Itaewon Class: Vol. 3 Review

Oct 22

REVIEW

✦

REVIEW ✦

The popular manhwa Itaewon Class is back with another collection of its gripping story — and it’s definitely the strongest volume of the series so far. Here’s our assessment of the third volume.

The Plot

In volume three of Itaewon Class, Saeroyi’s journey takes a tumultuous turn as he finally achieves his dream of opening a pub in the vibrant district of Itaewon. However, his triumph is short-lived when Sooah reports the pub for serving alcohol to minors, leading to a temporary shutdown of Honey Night. This setback is compounded by the reappearance of Saeroyi’s archnemesis, Geunwon, adding tension and conflict to the narrative. Despite these challenges, Saeroyi’s resilience shines through, especially with the fierce and resourceful Yiseo by his side. This volume expertly balances the highs and lows of Saeroyi’s journey, keeping readers engaged with its dynamic storytelling.

The Characters

The characters in Itaewon Class continue to evolve in the third volume, with Saeroyi’s determination and unwavering spirit at the forefront. His character is tested by the obstacles he faces, but his resolve remains unshaken (and even offers forgiveness when it seems unlikely). Yiseo emerges as a standout character, showcasing her internal struggles with family expectations and her budding feelings for Saeroyi. Her partnership with Saeroyi adds depth to the story, highlighting the strength of their bond (even when under the influence of booze).

The Art

The art in Itaewon Class volume three feels emotionally evocative. The detailed backgrounds of Itaewon capture the essence of the bustling district, immersing readers in its vibrant atmosphere — while Yiseo’s reflective moments feel beautifully constructed. Character expressions are meticulously drawn, conveying a wide range of emotions that enhance the storytelling from comedic drunkenness to extreme disappointment. The brief but memorable action scenes are dynamic and well-executed (food being used at the tail end of the fight was particularly savage), adding a little bit of everything. Overall, the art complements the ever-evolving narrative beautifully, making each panel a visual treat.

Themes and Symbolism

Volume three delves into themes of resilience, following one’s heart, justice, and even the ongoing pursuit of dreams. As we’ve seen up to this point, Saeroyi’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity as the temporary shutdown of Honey Night symbolizes the setbacks that often accompany the pursuit of one’s goals; while Saeroyi’s response to these challenges underscores the importance of resilience. The growing romantic spark between Saeroyi and Yiseo also sets up a potentially eventful sequence of events that fans will certainly gravitate toward in future chapters (though, for non-first timers unlike myself, I guess you already know what’s in store).

The Verdict

Itaewon Class volume three is a solid continuation of Saeroyi’s story, filled with emotional highs and lows, well-developed characters, and stunning artwork.