Actress Lee Joo Young Sets Fresh Image in "Itaewon Class"

Lee Joo Young's character in the 12th episode of "Itaewon Class" got exposed, but she is proud of her identity nonetheless. She is a transgender in the drama, which introduces a fresh image in the Korean film and drama scene.  

In the latest episode of the drama, Danbam Pub is at risk of going bankrupt for being in debt after all the investors who were supposed to fund their business venture backed out. This is Chairman Dae Hee's doing, proving that he'll never give Park Sae Ro Yi and his team even the slightest chance to succeed. 

Jo Yi Seo, on the other hand, wouldn't stop on finding new business partners, and their only chance to get the money is to win the final cooking competition.

Chef Ma Hyun Yi (played by Lee Joo Young) won the first and second rounds of the contest. Park Sae Ro Yi informed her on the day of the final event that they needed to win to get the money. Chef Ma Hyun Yi was surprised but still promised to do her best. 

Upon entering the show, all the people looked at her intently. News about her being a transgender has been revealed. Chef Ma Hyun Yi's soul was crushed and ran outside of the show, but Park Sae Ro Yi, being a good friend as he is, did not leave her behind. He told her how amazing she is in what she does, and also assured her that if she is not comfortable to join the final competition, that is fine with him. Her best friend Jo Yi Seo then called and told her an inspiring poem to uplift her spirits.

The next thing that happened shocked the audience after Chef Ma Hyun Yi went back to the show and stood at her kitchen table. With conviction and confidence, she poured out her heart to the audience and proudly declared that she is a transgender and she will win.  

Meanwhile, here's the poem that encouraged her, titled "Diamond."

"I'm a rock. Go ahead and sear me. 

I won't budge an inch because I'm a rock. 

Go ahead and beat me up. 

I'm a solid rock. 

Go ahead and leave me in the darkness. 

I'm a rock that will shine all alone. 

I don't break. 

I don't burn, nor do I decay, as I go against nature's way. 

I survive. 

I'm a Diamond."

AGB Korean Nielsen reported that this episode's rating reached 13.398%.