Park Seo-joon and Kim Da-mi confirmed their love for each other and shared a kiss. Photo by "Itaewon Class" capture
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Hyesoo] On the afternoon of the 21st, JTBC's 'Itaewon Class' concluded its final episode with Park Saeroyi (played by Park Seojoon) succeeding in his revenge and bearing the fruit of love with Jo Iseo (played by Kim Dami).
In the broadcast that day, Park Saeroyi knelt before Chairman Jang (played by Yoo Jae-myung) to save Jo Iseo. At Saeroyi's words, "You made me kneel," Chairman Jang sneered, "Where did your conviction and spirit go, that you kneel for such a trivial matter?" Saeroyi asked, "Where is Jang Geunwon?" and Chairman Jang replied self-deprecatingly, "It's disheartening. So insignificant. Because of that insignificant knee, I ended up abandoning my son again."
When Chairman Jang asked, "You knelt before your enemy like me. How do you feel now?" Saeroyi answered, "I feel pitiful." Then he said, "How do you feel, Chairman? Are you happy to have made me kneel like this? Is it satisfying?" He added that although their values differed, he had no choice but to acknowledge him, but seeing him now, he feels pitiful because of how ugly he has become, and then left.
Meanwhile, Jo Iseo and Jang Geunsu (played by Kim Donghee) try to escape but are caught by Jang Geunwon (played by Ahn Bohyun). Jo Iseo and Geunsu pick up weapons to confront Jang Geunwon's gang but only earn laughter. Just as they are about to attack, Iseo shouts, "Cheer up, Jang Geunsu!" and runs away, leaving Geunsu to face Jang Geunwon's gang alone.
Eventually, Geunsu collapses with a critical injury to his leg. When Kim Heehun (played by Won Hyunjoon) raises his hand to hit Seungkwon again, Jang Geunwon grabs his arm to stop him. Jang Geunwon advises Geunsu to "just lie down," but Seungkwon says, "I've never gotten what I wanted in life." Then he adds, "Still, you and I are brothers, I guess. We were always wrong in our methods," which complicates Geunwon's feelings.
Meanwhile, Jo Iseo, who had run away alone, is spotted by Jang Geunwon's gang. As Iseo runs across a field, Jang Geunwon's gang sets up to catch her from both sides, but just then Park Saeroyi and Seungkwon arrive driving a car and crash into Jang Geunwon's vehicle. Seeing Saeroyi get out of the car, Iseo is surprised and happily runs to him, calling him "CEO!" and hugging him.
Their joy is short-lived as Jang Geunwon gets out of his car and says, "You've done well. You came to die, didn't you? On your own feet." Kim Heehun adds, "Why bother coming when you could just stay put?" Saeroyi retorts, "I'm on my way after reporting to the police, so just leave." As Saeroyi and Iseo hold hands and run away, Seungkwon stays behind to confront Heehun. Jang Geunwon drives off alone to chase Saeroyi and Iseo.
While running away, Jo Iseo supports a staggering Park Saeroyi who complains of a headache. Saeroyi suddenly says, "I remember running in Itaewon," and speaks to Iseo. He continues, "My mind and heart are filled with you. Did you feel the same? This is really thrilling," and then confesses, "I love you. I love you, Iseo." Touched, Iseo embraces Saeroyi.
As Saeroyi and Iseo hug, Jang Geunwon's car rapidly approaches. Saeroyi throws a stone at the windshield to stop the car. He tells Iseo to run away alone, but Iseo replies, "If you die, I die too," refusing to leave. As Iseo runs, Saeroyi monologues, "Today, it all ends," and engages in a bloody fistfight with Geunwon.
Meanwhile, Oh Byunghun (played by Yoon Kyungho) finds the fleeing Iseo and rescues her. Saeroyi throws sand into Geunwon's eyes to gain the upper hand and successfully knocks him out in one blow. Then Iseo arrives with Oh Byunghun to save Saeroyi. Saeroyi, embraced by Iseo, sighs in relief, saying, "Now. Let's be happy."
The Jang family faces investigation for bribery and embezzlement following a report by Oh Sua (played by Kwon Nara). Chairman Jang suffers under a search and seizure. Discussing countermeasures with Manager Kim and Jang Geunsu, Chairman Jang says he will take all the blame himself. When Geunsu mentions that the board is considering a sale, Chairman Jang is displeased. Geunsu says he has a good offer.
Lee Hojin (played by Lee Dawit) visits Jang Geunwon to personally inform him of the Jang family's merger and acquisition news. When told that Chairman Jang will soon be arrested, Geunwon says, "You little punk!" but Lee Hojin replies, "Stop whining. It's over now. I'll forgive you," and leaves.
Chairman Jang makes calls everywhere seeking help but is mostly rejected or ignored. When Geunsu says, "There is no more way. The four-character idiom Dad liked most: survival of the fittest. We, weakened, have been eaten," Chairman Jang drives Geunsu away.
Cornered, Chairman Jang calls Mrs. Kim, saying, "I don't have much time left," and asks for help one more time. However, Mrs. Kim asks why he is still doing business now, blaming him for losing his original intention. She coldly refuses, saying, "The one holding the knife is someone else."
Chairman Jang visits Park Saeroyi. Saeroyi cooks and serves soft tofu stew to the visiting Chairman. As Chairman Jang hurriedly eats the stew, Saeroyi says, "I'm considering acquiring the Jang family business," adding, "Director Kang will handle operations." He also says, "I plan to discard the name Jang."
But Chairman Jang only asks who taught him to make the stew. Saeroyi answers that he learned from his father, especially putting care into the meju powder. Hearing this, Chairman Jang says, "Having been served such a delicious meal, what can I do? I didn't bring money. Can I pay with something else?" He kneels and pleads, sobbing, asking to be forgiven for his mistakes.
Watching quietly, Saeroyi tells Chairman Jang, "It's the picture you wanted, but it doesn't feel good. Do you see me as a pushover? I am a businessman," sharply advising him to do business properly.
At the Jang family shareholders' meeting, having officially acquired the Jang family business, Park Saeroyi gives a speech: "The most important things in business are people and trust. I will prioritize people over money and trust over profit. Together with you all, I will bring new prosperity."
After the shareholders' meeting, Saeroyi meets Geunsu. Geunsu confesses to Saeroyi the things he did for the Jang family and to possess Iseo, saying, "I knew but couldn't stop. I didn't know how to stop." Saeroyi replies, "It's okay. You're still a rookie. Come eat with us sometimes," and leaves.
Geunsu visits Danbam Pocha and apologizes to Seungkwon and Ma Hyunyi (played by Lee Jooyoung). After Ma Hyunyi hits him once, she says, "If it's so hard, why do you do things that don't suit you?" When told Iseo will come, he says, "Later," and leaves. But on his way home, Geunsu runs into Iseo.
Geunsu says he will soon leave for the U.S. and asks for a handshake. Iseo hugs him and says, "Regardless of right or wrong, your sincere heart was conveyed. I can't accept it, but I received it all. I'm sorry and thank you for using that heart. Live well," comforting Geunsu's feelings.
Jo Iseo and Ma Hyunyi visit a hot place for a site inspection. It turns out the owner of the place is Sua. After Iseo and Ma Hyunyi leave, Sua interviews a young chef (played by Park Bogum), tastes his cooking, and immediately hires him.
Park Saeroyi and Jo Iseo go on a date. For the first time, they hold hands. Iseo says, "Our commonality is not knowing human warmth," and adds, "I wanted to make it not hard, not lonely." She also confesses, "I wanted to sweeten the CEO's bitter nights." Furthermore, she says, "When I think of you, my empty daily life burns with you. Thank you. I love you. I will make you happy," moving Saeroyi.
Saeroyi, with a monologue, "I wanted to be happy," says, "I love you too, Iseo," and kisses her. He then silently repeats, "I am already happier than ever." When his father asks, "How does the alcohol taste?" Saeroyi finally breaks into a broad smile.
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