'Itaewon Class' Ranks 2nd Among JTBC Dramas, Park Seo-joon Says "A Store Is About People" (Summary)

Published 23 Feb.2020 18:42(KST)

Photo by 'Itaewon Class' capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Hyesoo] 'Itaewon Class' is achieving great success by breaking JTBC's all-time drama records.

The 8th episode of 'Itaewon Class,' aired on the 22nd, recorded nationwide and metropolitan area ratings of 12.6% and 14.0% respectively (based on Nielsen Korea paid households), securing the top spot in its time slot and ranking as the second highest-rated JTBC drama ever, proving its popularity. (The first place is 'SKY Castle')

In this episode, Park Saeroyi (played by Park Seojoon) heads to Jangga Group to meet the new building owner Chairman Jang (played by Yoo Jae-myung). Chairman Jang tries to persuade Park Saeroyi by saying, "If you kneel once, you can forget the past cleanly and I won't take anything away from you." However, Park Saeroyi confronts him, saying, "Is expulsion all you have? Is it just about the building? You haven't taken anything from me." He then emphasizes that people are the most important to him, shaking Chairman Jang's heart.

Photo by 'Itaewon Class' capture

Jo Iseo (played by Kim Dami), having learned about the relationship with Jangga from Park Saeroyi, begins to show unnecessary hostility toward Jang Geunsu (played by Kim Donghee). After hearing from Iseo about her family and Park Saeroyi's relationship, Geunsu feels guilty.

Noticing Geunsu's noticeable silence and anxiety, Park Saeroyi calls him aside to ask the reason. Geunsu apologizes with a remorseful face, saying, "Why didn't you tell me how my family treated you?" Park Saeroyi dismisses it, saying it’s between Geunsu’s older brother and father, and has nothing to do with him.

Recalling the day Geunsu came to work at Danbam, Park Saeroyi says that Geunsu seemed to need someone to lean on. He adds, "I saw myself in you," which brings Geunsu to tears. In response, Geunsu deeply apologizes, saying, "I sincerely apologize for everything my family has done to you. We will definitely be punished."

Photo by 'Itaewon Class' capture

Geunsu tells Jo Iseo that he will ask his father, Chairman Jang, not to touch Danbam Pocha on the condition that he quits the store. Iseo reacts positively, saying, "Will you do that?" and Geunsu expresses his regret, saying, "You're really mean."

When all the members are gathered at Danbam Pocha, Iseo suddenly tells Park Saeroyi, "Geunsu has something to say," while looking at Geunsu. Facing Park Saeroyi, Geunsu says he wants to quit the store. Park Saeroyi tries to persuade him, saying, "If the reason you want to quit is because of your father or brother, can't you not go? I see you as a younger brother and I like you."

At that moment, Iseo says she has made a deal with Chairman Jang on the condition that Geunsu leaves. Hearing this, Park Saeroyi rips off Iseo’s manager badge and shouts, "You are not qualified to be a manager."

Iseo and Park Saeroyi clash fiercely between reality and stubbornness, and eventually Park Saeroyi shouts, "Why do your actions to protect me end up cutting off my people?!!" Iseo retorts that she has no practical alternative, and Park Saeroyi surprises everyone, including Iseo and the members, by saying he will buy the building.

Photo by 'Itaewon Class' capture

After the fight with Park Saeroyi, Iseo, while acknowledging that the boss is strange, strangely likes him and reaffirms her love for Park Saeroyi. She then apologizes to Geunsu and says, "I know you like me, but I love the boss madly, so don’t interfere," stirring Geunsu’s feelings once again.

Park Saeroyi recovers the 1 billion won he invested in Jangga to save Danbam Pocha, buys the building, and starts anew. Kang Minjung (played by Kim Hye-eun) expresses that although it is different from what she expected, she will continue to go forward with Park Saeroyi.

The episode ends with Jo Iseo appearing in Chairman Jang’s office, raising anticipation for episode 9.