Itaewon Class
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Itaewon Class
Itaewon Class is a compelling South Korean television series that blends elements of drama, revenge, and slice-of-life storytelling. The narrative centers on Park Sae-royi, an ex-convict and high school dropout, who opens a bar-restaurant named DanBam in the vibrant Itaewon district of Seoul. Driven by a desire for justice and revenge against a powerful food conglomerate responsible for his father's death and his own hardships, Sae-royi gathers a diverse team of outcasts and misfits. The series explores themes of perseverance, integrity, discrimination, and the pursuit of dreams against overwhelming odds, while navigating complex personal relationships and business rivalries. It is targeted at a mature audience due to its themes and portrayal of societal issues.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The series prominently features a transgender character, Ma Hyun-yi, whose journey of self-acceptance and public recognition is a significant and positively portrayed storyline. The drama is set in Itaewon, a district known for its diversity and LGBTQ+ friendly spaces, reinforcing themes of acceptance for marginalized individuals.
Ma Hyun-yi, portrayed by Lee Joo-young, is a transgender chef at DanBam who is saving money for sex reassignment surgery. Her gender identity is revealed during a cooking competition, and she faces public scrutiny, but is strongly supported by Park Sae-royi and the DanBam team, who prioritize her well-being over potential business backlash. Additionally, Itaewon, the setting for the series, is explicitly mentioned as a diverse neighborhood known for its international atmosphere and gay clubs, providing a fitting backdrop for the show's inclusive themes.
Violence
The drama contains intense and impactful scenes of violence, central to the protagonist's revenge plot. This includes brutal physical assaults and a significant death that drives much of the narrative.
Profanity
The drama includes instances of strong language and Korean swear words used by characters, particularly during emotional or confrontational scenes, reflecting the intensity of conflicts.
Scary & Intense Content
The series contains emotionally intense and suspenseful situations driven by themes of revenge, betrayal, discrimination, and the struggle against powerful adversaries. While not horror-based, these elements create significant tension and dramatic stakes.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion against authority figures and societal norms are central to the protagonist's character arc and a recurring theme throughout the series. This defiance is often portrayed as a positive trait in the fight for justice and personal integrity.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
15+ (Netflix rating). This recommendation is due to the presence of mature themes including intense violence, frequent alcohol consumption, strong language, and the positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ and gender identity themes which may require parental guidance and discussion.
Good to Know
Itaewon Class is a drama with strong messages about standing up for one's beliefs, challenging societal prejudice, and finding family among those who are marginalized. Parents should be aware of the mature themes, including revenge, violence, and strong language, as well as the prominent and positively portrayed LGBTQ+ storyline. The show's depiction of a diverse workforce in a lively urban setting offers opportunities for discussion on social issues.
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