behind-the-scenes reflection, the actor admitted that Itaewon Class "changed his life," though specifics about how remain unconfirmed in the available evidence . What’s clear is that the role catapulted him into a new tier of stardom, proving he could carry a drama with depth, not just charm.

His chemistry with co-star Kim Da-mi (who played the sharp, ambitious Jo Yi-seo) became a fan-favorite dynamic, blending romance with a refreshing reversal of gender tropes—Yi-seo, the female lead, was the one pursuing Sae-ro-yi, a rarity in K-dramas . The show’s ensemble cast, including Ahn Bo-hyun as the villainous Jang Geun-won and Lee Joo-young as the transgender character Ma Hyun-yi, also drew praise for their layered performances.

Breaking Barriers: Representation and Backlash

Itaewon Class didn’t shy away from controversy. The series featured one of the first prominent transgender characters in a mainstream K-drama, played by Lee Joo-young. While the portrayal earned applause for normalizing LGBTQ+ narratives, it also sparked debate. Some viewers criticized the show for not delving deeper into Ma Hyun-yi’s backstory, while others praised it for simply including her as a fully realized character in a workplace drama .

The show also tackled racism, with Chris Lyon’s character, Kim To-ni, a Black-Korean adoptee navigating identity and discrimination. These storylines weren’t just subplots—they were woven into the fabric of the series, reflecting real-world struggles in a way few K-dramas had attempted before.

The Legacy: More Than Just a Revenge Drama

Itaewon Class’s impact extended beyond its finale. It proved that K-dramas could be both commercially successful and socially conscious, paving the way for later hits like Vincenzo and The Glory. Its 7.3/10 rating on SensCritique (based on over 1,000 votes) reflects its lasting appeal, though it’s worth noting that the show’s reception wasn’t universally glowing—some critics found its pacing uneven or its ending rushed .

Behind the scenes, the drama’s success also highlighted the growing influence of webtoon adaptations in Korean television. With Itaewon Class, Showbox and Kim Seong-yoon demonstrated that these stories could resonate with audiences far beyond their original digital fanbases.