Park Saeroyi - A Journey of Growth Between Revenge and Conviction
From Stubborn Youth to CEO
What struck me most while watching "Itaewon Class" was the protagonist Park Saeroyi's (played by Park Seo-joon) unwavering conviction. From beginning to end, he never compromises his principles. But he's not just a stubborn person - the core of this drama lies in how he gradually grows and changes while holding onto that stubbornness.
A Revenge Story Protagonist, But...
Park Saeroyi starts as a typical revenge drama protagonist. He has a clear goal: to take revenge on the Jangga Group and Chairman Jang Dae-hee, who drove his father to death. For 15 long years, he runs toward only that goal.
However, as the drama progresses, Saeroyi's revenge transforms from simple "retaliation" into a "righteous victory." His goal expands from destroying Jangga to achieving greater success than them. Through this process, he grows into a true businessman and leader.
SOURCE: WIKIMEDIA
The Cost of Keeping Your Principles
Park Saeroyi's greatest characteristic is that he never bends his principles. In high school, he gets expelled for hitting Jang Geun-soo, who was bullying a friend, and refuses to kneel even when it means giving up his chance for parole.
His stubbornness sometimes seems frustrating. It looks like he's taking the hard way when small compromises could easily solve things. But that's exactly what makes Park Saeroyi so charming. He's someone who holds onto the values that we easily compromise and give up on in reality.
Changing Through Meeting Jo Yi-seo
Jo Yi-seo (played by Kim Da-mi) is an essential figure in Saeroyi's growth. Initially, Saeroyi only thought about revenge and success. Things like other people's emotions or his own happiness came second.
But watching Yi-seo's honest confession and dedication, and spending time with the DanBam family, Saeroyi gradually changes. He realizes that there are things more important than revenge, and that he too is someone who can love and be loved.
More Charming Because He's Not Perfect
Park Saeroyi isn't a perfect protagonist. Sometimes he lacks flexibility, is awkward with expressing emotions, and is slow at reading people's feelings. Especially when he shows indecisiveness between Jo Yi-seo and Oh Soo-ah (played by Kwon Nara), viewers found him frustrating.
But those imperfections made Park Saeroyi a more realistic and relatable character. While his convictions are steel-strong, in everything else, he's just as clumsy and mistake-prone as the rest of us ordinary people.
What He Finally Gained: The Meaning of Real Success
In the latter part of the drama, Park Saeroyi realizes what he truly wanted. It wasn't simply destroying Jangga and getting revenge, but creating happiness with the people he cherishes.
The choices Saeroyi makes in the final episode complete his growth. He achieves his revenge but doesn't obsess over it, chooses the person he loves, and accomplishes success in his own way. At the end of his 15-year journey, he finally becomes the "complete Park Saeroyi."
The Message He Left Us
The message that Park Saeroyi's character gives us is clear: Living while keeping your convictions isn't easy, but real growth happens in that process.
In reality, we make small compromises every day. We console ourselves that this is part of becoming an adult. But Park Saeroyi says, "I'm going to do it my way." And he actually does it.
In Closing
Park Saeroyi in "Itaewon Class" showed us a journey of growth from a revenge drama protagonist to a true adult. His stubborn convictions, awkward emotional expressions, and the success and love he ultimately achieved - every part of the process left a deep impression on us.
A character that makes us think about what it means to "live as yourself" and what true success really is. That's Park Saeroyi.
What aspect of Park Saeroyi do you remember most? Let's chat in the comments! 😊