Itaewon Class, Vol. 1 (Itaewon Class)

by Jin Kwang

[Quirky Cat]

Summary:

Saeroyi Park’s life is changing forever. First, he and his father have been uprooted, moving to a new town for the sake of work. It could have been a fresh start, especially with such interesting neighbors.

Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse when Saeroyi Park couldn’t sit idly by watching a bully do his thing. It doesn’t matter if the bully is the big boss’ son. It just isn’t right. This choice kicks off a series of events that cannot be undone.

Review:

I was recommended Itaewon Class, Vol. 1 because it’s a highly emotional and compelling tale. I can certainly see the emotional side of that argument, but I didn’t really end up being too captivated by it.

Let me take a step back. Saeroyi Park goes through hell and back in this volume. I won’t explain how because that would spoil it all. But we do see him come out swinging. Sort of. I think the whole point of the story is about moving up and letting go…but it sort of felt more like Saeroyi Park gave up.

I know that isn’t actually what happened. To be clear. It just felt that way because of all the time skips. The characters ended up appearing passive to what happened around them. So, while I did enjoy some elements of Itaewon Class, Vol. 1, I didn’t love it.

Highlights:
Revenge Story
Coming-of-Age
Touchingly Human

Trigger Warnings:
Class Privilege
Familial Death

Will I continue the series? Maybe

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