A Brilliant Journey Weighed Down by Unnecessary Baggage

Rating: 7/10

Watching Itaewon Class felt like a journey of highs and lows. The show had moments of brilliance, primarily driven by Saeroyi's quest for justice and the magnetic character of Yi-seo. Yet, my enjoyment was often bogged down by a frustrating dynamic between the lead, Saeroyi, and his so-called "first love," Soo-ah.

From the start, Soo-ah’s character had potential but quickly turned into an anchor that dragged the plot down. Her loyalty to Jangga, a corrupt company responsible for so much suffering, felt contrived and self-serving. Her lack of any meaningful action in support of Saeroyi, despite her insistence on being torn between him and Jangga, only reinforced her role as an obstacle rather than a genuine character with redeeming qualities. Her “redeeming” arc felt like a last-ditch attempt to add depth, but it ended up highlighting her hypocrisy more than her growth.

Saeroyi himself was a mix of strength and baffling loyalty to Soo-ah. His fixation on her seemed more like an excuse, a veneer over his true motivations, which left him repeatedly choosing ideals over practical decisions. For those who, like me, appreciate well-earned character growth, watching him finally shift focus and recognize Yi-seo was a long-awaited relief. Yi-seo's character embodies everything Soo-ah’s does not: loyalty, sacrifice, and growth.

The show’s strengths lie in its exploration of revenge and resilience, and its critique of class divisions and corrupt corporate practices is strong. Had it let go of Soo-ah sooner or reduced her impact, the story would have been tighter and the character arcs even more rewarding.

Overall, Itaewon Class is a solid watch. For me, though, it could have been truly great if it focused more on the loyalty, character growth, and ruthless determination of Saeroyi’s team rather than a needless love triangle.

Read More