What Korean Romantic Books Are Similar To 'Itaewon Class'?

If you loved the gritty, underdog spirit of 'Itaewon Class', you might find 'Misaeng: Incomplete Life' by Yoon Taeho equally gripping. It's another webtoon-turned-drama that dives deep into societal struggles, though it trades street battles for corporate warfare. The protagonist, Jang Geu-rae, is just as determined as Park Sae-ro-yi but fights his battles in a cutthroat office instead of a restaurant. The themes of perseverance, found family, and systemic injustice hit just as hard. For something more food-centric but equally emotional, 'Pasta' by Kim Hyun-hee blends culinary passion with workplace drama. It lacks the revenge plot but shares that same fire of chasing dreams against all odds. I bawled during the scene where the chef protects her kitchen like Sae-ro-yi defends DanBam—different settings, same heart.

The role of food in Korean literary romance is something I adore. It’s never just a meal; it’s an act of care, a shared memory, a symbol of desire or neglect. In 'The Vegetarian', the rejection of meat is the ultimate romantic (and anti-romantic) act. In other stories, preparing a simple bowl of rice or sharing street food can carry more emotional weight than a love confession. Pay attention to those details. They tell you everything about the relationships—who cares, who is distant, what is shared, and what is withheld.

I recently stumbled upon a gem called 'Beneath the Neon Lights' that absolutely nails the use of shibal in 'Itaewon Class' fanfics. The author doesn’t just throw it in for shock value; it’s woven into moments where Saeroyi and Soo-ah’s frustration boils over, making their unresolved tension crackle. The way curses punctuate their arguments—sharp, desperate, loaded with years of unspoken feelings—elevates the angst to another level. Another standout is 'Scorched Earth', where shibal becomes a language of its own between Saeroyi and Yi-Seo. Their dynamic is already volatile, but the fic uses crude language to mirror their emotional scars. Every hissed insult feels like a step closer to raw vulnerability, especially in scenes where pride falls apart. It’s not about edginess; it’s about characters who’ve suffered too much to speak gently.

I find Korean romantic novels to be a delightful gateway into the rich tapestry of Korean culture and emotions. For beginners, 'The Vegetarian' by Han Kang is a hauntingly beautiful story that intertwines romance with deeper psychological themes, though it’s not a conventional love story. Another fantastic choice is 'Please Look After Mom' by Kyung-Sook Shin, which explores familial love in a profoundly moving way. For those seeking lighter, more traditional romance, 'My Love from the Star' by Ji-nae Park is a charming adaptation of the popular K-drama, blending fantasy and love seamlessly. 'The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly' by Sun-mi Hwang is a heartwarming allegory about love and perseverance, perfect for readers who enjoy metaphorical storytelling. These novels offer a mix of styles, ensuring beginners can find something that resonates with their tastes while introducing them to the depth of Korean storytelling.

Growing up glued to webtoons and K-drama recaps, I can still get excited talking about 'Itaewon Class' — the original webtoon was written by Jo Gwang-jin (조광진). He launched it on Naver Webtoon and ran the serialization from around 2016 to 2018; that online run is what let the story build the kind of grassroots fandom that later helped the TV adaptation blow up in 2020. I loved how the visuals and pacing in the webtoon set up characters so vividly that the drama felt like a natural extension rather than a retelling. Why did Jo write it? For me it reads like a deliberate mix of social critique and personal empathy. He wanted to tell an underdog story about someone who faces corporate injustice, social prejudice, and personal loss — and who fights back by building something real: the bar-restaurant 'DanBam'. Through that small-business lens the webtoon explores entrepreneurship, systemic power, and the messy human side of revenge and healing. Jo also threaded in Itaewon’s multicultural energy and marginal voices — which felt intentional, like he wanted a modern Seoul that wasn’t one-note. I always felt the whole project was driven by a desire to make readers root for people who get overlooked, to show resilience without glamorizing violence. Personally, that blend of grit and warmth is what stuck with me long after I closed the last chapter.

I picked up 'Itaewon Class' Vol. 1 on a whim, and honestly, it hooked me faster than I expected. The story follows Park Sae-ro-yi, a guy with a burning sense of justice and a chip on his shoulder, and his journey from tragedy to rebuilding his life in Itaewon. The manga adaptation captures the gritty, emotional tone of the original drama while adding its own flair—especially in the art style, which feels raw and dynamic. The pacing is tight, and even if you’ve seen the show, there’s enough nuance here to keep it fresh. What really stood out to me was how the manga digs deeper into Sae-ro-yi’s internal struggles. The drama was great, but the panels let you sit with his anger and determination in a way that feels more intimate. The supporting cast, like Yi Seo and Geun-won, also get moments that flesh them out beyond their TV counterparts. If you’re into underdog stories with a side of revenge and personal growth, this volume sets up a promising arc. I’m already itching to see how the rest of the series unfolds—it’s got that addictive quality where you just need to know what happens next.

If you loved 'Seoulmates' for its blend of romance and cultural vibes, you might enjoy 'Pachinko' by Min Jin Lee. It's a sprawling family saga that dives deep into Korean-Japanese history, but like 'Seoulmates,' it has this emotional core that makes you root for the characters. The way it explores identity and love across generations is just chef's kiss. Another one to check out is 'If I Had Your Face' by Frances Cha. It’s set in modern Seoul and follows four women navigating beauty standards, relationships, and societal pressures. The writing is sharp, and the characters feel so real—kind of like how 'Searlmates' makes you feel like you’re right there with them. Bonus: it’s got that same mix of heart and hustle.

Man, 'Sweet Night' from 'Itaewon Class' hits differently every time I listen to it! The song is performed by V from BTS—his velvety voice just melts into the drama's emotional scenes. I remember binge-watching the show and rewinding that rooftop scene with Park Sae-ro-yi and Jo Yi-seo just to hear the song again. V's solo work always has this intimate, raw quality, and 'Sweet Night' is no exception. It's like he bottled up all the bittersweet feelings of the show and poured them into three minutes of pure magic. Funny enough, I got into BTS because of this track. Before 'Itaewon Class,' I was kinda resistant to K-pop, but V's artistry here completely won me over. Now I'm deep down the rabbit hole, blasting 'Dynamite' while doing dishes. Life works in mysterious ways!

The main antagonist in 'Itaewon Class' Volume 1 is Jang Dae-hee, the ruthless CEO of Jangga Group. He embodies corporate greed and unchecked power, manipulating everything from business deals to personal lives to maintain his empire. What makes him terrifying isn’t just his wealth but his willingness to crush anyone in his path—like when he orchestrates the downfall of Park Sae-ro-yi’s father early in the story. Dae-hee’s villainy isn’t flashy; it’s cold and systemic. His son, Jang Geun-won, acts as a violent extension of his will, but the real rot starts at the top. The series does a brilliant job showing how villains aren’t always mustache-twirling caricatures—sometimes they’re just CEOs in tailored suits, sipping whiskey while ruining lives.

I recently fell in love with 'Midnight Romance in Hagwon' and have been hunting for similar vibes. If you're into the slow-burn, teacher-student dynamic with a side of emotional depth, 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty' might hit the spot. It's not exactly the same, but it has that mix of personal growth and subtle romance. Another great pick is 'Because This Is My First Life', which blends slice-of-life with heartfelt connections. For something with more drama but similar emotional weight, 'Cheese in the Trap' is a solid choice. These all capture that blend of realism and romance that makes 'Midnight Romance in Hagwon' so special.