Itaewon Class (이태원 클라쓰) is the K-drama for anyone who loves an underdog who simply will not bend. It's a story about principle, pride, revenge served slowly, and the kind of ragtag "found family" that makes you want to cheer out loud. Adapted from a hit webtoon, it became one of 2020's most talked-about dramas. Here's my honest, friend's review.
No major spoilers beyond the setup.
What It's About
Park Saeroyi is a young man with one unshakeable rule: he lives by his principles, no matter the cost. After standing up to the arrogant son of Jangga, a giant food conglomerate, his life is destroyed — his father killed, himself sent to prison. He comes out with a single long-game goal: build his own business and bring the empire down from the bottom up.
He opens a small bar-restaurant called DanBam in the buzzing, multicultural neighbourhood of Itaewon, and slowly gathers a staff of outsiders and misfits — including a brilliant, sharp-tongued manager, Jo Yi-seo. What follows is fifteen years of patience, setbacks and slow-burning revenge against Jangga's ruthless chairman, Jang Dae-hee. It's part business drama, part character study, and entirely about refusing to compromise who you are.
Why You Should Watch
An underdog you'll fight for
Park Saeroyi's stubborn integrity — he'd rather lose than betray his values — is the beating heart of the show. Watching a principled outsider take on a corrupt giant is endlessly satisfying.
A found family of misfits
DanBam's diverse, unconventional staff give the drama real warmth and a modern edge. Their loyalty to each other is half the reason fans love it.
Park Seo-joon at his best
One of Korea's biggest stars anchors the show, with Kim Da-mi a scene-stealer as the genius, ruthless Yi-seo. The cast chemistry carries every episode.
Based on a hit webtoon
It's adapted from a popular Korean webtoon, which gives the story its tight, propulsive structure — and its now-iconic theme song became a hit in its own right.
Where to Watch
Netflix carries all 16 episodes worldwide with English (and many other) subtitles.
Original Korean broadcaster: JTBC. Availability can vary by region, so check what's licensed where you are.
Watch It If You Liked…
- Itaewon Class Filming Locations — visit DanBam's real Itaewon.
- Best K-Dramas on Netflix — more bingeable picks in one place.
- 7-Day Korea Itinerary for K-Drama Fans — turn your binge into a trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — it's adapted from a popular Korean webtoon, which is part of why the story moves so cleanly and hits its emotional beats so hard.
Netflix carries all 16 episodes worldwide with subtitles. It originally aired on JTBC in Korea.
Park Seo-joon as Park Saeroyi, Kim Da-mi as Jo Yi-seo, Yoo Jae-myung as the chairman Jang Dae-hee, and Kwon Nara as Oh Soo-ah.
Itaewon is a famously multicultural nightlife and dining district in central Seoul — the perfect backdrop for a story about outsiders building something of their own. See our filming-locations guide.
Itaewon Class is comfort food for anyone who loves rooting for the little guy. It's emotional, it's stubborn in the best way, and its found-family of misfits will stay with you. If you want a drama that makes you want to stand by your principles, this is the one.