My husband and I just finished "Itaewon Class" on Netflix, and we're both feeling a little lost without it! Though the details of episode one remain hazy (模糊不清), a powerful image lingers. The story kicks off with the central character, a resolute (坚毅的) figure, standing firm against the tyranny (独裁) of the wealthy and powerful.
The story takes a signature Korean drama turn in the second episode. The protagonist Park Sae-ro-yi's refusal to surrender has a tragic consequence - his father is abruptly fired, then his life is cut short in a car accident caused by the powerful family's son. This tragic event throws Sae-ro-yi's life into disarray and sets the stage for a tough fight against the powerful family and all the sadness that's dragging him down.
Throughout the first half of the drama, I found myself questioning the story's plausibility and criticizing Sae-ro-yi's perceived stubbornness. Yet, as I watched him relentlessly (坚持不懈地) defy the unfairness, a question arose: would I, in his shoes, have surrendered and apologized? The answer, upon honest reflection, was a resounding no. I would hold onto my beliefs.
The kindness and compassion he showers upon those around him paint him as a near-mythical figure. We yearn (向往) for such unwavering kindness in our own lives, a stark contrast to the harsh realities we often face. This is the magic of Korean dramas, isn't it? They offer an escape where such paragons (典范) of virtue exist, reminding us of the power of hope and the heroes we dream of becoming.
The show's finale leaves me with two powerful takeaways. First, it ignites a fire within - a reminder to chase our dreams with unwavering determination, refusing to let hesitation dim our passion. Second, it unveils the harsh reality that some wounds may never fully heal. In such cases, the strength lies in fighting for ourselves, carrying the weight of what happened, finding closure without forgiveness, but choosing to move on with strength and resilience.
Every character experiences wins and losses, shaping them in profound ways. Take Jang Geun-won, a man the audience might despise. He's a criminal, responsible for an act that shatters Park Sae-ro-yi's life. In a twisted sense, he achieves his goal – a chilling victory for oppression (压迫). Lee Ho-jin, the spark that ignited this narrative, may have achieved success and delivered a measure of justice by sending Jang Geun-won to prison. Yet, the scars inflicted by him remain etched (侵蚀) upon Ho-jin's soul. He may be the hero of his own story, but Jang Geun-won serves as a constant reminder, a shadow forever looming, a testament to the enduring power of the past.
The women in this story are the ones to watch – they're making waves. Each possesses (拥有) a heart brimming (充满) with courage, and their actions ignite a fire of inspiration within the viewer. Oh So-ah, a character who initially drew my criticism, blossomed into a revelation (启示) by the finale. She embodies the quiet strength of a hidden hero. With unwavering determination, she shouldered burdens in silence, all while safeguarding the affections of her heart. She exemplifies the power of a strong heart that fights for loved ones, a quality I deeply admire and often find myself yearning for. In many ways, Oh So-ah mirrors Park Sae-ro-yi. They are kindred spirits, navigating life's challenges with kindness as their weapon, enduring solitude, and relentlessly pursuing their aspirations.
The supporting characters, though their journeys are just glimpses, leave a lasting impression. While a tinge of sadness lingers at the lack of their full narratives, it resonates with the truth of life. We all cross paths, playing supporting roles in each other's stories. Yet, within ourselves, we are the protagonists, weaving our own narratives, cherished by those we hold dear.
The end.
P.S Thanks to Gemini, this journey of expressing my true feelings in English has become more vivid!
Go Yuchen!