'JTBC Itaewon Class' The Viral Poem... Who Is the Author of the 'Stone Poem'?

JTBC's "Itaewon Class" aired on the 7th. Photo by broadcast screen capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Park Hee-eun] Attention is focused on the poem featured in the JTBC drama 'Itaewon Class,' which aired on the 7th.

In the episode, there was a scene where Ma Hyun-i (played by Lee Joo-young) reveals that she is transgender.

Before winning the 'Choi Kang Pocha' competition, Jang Geun-soo (Kim Dong-hee) informed the media that Ma Hyun-i is a transgender who underwent gender transition to defeat him. After reading the article, Ma Hyun-i hid and shed tears due to people's whispers.

In the following scene, Jo Yi-seo called Ma Hyun-i and comforted her by reciting a poem: “I am a stone. Sear me hotly. I am a stone that does not move. Strike me fiercely. I am a hard stone. Lock me in deep darkness. I am a stone shining alone. I will even reject the natural law of breaking, turning to ashes, and rotting.”

Encouraged by this, Ma Hyun-i appeared at the cooking competition and said, “I am Danbam chef Ma Hyun-i. I am transgender. And I will win today.” Park Sae-ro-yi and the Danbam team smiled and cheered for her.

The 'Stone' poem featured in this scene has received praise from viewers. The poem also appeared in the webtoon, leaving a strong impression on fans. It was revealed that 'Gwangjin,' the original creator of the 'Itaewon Class' webtoon, personally wrote the poem, which became a hot topic.