'Itaewon Class' Ratings Hit 12%, Tops Same Time Slot; Yoo Jae-myung Begins Comeback as New Building Owner

Photo by 'Itaewon Class' capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Hyesoo] The 7th episode of 'Itaewon Class,' which aired on the 21st, recorded a 12% viewership rating, ranking first in its time slot.

On this day, 'Itaewon Class' began with Jang Daehee (played by Yoo Jae-myung) visiting Park Saeroyi's (played by Park Seojoon) Danbam Pocha, signaling the start of a full-scale confrontation. After tasting the menu at Danbam Pocha, Chairman Jang advised Park Saeroyi to give up, saying that this level was no match for Jangga. In response, Park Saeroyi expressed his determination to stand up against Chairman Jang.

Next, Chairman Jang asked why Park Saeroyi had invested his father's entire insurance money into Jangga when it was almost collapsing, to which Park Saeroyi replied that he believed Jangga would not fall that easily. When Chairman Jang repeatedly questioned the reason for his recent large reinvestment, Park Saeroyi responded strongly, asking if he was worried about him.

After the tense exchange between Chairman Jang and Park Saeroyi, Jo Iseo (played by Kim Dami) pointed out that the reaction was excessive, but Park Saeroyi delivered a meaningful line, saying that in a fight, the first strike is important, and the first strike should hit the back of the head.

Photo by 'Itaewon Class' capture

In fact, behind Park Saeroyi was Lee Hojin (played by Lee Dawit). Having only suffered at the hands of Jang Geunwon (played by Ahn Bo-hyun) in the past, Lee Hojin gritted his teeth, studied hard, and became a fund manager. Later, the two, who became friends when Park Saeroyi was imprisoned, joined forces to prepare revenge against Jangga. Moreover, they succeeded in recruiting Kang Minjung (played by Kim Hye-eun), a director of the Jangga Group, marking the start of the trio's cooperation.

As a result, Park Saeroyi, who acquired 1% of Jangga's shares equivalent to 1.9 billion won, was cautioned by Lee Hojin for revealing his teeth too quickly. In response, Park Saeroyi visited the detective in charge of the hit-and-run accident that killed his father. Park Saeroyi told the detective to turn himself in, but the detective said he could not because of his young daughter.

Jo Iseo, who accompanied Park Saeroyi to see the detective, learned of Park Saeroyi's new circumstances and, while gently touching the scar on his forearm, felt the pain as if it were her own wound, crying and silently saying "I love you" in her heart.

Photo by 'Itaewon Class' capture

This episode also depicted a newly established relationship between Jang Geunsu (played by Kim Donghee), Jang Geunwon, and Chairman Jang. On his way to meet Chairman Jang, Jang Geunsu encountered Jang Geunwon, who aggressively asked why he was there, but Geunsu stood his ground without intimidation, leaving Geunwon flustered. He also showed a firm stance defending Park Saeroyi against Chairman Jang's order to quit Danbam Pocha and study abroad, drawing attention to the upcoming dynamics between the father and son.

Meanwhile, a new landlord appeared at Danbam Pocha, sending documents demanding a rent increase and that the store be vacated immediately after the contract expires. While pondering this with his staff, Park Saeroyi called the new landlord, who turned out to be none other than Chairman Jang.

With Chairman Jang becoming the new landlord of Danbam Pocha, the 8th episode of 'Itaewon Class,' entering a new phase with Park Saeroyi, can be watched on JTBC at 10:55 PM on the 22nd.