A Gritty, Emotional Powerhouse Worth Every Second
When Weak Hero Class 1 started showing up in Netflix trailers earlier this year, I was immediately intrigued. Then Class 2 dropped just a month later, and I knew I had to dive in. What I wasn’t expecting was how deeply this show would hit me. This isn’t just another school drama or fight-heavy action series. Weak Hero is packed with heart, heartbreak, and some of the most unforgettable fight sequences I’ve ever seen in a K-drama.
Class 1: Fighting Back With Brains
Weak Hero Class 1 dropped on Netflix on March 25, 2025, introducing us to Yeon Si-eun (Park Ji-hoon), a quiet and studious student who becomes the target of relentless bullying. But Si-eun isn’t your average victim. Using his intellect, strategic mind, and anything within arm’s reach, he fights back – and never backs down.
He soon befriends Ahn Su-ho (Choi Hyun-wook), a tough, street-smart student with a fierce sense of loyalty. Together, they form a close bond with Oh Beom-seok (Hong Kyung), a new student struggling to find his place. However, Beom-seok’s inner turmoil and home life soon take a dark turn, setting off a chain of events that tests their friendship and loyalty.
The villains are no less memorable. Na Chul as Gil-soo, a ruthless crime boss running a network of indebted students, adds a chilling layer of real-world danger. Lee Yeon as Yeong-i isn’t one of Gil-soo’s enforcers, but rather an unwilling participant in his world, looking for a way out. Her dynamic with Si-eun is a pivotal part of the narrative.
Class 2: The Fight Gets Bigger, and So Do the Stakes
Released on April 25, 2025, Class 2 picks up with Yeon Si-eun entering a new school and encountering a fresh cast of allies and enemies. Baku (Ryeon) is a popular student who tries to keep peace among students, but beneath his smile is a painful past. Na Baek-jin (Bae Na-ra), a calculating and powerful student from a wealthy family, leads the Union—a dangerous group that manipulates and controls others.
As Si-eun navigates this new world, he finds both friendship and betrayal. Jun-tae (Choi Min-young), Hyo-man’s loyal lackey, and Go Hyeon-tak (Lee Min-jae), a student with ties to Baku, add layers to the already packed storyline.
Main Characters & Cast
Yeon Si-eun (Park Ji-hoon) – A top student who keeps to himself until he becomes the target of bullies. His intelligence and unwillingness to back down make him a unique and powerful protagonist.
Ahn Su-ho (Choi Hyun-wook) – A tough student who becomes one of Si-eun’s closest allies. He’s loyal, brave, and never hesitates to stand up for his friends.
Oh Beom-seok (Hong Kyung) – A quiet and fragile student with a difficult home life. His struggle to fit in eventually pushes him down a darker path.
Gil-soo (Na Chul) – A manipulative crime boss using indebted students to do his dirty work. Cold, dangerous, and unforgettable.
Yeong-i (Lee Yeon) – Initially tangled in Gil-soo’s world, she’s searching for a way out when she crosses paths with Si-eun.
Baku (Ryeon) – A charismatic and well-liked student who tries to stop fights, but is battling demons of his own.
Na Baek-jin (Bae Na-ra) – A smart and ruthless student leader from a wealthy family. He’s at the top of the food chain and knows how to manipulate others.
Seo Jun-tae (Choi Min-young) – Initially a follower of the school bully, he evolves as the season progresses.
Go Hyeon-tak (Lee Min-jae) – A friend of Baku who becomes close to Si-eun and Jun-tae after standing up to Hyo-man.
Hyo-man (Yoo Su-bin) – A calculating bully who steps in to take control after Baku’s suspension. Ambitious and aggressive, he aims to align himself with the Union.
What Makes Weak Hero So Good?
- The choreography: Every fight is brilliantly shot and choreographed, especially the large-scale showdown in Class 2 that plays like a visual masterpiece. From aerial shots to gritty close-ups, the cinematography is breathtaking.
- The emotional depth: This isn’t just a show about schoolyard fights. It’s about trauma, friendship, betrayal, and healing. You’ll laugh, cry, and probably need a moment to breathe.
- The pacing: With only 8 episodes per season, each one is packed with development, character growth, and meaningful moments. Nothing feels wasted.
If you’re drawn to layered, emotionally charged stories with gripping tension, be sure to check out my review of Beyond Evil next.
What Fell Short in Weak Hero
If I had one complaint, it’s that the seasons are too short. With so much story and so many fascinating characters, I would’ve loved more time to explore their arcs. There is currently no confirmation of a Class 3, but the ending of Class 2 definitely leaves the door wide open.
Final Thoughts on Weak Hero
If you’re a fan of intense storytelling, raw emotion, and jaw-dropping action, Weak Hero Class 1 & 2 is a must-watch. It’s not just hype—it’s genuinely one of the best dramas I’ve seen in a long time.
Rating: 9.5/10 – Powerful, emotional, unforgettable. Bring tissues.