User reviews

I went into this show with admittedly low expectations. It didn't air on any of the big Korean channels, and wasn't made for any streaming service in particular. There were no big name actors in it, although I did recognize Park Ji Hoon from the fantastic At A Distance Summer is Green, where he played a summery playboy hiding a dark secret. This character could not have been more opposite, and boy was I blown away by his performance. I hope he is given bigger roles after this show, he certainly deserves the chance as his acting was great across the board.

Si Yeun is a pretty, smallish young boy, so seeing him being a brilliant strategist combined with a wiry, stubborn strength was a pleasant surprise that kept me interested from the very first few minutes. While school bullying in Korean dramas is certainly not a new concept, this show is somewhat different from the others I have seen. It centers on human emotions in a way that puts every character in a grey moral zone that makes them all incredible interesting to watch and also all too relatable.

It seems the ending was set up for a season two, and I really hope to see another set of episodes of this amazing show. I was completely hooked from start to finish!

The story is typical. Some rascals bully other weak students in school. But don't give up on that, because our protagonist, Yeon Si Eun, although has a weak physic, has a brilliant mind in fighting comparable to Sherlock Holmes (2009 and 2011) type of fighting skill.

Si Eun fought bullies with his wits and will. And along the way, he picked up some new friends. Soo Hoon, Beom Seok and Young Yi joined Si Eun to end bullying in their school. And when they thought it was over, something happened among themselves that beyond anything they could prepared for.

I binged watching this last night. A full 8 episodes of brawl, friendship, love and betrayal. And I just can't wait for season 2 already!

Excellent 9/10.

Weak Hero Class 1 is a high school thriller series that follows the story of 3 students who doesn't care about anything else, and somehow gets involved in constant fights due to bullying.

Most of the school centric dramas are romance, which becomes monotonous watching after a certain point of time. Weak Hero Class 1,however, is a thrilling, yet sobering portrait of young students and the different struggles, difficulties and momentary joys they experience while growing up in a society that, too often, neglects and pushes them aside, that successfully stands out as one of the best dramas of 2022.

With just 8 episodes, the pacing is superb and the action sequences were well crafted. And perhaps what the series does best is to show the immeasurable toll such violence and abuse can take on one's physical, emotional and mental health. Especially for teenagers who may be experiencing other types of abuse, hardship and struggles outside of the school walls as well.

School violence is certainly not a new theme for a K-drama. But Weak Hero Class 1 is able to take that familiar topic and present it in a way that focuses more on the characters, particularly the victims, and show the unfortunately lasting effects of such violence. The best part of the drama were the 3 leads who had an amazing chemistry on screen and their change in characters once the events turned dark.

Adapted from a webtoon, Weak Hero Class 1 is engaging, highly effective action packed school based drama. The finale teases a 2nd season and yes I am very much intrigued to see what happens next.

My Rating : 8.5/10.

I went into this show for a normal korean highschool genre but what I got is way beyond I could have imagine. I directly watched it without synopsis and trailer and yes it has just blown my mind.

Many K dramas have touched the subject of bullying but none were like this.

This show has gone to the depth of the reality. This shows depicts what happen when one does not give in to the bullying. What happens when one actually fights back.

This show puts forward two aspects of friendship. The one where you can give your life for your friend. And the one where you can also take life of your friend.

MUST WATCH !!!!!!!!!

POV - Binge it.

This is the first time in a long time that I haven't been able to stop thinking about a show!

I'm a huge fan of silent storytelling, and this show is full of it! So much of the storytelling and emotions are conveyed through subtle images and the actors' faces, rather than through words. The three leads are particularly good at this. There are tons of cool fight scenes, but the quiet, still moments are some of my absolute favorites.

I've seen plenty of great big budget shows with casts full of high profile actors, but sometimes shows like this are even better, in my opinion. It's the magic of really great writing, directing, and acting.

A heartbreaking and beautiful show. Absolutely brilliant.

I honestly don't have enough words to describe how much Season 2 of Weak Hero Class meant to me. It's rare to find a show that hits so hard emotionally while still delivering intense action and brilliant storytelling. Every episode had me completely hooked - I felt every punch, every tear, and every quiet moment. The characters grew in ways I didn't expect, and I found myself caring about them even more than before.

This season wasn't just good - it was unforgettable. You can feel the passion and effort behind every scene. That's why I truly believe a Season 3 isn't just something fans want - it's something we need. There's still so much more to explore, and I hope the creators know just how powerful this series is.

I am absolutely in awe by this drama, we have seen this theme of bullying used often in kdramaland but I don't think I have ever been as satisfied with the main leads getting justice for what they suffer ( maybe The Uncanny Counter)

The story is dark and painful and its a shame it's something that happens often in south korea but will move your heart countless times with the strong bond of loyalty and friendship between the leads and how they would continue to sacrifice themselves just to prevent harm from happening to their loved ones.

The performances in this drama are just so powerful.

The oscar goes without a doubt to Park Ji Hoon which completely transforms from candid roles like the one in Love revolution to this one. He plays a wounded beast, a beast that is caged in a weak body but who's soul is burning inside and that will never be extinguished. You just have to look at his eyes, the murderous gaze, filled with the wrath caused by the agonizing pain and the frustration of how much evil men can cause to others.

What a display of raw emotions.

But the other two leads are not left behind, the range of performances here are just outstanding.

Just impatiently waiting now for season 2 and I hope we will also see again some of the characters from this season, otherwise I would miss them dearly.

Ok i watched many many kdramas this year BUT WEAK HERO BEATED ALL OF THEM WALLAHI I COULDNT MOVE ON AFTER A MONTH EVEN WHEN I TRIED TO WATCH OTHER DRAMAS PLS HELPPPP WE NEED SEASON 2.

So what i like the most about this drama is just that the storyline didnt tangle a bit, you will watch the entire set of episodes in just one sitting because please its hard to stop the screen i swear. It ran so smoothly that i couldnt even wanna close my eyes to miss a very tiny bit of a scene. Some actors here may not be recognised by most people yet they could prove them they all acted as in theyre professionals. THEY AMAZEBALLS IN ACTING, all of them. Sieun may impressed most pf you but they all actually did. They didnt have many unimportant chats, they used emotion strongly and actions or fights as needed. Not over. What i love about the main of main, SiEun, is that he had kinda adlibs, when he did the slaps himself, it was his idea, same like the glass breaking scene. He just told to do so yet hed improve the action more than the director ask him to. He were possessed by his characters many times so youd amazed by how strong his feelings would touch you.

The headline says it all --- the themes of this show are long overdue in its portrayal of the S. Korean HS life. Its the best show I've seen all year. Based on a Webtoon comic, Weak Hero is a unique take on the coming of age fighter tale as Yeon Si Eun uses his intellect and unbridled rage to fight and defend those who feel weak under the rules of society thus fall victim. Never has it been a clearer example of hurt people create more hurt people than in this incredible adaptation. Definitely a must watch for fans of South Korean Webtoon manhwas like Study Group, To Not Die and Viral Hit just to name a few.

Weak Hero shines thanks to its cast. Park Ji-hoon and Choi Hyun-wook deliver grounded performances that carry the weight of the series. The emotional core is solid, and the chemistry between the leads gives the show heart.

But the writing struggles to keep up. The world often bends to fit the plot, especially when it comes to law enforcement and teachers. Police show up alone in gang territory, sirens drone endlessly in the background, and kids are unsupervised, logic takes a backseat. It pulls you out just when things should be hitting hardest.

A gripping character drama wrapped in a script that needed more structure and less noise. However, besides these critical point I must admit A+ acting all the way. Great casting and bursting with talents.

With only 8 episodes á 45 minutes and it being a webtoon adaptation, Weak Hero is unlike your usual korean drama. This becomes especially clear with the lack of usual kdrama tropes, such as a slow pacing in the middle of the show, awkward misunderstandigs (or misleading scenes/cliffhangers), romantic undertones or unnecessary (aegyo) sidecharacters for comedic relief.

Instead this show takes you on a wild ride, having bullying and abuse as it's main themes and exploring the physical and pyschological consequences of such. What follows is a path down the rabbit hole full of violence, escapism and difficult decisions each character has to face.

The characters and their growth are exceptionally well written and the actors, especially the main cast, were outstanding. The fight scenes were well choreographed and felt real, with a portrayal of violence I didn't except from a korean drama and felt more like watching a movie from Bong Joon-ho or Park Chan-wook.

Not only does this show overcome the stereotypical (bad) reputation of live action adaptations, it also excels many korean dramas when it comes to storytelling and writing.

Weak Hero delivers an engaging school-based action drama that taps into the raw emotions of bullying, friendship, and survival. Set in a gritty high school environment, the series leans into themes of loyalty and resilience, centering around a seemingly frail protagonist, Yeon Si-eun, who relies more on brains than brawn.

The action, while not on par with genre giants like The Raid, is digestible and well-suited to the age and setting of the characters. The choreography smartly adapts to the school environment, believable rather than bombastic, which helps maintain immersion.

However, a noticeable drawback is in the character arc of the titular ''weak'' hero. While it's refreshing to see a protagonist who doesn't rely on brute force, the series misses an opportunity for payoff. Si-eun's cerebral strategies were impressive, but as the climax approached, a slight edge or growth in his physical capabilities, enough to feel like he wasn't just being saved by Su-ho and Baku, would've given the narrative more weight. Instead, he often feels like a sidekick in his own story, overshadowed by the more physically dominant characters.

Still, the emotional beats and pacing keep you invested. It's a show that knows its strengths, character dynamics and tension, and plays them well. It may not be "great", but it's undeniably compelling.

Being 71yo, I thought that the whole premise was ridiculous - where were the teachers and parents? Very little police presence. Were we to believe that all schools in this city were run like the Mafia? Dubbing was limited in its choice of swearing. One fight was. Very much like another.

However, I suspect that I am not the age group for this tosh, and if I were an early teen I may have seen some merit.

Can I suggest that the makers give an idea of the ages of viewers for whom they think a series is appropriate, and can I further suggest that reviewers give an idea of their age?

This would help in all programmes. I can't imagine any under 60s liking, say, Virgin River, for instance.

I was very happy to see Park Ji-hoon and Choi Hyun-wook acting in this drama, espicially Ji-Hoon because from someone that had been a fan of Ji-hoon since his Wanna One era (he's an idol lol), I would've never expected him to be in this type of drama. His acting was superb, to say the least, and I couldn't expect nothing more. I thought idols were terrible at acting, but Ji-hoon really broke that stereotype and raised my bar high.

Please, please, PLEAASE go watch Weak Hero Class 1. I kid you not, this drama will be one of the best dramas you have ever seen. I suggest you go watch this,, right now.

Thanks for reading my review! I hope my review has persuaded you to watch this Kdrama. :)

+ Forgot to add, normally I don't have a faze in Kdramas at all, but this one made me have a Weak Hero Class 1 faze for about a month. Trust me, it's that good.

This isn't your typical high school drama.

No crushes. No fluff. Just grit, trauma, and survival.

Yeon Si-eun (Park Ji-hoon) is the kind of character who looks weak-skinny, pale, top student-but when cornered, he becomes terrifyingly strategic. He fights not with fists, but with intellect and intent. Every move is calculated. Every blow has purpose.

He's not just fighting bullies-he's fighting a system that rewards cruelty and punishes silence.

--- Why It Hits So Hard:

Brutal realism: The fights are short, messy, and raw. You feel every hit.

Cinematic quality: It looks and sounds like a film, not a web series.

Three-dimensional characters: You're not watching good guys vs. Bad guys. You're watching flawed boys forced to grow up fast.

Themes: Power, loyalty, betrayal, and the violence beneath the surface of society.

--- What Stays With You

The friendship between Si-eun, Su-ho, and Beom-seok?

Heartbreaking.

It starts as a glimmer of hope-and ends in pure devastation.

The transformation of Beom-seok is a masterclass in how trauma mutates into something darker when ignored.

--- Standout Performances:

Park Ji-hoon (Si-eun): Cold, precise, yet quietly emotional. A revelation.

Choi Hyun-wook (Su-ho): The loyal bruiser with a soft heart.

Hong Kyung (Beom-seok): Possibly the most complex and tragic arc.

--- This show isn't about glorifying violence.

It's about what people become when no one protects them.

And in that silence, how some people rise-while others fall.

If you're tired of polished heroes and one-dimensional villains, Weak Hero Class 1 punches through the clichés and leaves a lasting bruise.

It's not just a show. It's a gut check.

Must watch, great acting all around. Never a dull episode. Blown away how talented everyone is. The fight scenes are amazing and a thing of art. I like the writing and the pace of each episode. Just watch it, binged it in 48 hours could have finish it within a day but I started it too late. This will not let you down. This film is a little different from the typical "bullied" kids but it does ring a bell of how trauma works. There is a lot more story left and I really hope they keep up the great work.

(Please don't give it a low rating because it's not exactly like the webtoon - this has its original taste to it) well done Korea for making another gem.

Hands down one of the best korean series I've watched recently! If you're in to k-drama with great action, story and character build-up, you came to the right place.

It's so easy to relate to the main characters. The story is very catching, at times super emotional and always intriguing. Binge warning! Although there's only 8 episodes out yet, there is official announcement that the series will continue with another season this year, so the timing couldn't be better to start ;)

I don't know what it is, but korean just do dramas the right way! Movies and series in general. The pinnacle of the fim industry.

Can't wait for season 2 to air! Give it a shot, you won't regret it for a second.

I adjusted my rating from 9 to 10 after watching Season 2. Why? Because I didn't think I'd like season 2 as much as I did.

Initially I was disappointed about Suho but then I got to like the new characters. And it was just one scene to the next, action packed. I haven't read the Web toon so have no idea what I'm missing, but I'm liking what I see.

I mean, obviously it's pretty unrealistic but it is very entertaining. Both seasons. I don't know which one I like more. Probably the first, but the second is hot on its heels.

I do love Park Ji Hoon in this, even if his face is kind of one expression. Reminds me of the lead in the Handmaid's Tale, one baleful gaze 24/7. But Si Eun is deeply depressed and racked with guilt so he isn't going to show that much emotion.

If you want to be taken on a fast and rather violent ride, this is the series you're looking for.

I didn't expect that I'll binge-watched the first season of this drama in one day!

If you haven't watched "Weak Hero Class 1," you're missing out on a lot. I can confidently say that it's one of the best I have seen in 2022.

1. Insane acting from the main leads.

2. The friendship arc 3. A high school thriller based on a popular webtoon.

4. A binge-able fast-paced K-drama with amazing plot development.

5. Satisfying high school thriller with interesting characters.

"Weak Hero Class 1" is really an amazing drama from start to end, especially with the ending with how Si Eun ended up in a new school with bullies but now, he knows how to handle them after meeting Soo Ho and Bum Seok. This is why I said the friendship arc is one of the highlights of this drama since Si Eun became a different person when he found friends who can understand him. That's why he felt super devastated when Soo Ho went into a coma and Bum Seok betrayed them since he really considered the two as friends who made him feel important. Meeting them really changed his life and that's why I believe Season 2 is highly possible.

One of the best K Drama's I have ever seen. I went back and watched it 6 times after first viewing. I'm hoping there is a season 2. Until than I found the web toon which the show is based on. All I can say is WOW just wow. Please watch this show.

The whole cast is outstanding. Park jihoon's eye acting is seriously incredible, the way he constantly shifts from innocent pleading to something more sinister is wow. Choi Hyun-wook Steals the show and my heart, I just loved his humor. One suggestion to those who are going to watch this... BINGE IT all in one go. Its made to be

The production is top notch without any compromises. Cinematography, sets, action, acting everything is on point.

In short, Season 2 is boring and disappointing. The story is essentially a recycled version of Season 1, just with different faces. Well, except for Yeon Si-Eun, who somehow manages to maintain the exact same face throughout the entire season - which, honestly, became unintentionally amusing after a while. I really enjoyed Season 1; it had energy, heart, and actual tension. Season 2, however, feels like a half-hearted retread. Another gang, another fight, another painfully predictable season - that's really all it amounts to. There's no real development, no real stakes, and no real reason to invest. Unless you're clinging to nostalgia for Season 1, I'd recommend skipping this altogether. The few stars I'm giving are entirely for the final scene, which, for a brief moment, reminded me of how good this series could have been.