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Manhwa Review: Itaewon Class Vol. 2 (2024) by Kwang jin

Weaves an eccentric and exciting cast of characters into a deeply engaging drama.

” Vol. 2 official synopsis by Ize Press: “Saeroyi’s yearslong plan has finally come to fruition, and he is now the proud owner of a pub in Itaewon. The only problem? He barely gets any customers! Enter Yiseo Jo, social media star, sociopath, and all-around teenage genius. After the two run into each other—literally—on a serendipitous night, Saeroyi lands himself in the hospital…and forms a life-altering connection. Because when Yiseo returns to Honey Night, she brings not only business—but trouble too, and heaps of it! With an underage pub patron, a tip-off to the police, and a brawl involving one of his employees, will Saeroyi be able to handle the heat?”

Read our review of volume one of Itaewon Class First

The initial volume of “Itaewon Class” left a favorable impression but also raised some doubts about the series’ overall direction, with the inaugural release acting as an introduction several years before the story. However, the second volume puts any lingering questions to rest as the series moves forward, showing that its engrossing character-building in the first release was no fluke.

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Keeping the focus of revenge on the back burner for the second volume, “Itaewon Class” begins to weave together several characters from Saeroyi’s past and her new life as a restaurant owner in the busy streets of Itaweon. This is where begins to show his true prowess as a storyteller, as he can manage a large cast of characters and make even minor ones worthy of investment as they add substance to the grander vision. For example, a personal favorite, Seungkwon, admires Saeroyi’s determination not to let his past define him, turning him from a street thug into a valued ally looking for a legitimate means to make it through life. This is just one example, and there are characters on opposite ends of the spectrum, with many pushed by greed or hate, in stark contrast to Saeroyi and his friends.

The dramatic elements and Jin’s ability to rotate through so many characters are at the heart of what makes “Itaewon Class” so profoundly engaging. The end goal of Saeroyi exacting revenge could be a goal several volumes down the line, as the lives explored offer more than enough substance to keep the series moving forward. Notably, Yiseo Jo, the primary focus of much of volume two, not only allows us to see Saeroyi through another’s eyes but also crafts a dangerous, unpredictable persona who is certain to shake up the dynamics in later volumes.

The manhwa also proves a welcome addition to the library, which has been primarily focused on romance and fantasy, with slight deviations into series that incorporate elements of either or both. This speaks volumes to the growing popularity of manhwa and, more specifically, webtoon. Collectors of all genres who have hesitated to add these releases to their manga collection should look at titles like “Itaewon Class” as a sign of more diverse stories to come.

The art style still remains serviceable, but this is a series that not many are going to approach for that reason. The important elements, making the various characters easily recognizable in appearance and mannerisms, are successful. Any shortcomings (simple art, lack of backgrounds) become inconsequential when immersed in the story. Would a bit of flash be appreciated? Certainly, but it is not required to engage with the story that Kwang jin masterfully weaves. Moreover, those who collect digitally won’t necessarily feel they are missing out on going that route.

“Itaweon Class” adds to Ize Press’s already impressive collection, but it stands out due to its flair for drama grounded in exaggerated yet believable personalities. As the series progresses, a great story will be told here, but it is the minor details and extraordinary cast that should bring readers back to each volume.

About the author

Adam Symchuk

Adam Symchuk is a Canadian born freelance writer and editor who has been writing for Asian Movie Pulse since 2018. He is currently focused on covering manga, manhwa and light novels having reviewed hundreds of titles in the past two years.

His love of film came from horror and exploitation films from Japan that he devoured in his teens. His love of comics came from falling in love with the works of Shuzo Oshimi, Junji Ito, Hideshi Hino, and Inio Asano but has expanded to a general love of the medium and all its genres.

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