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The Korea Times

The Korean teenage action drama Weak Hero Class 1 is experiencing a dramatic resurgence three years after its original release – this time on Netflix.
Initially premiering on Korean platform Wavve in 2022, the series is earning widespread international attention for its gripping performances and tightly woven storytelling.
The show ranked No. 3 globally on Netflix’s TV chart as of March 27, according to streaming analytics platform FlixPatrol.
Since its release on Netflix, Weak Hero Class 1 has topped the charts in Thailand and Malaysia, reached No. 2 in the Philippines, Indonesia and Brazil, and secured a top 10 spot in major markets including France, Spain, the United States, Canada, Germany and Italy.
Based on a popular webtoon of the same name, the series follows Yeon Si-eun (Park Ji-hoon) a high-achieving student who, despite his small stature and quiet nature, uses his intelligence and surroundings to fight back against school violence.


The story centres on his bond with classmates Ahn Su-ho (Choi Hyun-wook) and Oh Beom-seok (Hong Kyung) as the trio take on bullies with more than just brute strength.
What sets Weak Hero Class 1 apart is its nuanced portrayal of youth. It is not just another school violence drama – it is a raw yet heartfelt coming-of-age story that explores loyalty, inner strength and moral dilemmas.
Si-eun’s transformation from a passive outsider to a strategic fighter, all while maintaining his top academic standing, forms the emotional core of the series.
Choi Hyun-wook also won praise for his role as Su-ho, a fiercely loyal friend who stands beside Si-eun in the face of danger. His first foray into action acting involved months of training at an action school and a rigorous fitness routine, which helped bring authenticity to his performance.

Even during its initial run, Weak Hero Class 1 made waves, claiming a 45.5 per cent market share on Wavve, a testament to both its popularity and critical acclaim.
Now, anticipation is building for the sequel. Weak Hero Class 2 will be produced and released by Netflix in April. It continues Si-eun’s journey as he transfers to Eunjang High School, haunted by the trauma of failing to protect a friend.
Determined not to lose anyone again, he faces even harsher violence in a brutal but luminous survival story.

The new cast includes Ryeoun, Choi Min-yeong, Lee Min-jae, Yoo Su-bin and Lee Jun-young, promising a fresh wave of energy in the next chapter of this emotionally charged saga.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative artificial intelligence and edited by The Korea Times.
Read the original story at The Korea Times.


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Park Ji-hoon in a still from Weak Hero Class 1. Photo: Wavve


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Park Ji-hoon in a still from Weak Hero Class 1. Photo: Wavve

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The 2022 Korean drama with Park Ji-hoon and Choi Hyun-wook is earning widespread global attention for its performances and storytelling


The 2022 Korean drama with Park Ji-hoon and Choi Hyun-wook is earning widespread global attention for its performances and storytelling.
