“Weak Hero Class 1” is a South Korean action-drama series that delves into the challenges of high school life, focusing on themes of bullying, resilience, and the power of friendship. Originally released on Wavve in November 2022, the series has garnered critical acclaim for its intense storytelling and compelling character development. Fans will be pleased to know that the series is now available on Netflix, expanding its reach to a global audience.
Weak Hero Class 1 Over view
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Native title | 약한영웅 Class 1 |
| Country | South Korea |
| Genre | Action, Drama, Coming-of-Age |
| Director by | Yoo Soo-min, Park Dan-hee |
| Story by | Yoo Soo-min, Kim Jin-seok |
| Starring Cast | Park Ji-hoon as Yeon Si-eun Choi Hyun-wook as Ahn Su-ho Hong Kyung as Oh Beom-seok |
| Number of Episodes | 8 |
| Release dates | March 25, 2025 *Original Release Date: November 18, 2022 |
| Streaming by | Netflix |
Weak Hero Class 1 Cast
Park Ji-hoon as Yeon Si-eun
A top student who appears physically weak but uses his intelligence and strategic thinking to combat bullying in his school.
Park Ji-hoon
- Birthdate: May 29, 1999
- Birthplace: Masanhappo-gu, Changwon, South Korea
- Debut Work: “Peter Pan” (2006 Musical)
- Notable Works: “Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency,” “Love Revolution,” “At a Distance, Spring Is Green,” “Weak Hero Class 1”
- Social Media: Instagram
Choi Hyun-wook as Ahn Su-ho
A free spirit who is the strongest fighter in his class. He does not care much for school and only comes in every day because of a promise he made to his grandmother that he’d graduate with perfect attendance.
Choi Hyun-wook
- Birthdate: January 30, 2002
- Birthplace: South Korea
- Debut Work: “Real:Time:Love” (2019 Web Drama)
- Notable Works: “Real:Time:Love,” “Taxi Driver,” “Racket Boys,” “Twenty-Five Twenty-One,” “Weak Hero Class 1”
- Social Media: Instagram
Hong Kyung as Oh Beom-seok
A feeble and timid boy who wishes to become strong like the people around him. He was tormented relentlessly by bullies at his former school, forcing him to transfer.
Hong Kyung
- Birthdate: February 14, 1996
- Birthplace: South Korea
- Debut Work: “The Queen’s Classroom” (2013 TV Drama)
- Notable Works: “D.P.,” “Lovers of the Red Sky,” “Innocence,” “Weak Hero Class 1”
- Social Media: Instagram
Main Villains in Weak Hero Class 1
Jeon Yeong-bin (전영빈)
Role: School Bully
Description: Yeong-bin is a sadistic and cunning bully who initially targets Yeon Si-eun out of jealousy. After losing to Si-eun in a school competition, Yeong-bin becomes increasingly aggressive. He uses physical violence and manipulation to maintain his status as a top dog at school. His inability to outsmart Si-eun fuels much of the conflict in the early episodes.
Jeon Seok-dae (전석대)
Role: Gang Leader, Yeong-bin’s Older Cousin
Description: Seok-dae is a more dangerous villain who gets involved when Yeong-bin asks for help. He is the leader of a group of delinquents and introduces a more intense level of violence and intimidation. His influence over Oh Beom-seok marks a turning point in the story, leading to betrayal and heightened conflict.
Kim Gil-soo (김길수)
Role: Leader of Runaway Teens’ Gang
Description: Kim Gil-soo operates a gang that exploits runaway teenagers, using a rigged gambling app to extort money from them. His character brings external threats into Si-eun’s world, showing how school violence can connect with broader criminal activities. He is ruthless and has no qualms about hurting kids to maintain control.
Weak Hero Class 1 Plot
Yeon Si-eun (played by Park Ji-hoon) is the protagonist—a top student with a frail appearance but an exceptionally sharp mind. Si-eun’s quiet demeanor and physical weakness make him an easy target for bullies. However, unlike most victims, Si-eun uses his intelligence and strategic thinking to outmaneuver his aggressors, turning his perceived weakness into a formidable strength.
The plot kicks off when Si-eun clashes with Jeon Yeong-bin, a notorious bully who resents Si-eun for outperforming him academically. Yeong-bin and his gang torment Si-eun, but he quickly turns the tables, using unconventional tactics and his deep understanding of human psychology. His actions draw attention, both good and bad, from his peers.
Amidst this turmoil, Si-eun forms an unlikely friendship with Ahn Su-ho (Choi Hyun-wook) and Oh Beom-seok (Hong Kyung). Su-ho is a strong, free-spirited fighter who becomes fiercely loyal to Si-eun after witnessing his bravery. Beom-seok, on the other hand, is a timid transfer student who has a history of being bullied. The trio’s friendship is built on mutual protection and support as they navigate the dangers of high school life.
As the story progresses, Beom-seok struggles with his insecurities and desire for acceptance. His internal conflict leads him down a dark path, eventually causing a rift in the friendship. He becomes involved with Jeon Seok-dae, a dangerous delinquent and Yeong-bin’s older cousin. This decision marks a turning point in the story, leading to intense and violent confrontations.
The drama doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh consequences of school violence. Beom-seok’s betrayal and Si-eun’s unwavering resolve create a dramatic arc that highlights the complexities of teenage relationships. Meanwhile, Su-ho’s unwavering loyalty to Si-eun provides a heartwarming balance to the otherwise dark narrative.
The series also introduces Kim Gil-soo, the head of a gang that exploits runaway teens, adding another layer of danger to the story. Si-eun’s fight against this external threat not only cements his role as a “weak hero” but also brings his journey of growth full circle.
By the end of Weak Hero Class 1, Si-eun has evolved from a quiet, studious boy into a respected figure who stands up not just for himself but for others who cannot fight back. The drama leaves viewers with a blend of satisfaction and anticipation, setting the stage for the upcoming Weak Hero Class 2, which promises to explore new challenges as Si-eun transfers to a new school.
Overall, Weak Hero Class 1 combines intense action with deep emotional storytelling, offering a raw and realistic look at the struggles of high school students. It is a story of transformation, the power of intellect over brute strength, and the enduring impact of true friendship.
Weak Hero Class 1 Point to watch
Original Webtoon Information: Weak Hero
Title: Weak Hero (약한 영웅)
Author: Seopass (writer) and Kim Jin-seok (illustrator)
Platform: Published on Naver Webtoon
First Release: May 5, 2018
Genre: Action, Drama, School Life, Coming-of-Age
Weak Hero follows the story of Yeon Si-eun, a seemingly frail high school student with exceptional intelligence and strategic thinking. Despite his weak appearance, Si-eun uses his sharp mind and wit to stand up against school bullies and protect the weak, earning the nickname “Weak Hero.” The webtoon explores the harsh realities of school violence, friendship, and the strength that lies beyond physical power.
The original webtoon has gained popularity for its engaging storyline and well-developed characters, eventually leading to the adaptation of Weak Hero Class 1 as a live-action series.
Why Weak Hero Class 1 Gained Popularity in Korea
Weak Hero Class 1, originally released on Wavve in South Korea, received widespread acclaim and gained significant popularity. Several factors contributed to its success:
- Engaging Storyline: The series offers a fresh take on the high school genre by blending intense action with deep emotional storytelling. It tackles serious issues like bullying, friendship, and resilience, resonating with both young audiences and adults.
- Strong Character Development: The characters are complex and well-developed, allowing viewers to connect with their struggles and growth. Yeon Si-eun’s transformation from a quiet, bookish student to a strategic and fearless fighter captivated audiences.
- Talented Cast: The performances of Park Ji-hoon, Choi Hyun-wook, and Hong Kyung were widely praised. Their ability to portray raw emotions and authentic relationships added depth to the series.
- Realistic Portrayal of School Violence: The show did not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of bullying and school life. Its realistic approach helped raise awareness about these issues, earning empathy from viewers.
- Cinematic Quality: With high-quality production, well-choreographed action scenes, and a gritty yet realistic visual style, the series felt more like a film than a typical drama, setting a new standard for streaming content in Korea.
Overall, Weak Hero Class 1 stood out by delivering an impactful story with excellent performances and production, making it a must-watch series on Wavve.
What to Look Out for in Weak Hero Class 2
The highly anticipated Weak Hero Class 2 is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix in the second quarter of 2025, offering fans a fresh chapter of the intense high school drama. The new season will follow Yeon Si-eun, played by Park Ji-hoon, as he transfers to Eunjang High School while grappling with the trauma of his past confrontations. Determined not to repeat his mistakes, Si-eun faces even greater violence as he strives to protect his new friends.
One key aspect to watch for is the evolution of Si-eun’s character. His journey from a quiet, strategic thinker to a protector with a deeper understanding of strength and friendship will be a central theme. Additionally, the introduction of new cast members, including Lee Jun-young and Ryeoun, is expected to bring fresh dynamics and intensified conflicts to the storyline. These new characters could serve as both allies and adversaries, adding layers to the narrative.
The series is also expected to maintain its thematic depth, continuing to explore issues of resilience, personal growth, and the complexities of teenage life. With Netflix as its new global platform, Weak Hero Class 2 has the potential to captivate an even broader audience while building upon the critical and commercial success of its predecessor.
Fans of the first season and new viewers alike should keep an eye on how the sequel not only advances the story but also enhances its social commentary through powerful storytelling and impactful performances.
Weak Hero Class 2 l kdrama overview – Cast,Plot,Original Webtoon
Weak Hero Class 1 OST
Weak Hero Class 1 Trailer Video
Weak Hero Class 1 Poster
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