‘Itaewon Class’ Gwangjin Writer Returns! Spin-off ‘Janga’ Featuring Villain Jang Dae-hee — Exclusive Release on KakaoPage

The world of 〈Itaewon Class〉, which became a symbol of global K-story by sparking the “Park Sae-ro-i Syndrome” across the world, is set to expand again six years later. Kakao Entertainment announced it will exclusively unveil 〈Janga〉, the first web novel by writer Gwangjin and a spin-off that chronicles the life of the main villain, Jang Dae-hee.

From the Korean War to founding Janga Group… The Chronicle of a Man Who Became a “Monster”

Unveiling its secrets on KakaoPage at 6:00 PM on the 21st, 〈Janga〉 tells the past of Chairman Jang Dae-hee, whose presence in 〈Itaewon Class〉 left overwhelming pressure. Set against the tumultuous period of the Korean War, the work shines a light on his brutal youth—when he fought desperately to survive amid hunger and a collapsing order.

From starting at the bottom to building the best dining-out company in the Republic of Korea, ‘Janga,’ it will delve deeply into how his cold and merciless choices turned an ordinary human into a personification of power.

“A Completely Different Choice from Park Sae-ro-i”… Key Viewing Points from Writer Gwangjin

Regarding the motivation behind writing this work, writer Gwangjin said, “I’ve always wondered how a person like Jang Dae-hee could become such a monster,” adding, “I can’t justify his evil deeds, but I wanted to understand the character deeply through the hardships and adversities he faced in a turbulent era.”

In particular, the writer said, “In the same situation, Jang Dae-hee makes choices that are the complete opposite of Park Sae-ro-i,” and added, “Watching the differences in those choices will be the core fun of the work,” heightening readers’ anticipation.

The Return of a Global Mega-Hit IP… Expands Beyond Webtoons and Dramas into Web Novels

The original, 〈Itaewon Class〉, began as a webtoon that amassed 420 million views, and was adapted into a drama that went on to achieve an extraordinary hit. It continues to be loved across Asia, including Japan’s 〈Roppongi Class〉 remake and musical performances.

This web novel 〈Janga〉 is expected to give original fans the pleasure of confirming the villain’s backstory, while offering new readers the heavy, distinctive enjoyment of a historical drama. Writer Gwangjin’s new work 〈Janga〉 will be serialized on KakaoPage every Monday through Friday.