Weak Hero is a South Korean television series written and directed by Yoo-Soo-min with Kim Jin-seok and Park Dan-hee. The series is based on the Naver webtoon, which was published in 2018. The original series“Weak Hero: Class 1,” debuted on the Wavve platform on November 18, 2022. The second season of the series adaptation was released on Netflix on April 25, 2025.
The story centers around Yeon Si-eun (Park), a high school student ranked in the top 1% of his class, who transfers to Eunjang High after being expelled from his previous school. He was forced to leave Byuksan following the betrayal of his best friend. Meanwhile, his other friend, Su-ho, is left in a coma after a brutal altercation with a bully.
Yeon Si-eun, haunted by the trauma of failing to protect his best friend from school violence, refuses to back down when it comes to defending himself and others. Despite being physically weak, he relies on his sharp decision-making, his extensive knowledge, especially in math and his awareness of his surroundings to protect himself. However, when he finds himself in serious danger, he receives help from Ahn Su-ho, the strongest fighter in their class, and Oh Beon-seok. Over time, the three forms a strong bond as they navigate the challenges of surviving school bullying.
This show appeared on my Netflix algorithm, so I decided to give it a try without any expectations or prior knowledge of its premise. After the first episode, I was hooked and eager to learn more about the series, its origins, and why there isn’t a season 1 on Netflix when it clearly labels it as season 2. The more I discovered, the more intrigued I became, with each episode unfolding more layers that kept me wanting to know what happens next.
This story follows a familiar theme often seen in K-dramas, where “weaker” students face constant bullying in school. However, what sets this show apart is the unique abilities of the protagonist, Yeon Si-eun. He possesses exceptional fighting skills, using everyday objects like pens and his quick mathematical mind to defend himself. What truly differentiates this series is Si-eun’s refusal to give in to bullying, as he forms an alliance with others to fight back together. Additionally, the show delves into the emotional struggles and brief moments of joy that the characters experience while growing up in a society that often neglects them, focusing on the dynamic between the strong and the weak.
Overall, all 8 episodes feature meticulous pacing, well-executed action sequences, and strong character development. The writing, direction, and acting are compelling, delivering an intense and engaging story. It’s truly a must-watch.
