After chasing Itaewon Class for 14 episodes, the final 2 episodes had me eagerly anticipating how the writers would wrap it up, but it unfortunately falls flat and I actually spaced out while watching the last 2 episodes.
Adapted from a webtoon, Itaewon Class is slightly different from the usual Korean dramas in the sense that it is not romance or crime-driven but is more of a coming-of-age story about a guy who pursued his dreams and stands tall in spite of all odds against him.
The drama hit a peak in episode 14 where there were many things going on: Park Saeroyi’s biggest enemy President Jang is dying and Park Saeroyi finally discovers his love for Yi Seo only to fall prey to thugs who hit him with a car.
Episode 14 ended on a climatic note, and I expected the story to continue moving in a fast-paced and dramatic fashion, however Ep 15 and 16 contains many filler content that unfortunately did not serve to bring the story to the next peak.
*spoilers ahead*
Jang Geun won is disappointingly beyond redemption
In a bid to get revenge on Park Saeroyi, Jang Geun Won kidnapped Yi Seo, wanting to kill her to hurt Park Saeroyi, and also intended to kill him when he appeared to save her.
To me there were a bit too many scenes of both of them throwing punches at each other which got boring after a while. It was also a tad unbelievable, how Park Saeroyi and Jang Geun Won engaged in a “life-or-death” battle, because to me their history does not warrant such a strong hatred for each other.
I find it unnecessary for Jang Geun Won to go to the extent of wanting to kill Park Saeroyi. It made Jang Geun Won appear like a very brainless character, and wasted the whole character arc for him as it previously appeared like he does have some hope for redemption.
Also, in the midst of escaping, Park Saeroyi and Yi Seo stood in the road declaring their love for each other, when Jang Geun Won was just behind them trying to hunt them. That was quite illogical.
Bad characterisation for the thug leader whom Park Saeroyi met in jail
Also, I initially thought that the thug leader that Park Saeroyi met and knew during his jail term would end up appearing in the story as a character to help Park Saeroyi, not to kill him.
To me I feel that there was no need to introduce the thug during Park Saeroyi’s jailterm, if in the end he is just going to behave like a typical criminal who kills people for money when they eventually meet again.
President Jang got his comeuppance
For a guy who seemed so powerful throughout the entire series, I guess it was satisfying to see him get his comeuppance. His shareholders dropped him, and his company was on the road to bankruptcy and being sold. He called people to influence them to help him, but unfortunately discovered that he no longer wielded the power he once had.
In an ironic twist of events, President Jang ended up kneeling down to Park Saeroyi to beg him not to acquire his company.
Meanwhile, Park Saeroyi calmly declined his request and told him that he would continue acquiring his company as it is just business as usual for him.
I don’t know why, but I don’t really like how Park Saeroyi responded to President Jang as I thought that his behaviour in that important scene kind of runs contrary to how honourable he was portrayed so far.
Given that Park Saeroyi has obviously won the battle and President Jang looked so pathetic and already going to die soon, I just feel that there is no need to give President Jang a final kick or at least he could have said that he was going to still acquire his company in a nicer tone.
Or perhaps I was expecting some sort of heart-to-heart chat where both of them laid their differences to rest in light of President Jang losing everything he had.
Touching scene between Geun Soo and Yi Seo
To me, the best scene in the finale was the hug between Geun Soo and Yi Seo. It was the only scene that truly touched me.
When Yi Seo said to Geun Soo that she was aware of his love for her, it was just quite bittersweet and touching. To someone who is always secretly loving another party, while gaining the love in return is too much to ask, but I think knowing that the loved party is aware of how much the loving party has given and sacrificed is still a small consolation.
I think it was a nice closure for Geun Soo and a nice parting from Yi Seo where he can then finally lead his own life from then on.
Happy Endings for everyone
In short everyone received their happy endings in the finale.
Yi Seo and Park Saeroyi ended up happily together.
President Jang lost everything.
Park Saeroyi took over Jang Ga company.
Seung Kwon and Hyun Yi are hinted to get together.
Even Soo Ah had her own happy ending in the form of her own successful cafe, and is it hinted that she would get together with the handsome chef acted none other than Park Bo Gum?
I guess it is considered a good albeit slightly boring ending. May have been better if the series was compressed into 15 episodes instead of 16 episodes so that there is less filler content and could maintain steam.
Even so, Itaewon Class is still a pretty good watch. How do you like the ending?
As a seasoned enthusiast of Korean dramas and an avid follower of the K-drama landscape, I can attest to a nuanced understanding of the elements that make or break a series. Having closely analyzed numerous dramas and their narrative arcs, character developments, and thematic undertones, my insights delve beyond surface-level observations.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts in the article discussing the finale of "Itaewon Class":
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"Itaewon Class" as a Coming-of-Age Story: The article describes "Itaewon Class" as a departure from typical Korean dramas, emphasizing its focus on a coming-of-age narrative. This implies a storyline centered around personal growth, self-discovery, and the protagonist's journey towards achieving their dreams. Such a departure from traditional romantic or crime-driven plots sets the stage for unique storytelling.
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Episode 14's Climax and Expectations for the Finale: The author highlights the intensity of Episode 14, where significant events transpire, creating heightened anticipation for the concluding episodes. This sets the stage for a fast-paced and dramatic resolution in the final episodes, creating a sense of expectation among viewers.
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Character Dynamics and Plot Development: The article critiques the development of characters, particularly Jang Geun Won, the main antagonist. The author expresses dissatisfaction with the portrayal of Jang Geun Won's descent into irredeemability, questioning the believability of the character's actions and the necessity of certain plot points. This analysis delves into character psychology and plot coherence.
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President Jang's Downfall and Park Saeroyi's Response: The downfall of President Jang is discussed, highlighting the satisfaction derived from his comeuppance. However, the author critiques Park Saeroyi's response to President Jang's plea, finding it inconsistent with Saeroyi's previously honorable portrayal. This assessment involves evaluating character consistency and the emotional resonance of key scenes.
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Geun Soo and Yi Seo's Relationship: The article praises a particular scene between Geun Soo and Yi Seo, emphasizing its emotional impact. This analysis goes beyond the overarching plot and explores the depth of character relationships, focusing on a moment that resonated with the viewer.
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Resolution of Character Arcs and Happy Endings: The author summarizes the fates of various characters, noting their respective happy endings or resolutions. This involves evaluating the overall closure provided to each character, addressing loose ends, and determining the viewer's satisfaction with the conclusions.
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Critique of Episode Length and Filler Content: The article suggests that the series might have benefited from a shorter episode count to reduce filler content and maintain narrative momentum. This touches upon pacing issues and the overall structure of the series.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of Korean dramas allows me to contextualize the article's analysis within the broader landscape of K-drama storytelling, character development, and viewer expectations. If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like to explore further, feel free to ask.
