“Weak Hero Class” has quickly become one of the most talked-about Korean drama series in recent years,. It blends intense action with a powerful exploration of school violence and emotional trauma. In this review of “Weak Hero Class 1” and “Weak Hero Class 2”, we take a spoiler-free look at both seasons, examining how the show evolves its characters, themes, and storytelling.
Weak Hero Class 1 (2022)– A Gritty Masterpiece of School Violence and Silent Struggles
Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ (10/10)
Director: Yoo Soo-min and Park Dan-hee.
Starring: Park Ji-hoon, Choi Hyun-wook and Hong Kyung.
Synopsis: A model student pushes back against violence that takes place inside and outside of his school.
Spoiler-Free Review: Weak Hero Class 1
Adapted from the popular Naver webtoon Weak Hero, “Weak Hero Class 1” introduces us to Yeon Si-eun (Park Ji-hoon), a top student at Byeoksan High School. Despite his academic excellence, Si-eun becomes a target for relentless school bullies—particularly Jeong Yeong-bin (Kim Sugyeom). However, his unassuming appearance hides a sharp mind, and he uses intellect and strategy to resist his aggressors.
What sets this eight-episode series apart is its powerful social commentary. Schools are portrayed not just as institutions of learning, but battlegrounds where vulnerable students are left to fend for themselves. The absence of adult intervention highlights a sobering reality—teenagers are often forced to navigate trauma, loneliness, and emotional turmoil on their own.
Park Ji-hoon’s performance is deeply moving. His portrayal of Si-eun captures silent suffering with remarkable nuance; his expressions convey pain, emptiness, and quiet strength without the need for dialogue. The friendships he forms with fellow outcasts Ahn Soo-ho (Choi Hyun-wook) and Oh Beom-seok (Hong Kyung) offer a glimmer of hope and solidarity.
Visually, the show is tightly choreographed with grounded, realistic fight scenes that enhance the stakes without glorifying violence. Weak Hero Class 1 isn’t just one of the best K-dramas of 2022—it’s a haunting yet empathetic depiction of modern youth and the consequences of unchecked aggression in schools.
Weak Hero Class 2 (2025)– A Visually Stylish But Emotionally Hollow Sequel
Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8/10)
Director: Yoo Soo-min
Starring: Park Ji-hoon, Ryeoun, Choi Min-young and Lee Min-jae.
Synopsis: Yeon Si-eun transfers to Eunjng high-school, where he must face an even bigger and violent group called The Union.
Spoiler-Free Review: Weak Hero Class 2
Returning in 2025, “Weak Hero Class 2” picks up after the intense events of the first season. Yeon Si-eun (Park Ji-hoon) transfers to Eunjang High School—his only option after being exiled from Byeoksan. Here, he confronts a new, more violent faction known as “The Union.”
Director Yoo Soo-min once again helms the story, and Park Ji-hoon continues to impress as Si-eun, whose internal trauma now defines his quiet demeanor. While the fight scenes are stylish and tightly executed, and actors Ryeoun and Lee Jun-young bring a strong presence to their roles, the second season ultimately falls short in storytelling.
Supporting characters lack proper development, which diminishes emotional investment. The plot feels rushed, likely due to the full webtoon arc being compressed into only eight episodes. Consequently, certain storylines are underexplored, tension is diluted, and critical plot holes weaken the overall impact.
The brutality and raw emotion that made Class 1 so compelling are noticeably toned down. Though still entertaining and technically well-produced, Weak Hero Class 2 doesn’t quite capture the soul of its predecessor. It’s a decent one-time watch. However, it lacks the emotional depth and originality fans had hoped for in a sequel.
Final Thoughts
The Weak Hero series continues to be a vital reflection of school violence, emotional trauma, and youth resilience. While Class 1 stands as a raw and emotionally resonant piece of Korean television, Class 2 struggles under the weight of expectation and compressed storytelling.
If you’re new to the series, start with Weak Hero Class 1 for its gripping narrative and poignant performances. Season 2, though flawed, still offers enough intrigue and action for fans who want to see Yeon Si-eun’s story continue.
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I haven't watched class 2. Thanks for the heads up!