이태원 클라쓰
"I want to live a life in which you can't put a price on your convictions."
Itaewon Class - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
The Chestnut Haircut
Represents Sae-ro-yi's stubbornness, simplicity, and refusal to change his essence despite the passage of time and the weight of his hardships.
Sae-ro-yi maintains this specific buzz cut from high school through his time in prison and into his success as a CEO, becoming a symbol of his unyielding character.
DanBam (Sweet Night)
Symbolizes the hope for a life where the bitterness of the past is replaced by sweetness. It represents the "sweet night" Sae-ro-yi wishes for after his long, bitter struggle.
It is the name of his pub in Itaewon and later becomes the foundation of his global corporation, IC (Itaewon Class) Group.
The Diamond (Poem)
Symbolizes resilience and the process of becoming stronger under extreme pressure. It specifically represents the strength of those who are different.
Jo Yi-seo recites a poem about a rock that refuses to break and becomes a diamond to encourage Ma Hyeon-yi during the "Greatest Pub" cooking competition.
The Wristwatch
Represents his father's legacy and the value of time. It serves as a reminder of the goal Sae-ro-yi is working toward.
The watch belonged to his father and is one of the few items Sae-ro-yi keeps as a constant connection to his past and his motivation.
Philosophical Questions
Can success be achieved without moral compromise?
The series tests this by placing Sae-ro-yi in situations where kneeling or lying would lead to immediate profit. His refusal to do so suggests that while the path is longer and harder, a "clean" victory is the only one worth having.
What is the true meaning of a 'Sweet Night'?
The show explores whether peace comes from the destruction of enemies or the presence of loved ones. It concludes that revenge is a bitter drink, and sweetness only arrives when the heart is free from hatred.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of Itaewon Class lies in the power of unwavering integrity and the definition of true success. It posits that a life lived according to one's own principles—no matter how costly—is the ultimate victory over those who use power to oppress others. The show argues that success is not merely about wealth or corporate dominance, but about the people you carry with you and the strength to remain human in an inhumane world. It is a celebration of the marginalized, suggesting that those deemed "misfits" by society are the ones capable of bringing about genuine change.