Episode 12 Recap: Losing is Not an Option for Sae-Ro-Yi and Friends in 'Itaewon Class'

Whatever the challenges are, as long as the heart burns with desire, there is no reason to give up. JTBC's 'Itaewon Class' is climbing higher on top of the ratings every week. We're inching closer to the finale and we can't get enough of the intense performances in each scene.

The start of episode 12 is how Yi-Seo ends up heartbroken about Sae-Ro-Yi's admission that he has no romantic feelings for her. She decided to go on a holiday break to forget what happened. Sae-Ro-Yi allowed her, given that a temporary space between them is what they needed at the moment.

Meanwhile, Chairman Dae-Hee remained furious for the second time they lost the competition. Geun-Soo suggested to take over in handling the Jangga Co in the contest. The chairman agreed although secretary Soo-Ah felt overruled.

The following day, everyone was excited about the new office. They all came to continue with the meeting for their new campaign. The investors withdrew their money (through the works of Chairman Dae Hee) and in no time Sae-Ro-Yi left bankrupt and in debt. The big challenge is that Sae-Ro Yi already spent half of the funds. A lot of small-time investors rushed to his office. It was a chaos and his staff tried to calm the angry traders. Sae-Ro-Yi shouted and assured them that he will return their money in due time.

Secretary Soo-ah came to the scene bringing a plant with a message from Chairman Dae-Hee. Telling to stay where he is and stop chasing dreams for nothing. Sae-Ro Yi was so mad and he left the office alone. Secretary Soo-ah ran after him and told him to stop fighting back with the large corporation. Sae-Ro Yi said that he will work hard to overpower the chairman whatever it takes.

Yi-seo came back to help DanBam. She told the team that she cannot stay away and knowing that all are gone. They immediately looked for investors. To their surprise, grandmother of Kim Ta Ni arrived to volunteer in helping them. They never knew that grandma Kim was a secret millionaire until that day.

Sae-Ro Yi declined at the first meeting, but he realized the next day that he needs to gulp down his pride and accept the offer. On a private island, Yi-seo visited granny Kim. Here, Sae-Ro Yi contacted Yi-seo. Grandmother Kim made a condition for Sae-Ro-Yi that she will invest as long as they win the cooking final competition. Sae-Ro Yi agreed without telling his chef Hyun-Yi that night.

The next day on their way to the set, Sae-Ro Yi told chef Hyun-Yi of the agreement with granny Kim. She was so shocked although Sae-Ro Yi assured her that she will beat all the contestants. 

Geun-soo was desperate to win the cooking competition to prove to his father. He told the press that chef Hyun-Yi is transgender and it circulated in social media on the day of big the event. As chef Hyun-Yi stepped inside the room before the show started everyone was already gossiping around her. She felt broken as Sae-Ro Yi told her about the news. She ran outside and cried. 

Sae-Ro Yi comforted her but told her to stay if she is not comfortable to compete the finals. Yi-seo read the news while she was on the island with granny Kim. She contacted chef Hyun-Yi and shared with her an inspiring poem titled 'The Diamond'. It talks about a person being strong despite all the trials. Everyone was surprised, especially Geun-soo as he saw chef Hyun-Yi come back and stand on the stage.

With conviction and pride, she announced that she is a transgender and she will win the final competition.

Will DanBam recover from their debt and continue to stay in Itaewon?