Hey drama lovers! Ready to dive into the captivating world of Itaewon Class? This Korean drama took the world by storm with its compelling storyline, memorable characters, and, of course, its incredibly talented cast. In this article, we're going to introduce you to the amazing actors and actresses who brought this story to life. So, grab your popcorn, and let's get started!

Park Seo-joon as Park Sae-ro-yi

Park Seo-joon, portraying the determined and righteous Park Sae-ro-yi, is undoubtedly the heart and soul of Itaewon Class. His portrayal of a young man who overcomes immense adversity to achieve his dreams resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Park Sae-ro-yi's journey begins with the wrongful death of his father, leading him to a path of revenge against the powerful Jangga Group and its ruthless CEO, Jang Dae-hee. Seo-joon masterfully captures Sae-ro-yi's unwavering moral compass, his unwavering loyalty to his friends, and his relentless pursuit of justice. His stoic demeanor, coupled with flashes of vulnerability, makes Sae-ro-yi a character that viewers can't help but root for. Park Seo-joon embodies the spirit of resilience and determination, inspiring viewers to never give up on their own dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. Beyond his exceptional acting skills, Park Seo-joon brings a natural charisma to the role, making Sae-ro-yi both relatable and aspirational. His portrayal is not just about revenge; it's about building a community, standing up for what's right, and creating a better future for himself and those around him. This multi-layered performance solidified Park Seo-joon's status as one of South Korea's most beloved and respected actors, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of Itaewon Class fans. His dedication to the role is evident in every scene, making Park Sae-ro-yi an unforgettable character in the landscape of Korean drama. The way he emotes the pain, the determination, and the unwavering belief in his principles is truly captivating. For many, Park Seo-joon is Park Sae-ro-yi, a testament to his incredible acting prowess and his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.

Kim Da-mi as Jo Yi-seo

Kim Da-mi shines as Jo Yi-seo, a highly intelligent and multifaceted character who becomes Park Sae-ro-yi's strategic partner and, eventually, his love interest. Yi-seo is a social media influencer and a genius with an IQ of 162, but she's also fiercely independent and unafraid to challenge societal norms. Kim Da-mi perfectly embodies Yi-seo's sharp wit, her unwavering loyalty, and her unconventional approach to life. Initially, Yi-seo sees Sae-ro-yi as a project, someone she can help achieve his goals. However, as she gets to know him, she develops a deep admiration for his character and his unwavering commitment to his values. Da-mi portrays this evolution with nuance and sensitivity, showing Yi-seo's gradual transformation from a detached observer to a passionate advocate for Sae-ro-yi's cause. Her character is a refreshing departure from typical female leads in Korean dramas, as she is assertive, intelligent, and never afraid to speak her mind. Kim Da-mi's portrayal of Jo Yi-seo is a masterclass in acting, showcasing her ability to bring depth and complexity to a character who could easily have been one-dimensional. She captures Yi-seo's vulnerability beneath her tough exterior, making her a relatable and inspiring figure for young women. The chemistry between Kim Da-mi and Park Seo-joon is undeniable, adding another layer of depth to their characters' relationship. Yi-seo's unwavering support for Sae-ro-yi and her willingness to fight for him make her an indispensable part of his success. Da-mi's performance is not just about portraying a strong female character; it's about challenging societal expectations and inspiring viewers to embrace their individuality. Her portrayal of Jo Yi-seo is a testament to her talent and her ability to connect with audiences on a profound level, solidifying her status as one of the rising stars of Korean drama.

Yoo Jae-myung as Jang Dae-hee

Yoo Jae-myung delivers a chilling performance as Jang Dae-hee, the ruthless and power-hungry CEO of Jangga Group, who serves as the primary antagonist of Itaewon Class. Jang Dae-hee is a complex character driven by ambition and a desire to maintain his control over his empire. Yoo Jae-myung masterfully portrays the character's manipulative nature, his cold-heartedness, and his willingness to do whatever it takes to protect his interests. From the very beginning, Jang Dae-hee is portrayed as a formidable opponent for Park Sae-ro-yi, using his wealth and influence to crush anyone who stands in his way. Yoo Jae-myung's portrayal captures the essence of a man who has become corrupted by power, losing sight of his humanity in the process. Despite his villainous actions, Yoo Jae-myung brings a certain level of complexity to the character, hinting at the insecurities and vulnerabilities that drive his behavior. This nuanced portrayal makes Jang Dae-hee a more compelling and believable antagonist, adding depth to the overall narrative of Itaewon Class. Yoo Jae-myung's performance is a standout, showcasing his ability to embody a character who is both detestable and strangely fascinating. He perfectly captures the essence of a corporate tyrant, someone who has lost touch with reality and sees everyone around him as mere pawns in his game. The clashes between Jang Dae-hee and Park Sae-ro-yi are some of the most intense and captivating moments in the drama, fueled by the actors' incredible performances. Yoo Jae-myung's portrayal of Jang Dae-hee is a testament to his talent and his ability to bring depth and complexity to even the most villainous characters, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Kwon Nara as Oh Soo-ah

Kwon Nara plays Oh Soo-ah, Park Sae-ro-yi's first love and a strategic employee of Jangga Group. Soo-ah is a character burdened by her past and torn between her loyalty to Sae-ro-yi and her desire for a stable life. Kwon Nara brings a delicate balance to the role, portraying Soo-ah's inner conflict with subtlety and grace. Soo-ah's character is complex, as she is both sympathetic and frustrating at times. She genuinely cares for Sae-ro-yi, but she also recognizes the power and influence of Jangga Group and the opportunities it provides for her. Kwon Nara masterfully captures this internal struggle, making Soo-ah a relatable and human character, despite her sometimes questionable choices. Her performance adds depth to the love triangle between Sae-ro-yi and Yi-seo, creating tension and uncertainty throughout the drama. Kwon Nara's portrayal of Oh Soo-ah is a nuanced and compelling performance, showcasing her ability to bring depth and complexity to a character who is often caught between conflicting desires. She perfectly captures the essence of a woman who is trying to navigate a difficult situation, torn between her heart and her head. Despite her flaws, Soo-ah remains a sympathetic character, and Kwon Nara's performance ensures that viewers understand her motivations and empathize with her struggles. The complexities of Oh Soo-ah were portrayed so well by Kwon, and she made the audiences feel as if they were in her shoes making those tough life decisions.

Kim Dong-hee as Jang Geun-soo

Kim Dong-hee portrays Jang Geun-soo, the illegitimate son of Jang Dae-hee, who develops feelings for Jo Yi-seo. Geun-soo is a complex character who struggles with his identity and his place within the Jangga family. Kim Dong-hee delivers a nuanced performance, showcasing Geun-soo's vulnerability, his insecurity, and his desperate desire for love and acceptance. Geun-soo's unrequited love for Yi-seo drives much of his actions throughout the drama, leading him to make choices that often put him at odds with Sae-ro-yi and the other members of DanBam. Kim Dong-hee masterfully captures the character's internal conflict, portraying his struggle between his desire for Yi-seo and his loyalty to his family. Despite his flaws, Geun-soo remains a sympathetic character, and Kim Dong-hee's performance ensures that viewers understand his motivations and empathize with his struggles. Kim Dong-hee's portrayal of Jang Geun-soo is a standout performance, showcasing his ability to bring depth and complexity to a character who is often torn between conflicting desires. He perfectly captures the essence of a young man who is searching for his place in the world, struggling to find love and acceptance. His ability to convey Geun-soo's vulnerability and insecurity makes him a relatable and sympathetic character, despite his often questionable actions. The role of Jang Geun-soo truly captured what Kim Dong-hee is capable of, and cemented his place as one of the future faces of the industry.

Ryu Kyung-soo as Choi Seung-kwon

Ryu Kyung-soo plays Choi Seung-kwon, a former gang member who becomes a loyal and valuable member of DanBam. Seung-kwon is a rough-around-the-edges character with a tough exterior, but he also has a heart of gold and a fierce loyalty to his friends. Ryu Kyung-soo brings a comedic energy to the role, providing much-needed levity in the midst of the drama's heavier themes. However, he also portrays Seung-kwon's vulnerability and his desire to change his life, making him a relatable and sympathetic character. Seung-kwon's journey from a hardened criminal to a trusted member of the DanBam family is one of the most heartwarming aspects of Itaewon Class, and Ryu Kyung-soo's performance is a key reason for that. His portrayal adds depth and complexity to the character, making him more than just a comedic sidekick. Ryu Kyung-soo's portrayal of Choi Seung-kwon is a delightful and memorable performance, showcasing his ability to bring humor and heart to a character who is often underestimated. He perfectly captures the essence of a man who is trying to turn his life around, finding redemption and purpose in the most unexpected of places. His comedic timing and his ability to convey Seung-kwon's vulnerability make him a fan favorite, adding a unique and valuable dimension to the cast of Itaewon Class. The character Choi Seung-kwon would not have been the same without Ryu Kyung-soo's performance, and it showed the world what he is capable of.

Lee Joo-young as Ma Hyun-yi

Lee Joo-young delivers a powerful and poignant performance as Ma Hyun-yi, the transgender chef at DanBam. Hyun-yi is a talented and dedicated member of the team, but she also faces discrimination and prejudice due to her gender identity. Lee Joo-young portrays Hyun-yi's strength, her resilience, and her unwavering determination to live her life authentically. Her performance is both moving and inspiring, shedding light on the challenges faced by transgender individuals in South Korea and around the world. Hyun-yi's journey of self-discovery and acceptance is one of the most impactful storylines in Itaewon Class, and Lee Joo-young's portrayal ensures that it is handled with sensitivity and respect. Her performance is a testament to her talent and her commitment to portraying diverse and underrepresented characters. Lee Joo-young's portrayal of Ma Hyun-yi is a groundbreaking and important performance, showcasing her ability to bring depth and empathy to a character who is often marginalized and misunderstood. She perfectly captures the essence of a woman who is fighting for her right to be herself, inspiring viewers to embrace their own identities and stand up against discrimination. Her performance is not just about portraying a transgender character; it's about humanizing the transgender experience and promoting understanding and acceptance. The character Ma Hyun-yi touched the hearts of many and Lee Joo-young's perfect performance brought the character to life and did it justice.

Conclusion

The cast of Itaewon Class is a powerhouse of talent, each actor and actress bringing their unique skills and experiences to their roles. From Park Seo-joon's portrayal of the determined Park Sae-ro-yi to Lee Joo-young's inspiring performance as Ma Hyun-yi, the cast of Itaewon Class made this drama a truly unforgettable experience. Their dedication to their craft and their ability to connect with audiences on a profound level are a testament to their talent and their commitment to bringing these characters to life. So, if you haven't already, be sure to check out Itaewon Class and experience the magic of this incredible cast for yourself!