The popular Korean television drama "Itaewon Class," starring Park Seo-joon, is set to be remade for audiences in the Philippines and Vietnam. JTBC's acclaimed series has secured adaptation deals in both Southeast Asian countries, with local production teams preparing to create their own versions of the hit show. The announcement has generated significant excitement among fans, particularly regarding casting decisions for the lead role of Park Saeroyi, originally portrayed by Park Seo-joon.
Based on Kakao Entertainment's widely successful webcomic of the same name, "Itaewon Class" tells the compelling story of Park Saeroyi, whose life takes a dramatic turn after he gets expelled from school for punching a bully who happens to be a wealthy heir named Jang Geun-won, played by Ahn Bo-hyun. Following his father's tragic death, Park decides to open a restaurant in Seoul's vibrant Itaewon neighborhood, setting up a fierce competition against the powerful Jang family's massive food corporation. The series explores themes of determination, justice, and the pursuit of dreams against overwhelming odds.
The original Korean drama premiered in January 2020 and quickly became a phenomenal success both domestically and internationally. Starting with a modest 5 percent viewership rating according to Nielsen Korea, the show's popularity steadily climbed throughout its 16-episode run, ultimately reaching a peak rating of 16.5 percent. The series gained even greater global recognition through its distribution on Netflix, where it maintained top rankings in numerous countries long after its finale concluded, earning what fans describe as being "embedded like a fossil" in the hearts of worldwide audiences.
The show's impact was particularly notable in Vietnam, where "Itaewon Class" became the most Googled drama of 2020, demonstrating its significant cultural resonance and lasting popularity among local viewers. Fans across the region have shared how the series inspired them to pursue their dreams and develop greater resilience in facing life's challenges. Social media platforms have been filled with posts and reviews highlighting the show's memorable quotes about self-worth and important life decisions. One enthusiastic fan from Manila posted on Facebook, saying that "Park Saeroyi reminds us to 'dream bigger and strive harder,'" while sharing famous quotes from the drama. Another viewer expressed their appreciation on Reddit, stating, "I think what I liked the most is seeing all these flawed characters and watching them grow throughout the show."
This marks the second international remake of the beloved Korean series. "Itaewon Class" was previously adapted for Japanese audiences in 2022 under the title "Roppongi Class," with actor Ryoma Takeuchi taking on the challenging role of Park Saeroyi. While some critics noted that certain aspects of the Japanese remake fell short compared to the original Korean version, the adaptation still achieved stable performance in the local market, recording a respectable 10.7 percent viewership rating. The success of the Japanese version has likely contributed to the confidence in creating additional remakes for other Asian markets.
