Weak Hero Class 1 (2022– ) User Reviews

Unexpectedly Great

[fake_moviestar · 9/10 · 22 November 2022]

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!

This series has blown my mind. Hands down !! Must watch.! Dont even think twice.

[priyagoswami-94472 · 10/10 · 23 November 2022]

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.

I will never see a pen the same way again

[soeprijo19 · 9/10 · 21 November 2022]

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.

BEST KDRAMA 2022 FOR REALLLLL

[navishumam · 10/10 · 26 December 2022]

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.

Best K-Drama of 2022

[theblerdfantastic · 10/10 · 29 November 2022]

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.

The writing, the directing, the acting - pure magic!

[mmjcatherine · 10/10 · 2 December 2022]

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.

Opposite to the title, the drama is strong and brilliant

[pranayjalvi · 9/10 · 29 November 2022]

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.

One of the best kdramas of 2022

[emanuelulbing · 10/10 · 7 January 2023]

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.

It's a dangerous thing to tease a sleeping tiger, even if he is in a cage

[hanalisss · 10/10 · 30 December 2022]

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.

[7.5] The energumen

[cjonesas · 7/10 · 2 April 2023]

A series that starts good, because we know nothing of it yet, we know nothing of its premise, plots and sub-plots yet. We bear with its show of violence, sort of artificial bullying against one weird person in the classroom. All that is momentarily acceptable until it gets out of hand, shots of violence after doubled down shots of violence and showing of extreme psycho behavior over and over again. Then, that same person "metamorphosing" from a loner to a scarecrow and shadow of a social one; We are fed sort of filler developmental episodes one after another, showing the same nonsensical behavior with just good acting, nicely weird development and a disgustingly thrilling flow up until one final act, again in the classroom, hatred and psychosis clouding his judgment and leading to more violent sets of scenes, judgingly more violent than the others, with bright acting by the main character (as always), but leaving you with a sense of disgust, void, anger and hopelessness at the same time.

His then transfer to another school, the only one accepting him and a replay of the same dreadful nonsensical behavior for the juices of a potential season 2.

That's the first time I do not praise a Korean production and despite its 8 and 9 below, that is not a production to recommend to anyone. The world is an enough crazy place as it is, not to be fueled (more) by morbidly psychotic and violent behavior in the name of bullying as depicted.

To put it simply and realistically, Si Eun wouldn't have finished the first 45 minutes of his series' life and would have remained restrained, lobotomized and in a mental institution for a long time.

• Screenplay/story: 6
• Development: 8.5
• Realism: 8
• Entertainment: 7.5
• Acting: 8.5
• Filming/cinematography: 9
• VFX: 8.5
• Music/score: 8
• Depth: 7
• Logic: 5
• Flow: 8
• Action / drama / thriller: 7.5
• Ending: 6.5.

Probably one of the best, if not THE best drama I have ever watched

[tteokbokki · 10/10 · 27 December 2022]

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.

Simply terrible

[kha-2 · 1/10 · 31 January 2023]

Never ending stupidity and violence. This sums up the whole show. I fell for the high rating and the summary, expecting the main character to outsmart his bullies. Boy was I wrong. The show gets more stupid and more violent with each episode. None of the characters ever learn a lesson and they simply get more beat up. The fighting scenes are very unrealistic and the string of events that lead to them is moronic to say the least. I know they are teenagers and they are not supposed to be very smart, but anyhow, the stupidity is simply unbearable. I somehow finished it, because that's the way I am, but in reality I regret wasting my time with it.

Click click

[onelovek · 10/10 · 1 December 2022]

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.

Just watch it - you'll probably binge watch like I did

[vicknair-66656 · 10/10 · 12 December 2022]

Park Ji-Hoon, Choi Hyun-Wook and Hong Kyung are fantastic as this ill-fated set of "weirdo" highschool friends, and all I can say is watch it. ... Except not at bedtime because, like me, you'll keep saying "one more episode" until you reach the end. Bullies are heavily spread throughout the drama and make for douchebags you love to hate. A few of the bullies have redeeming qualities, like Shin Seung-Ho and Lee Yeon, the only young female ingénue in the show, but on the whole, they are a slimy bunch.

Fast paced and violent, be prepared for some terrifying scenes. The most unbelievable aspect is that after most of the horrendous beatings the victims recover fairly quickly and thoroughly. I'm thinking about blood clots and perforated livers, spleens and pancreases... Not such easy recoveries!

And I'm praying that highschool life is nowhere near as horrible as is painted by this drama.

Weak Hero was strong

[cuteypie411 · 10/10 · 5 June 2023]

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.

Well adapted not exact but Really Great

[noobmagma · 8/10 · 30 November 2022]

People thinking the didn't adapt the whole webtoon actually they did adapt it made some changes even added some xtra things its only that you ain't following what goin on as a manhwa/webtoon reader coz they first adapted the backstory of stephen ah and they will start the manhwa chapter 1 from season 2 ...its actually smart what the makers did I loved the show as a manhwa reader and for them who haven't read the manhwa it would be much greater experience. I would givie it a 8/10 for the adaptation and the acting by the actors is phenomenol too. Loved the use of Soundtrack for the build up and for Intense scenes. Totally worth watching give it a try.

K trauma but 100/10

[khanpalwasha-02644 · 10/10 · 2 January 2023]

School bullying is not a new concept in korean dramas but weak hero class 1 was different. I binge watched the show in like 2 days, never felt boring at any point and as it kept moving forward i was unable to move my eyes from screen. The show was so well written , covering every point in just 8 episodes. The main leads deserve separate appreciation for portraying thier characters soo well. I recognized choi hyun wook from 21&25 he was always a soft boy but this time with great fighting skills. Show centers to the emotions , depth of every character how you can give life for a friend and take life of a friend. Shi Eun never took a break i mean he was just minding his own business and whole world decided to attack him. I adored the friend ship of Shi Eun and Ahn soo but how they ended up gave me real trauma, literally sympathized Baeom Seok for getting bullied , not having anyone to understand him but at the same time i wanted to throw him to another planet after what he did to Ahn Soo. Thanking writers for not adding love story it would have totally ruined the plot. The way episode 8 ended eagerly waiting for season 2.

Refreshing, involving, action packed amazing entertainer

[vpashish · 9/10 · 16 January 2023]

One of the best action packed kdrama, amazingly directed and even more powerfully presented by all the actors. All the aspects associated with it from dialogue delivery to direction and from action scenes to storyline are executed in an exceptionally brilliant manner. Other aspects like music, acting, cinematography are also on point. Within just 8 episodes the amount of emotions displayed in the drama are worth witnessing. Refreshing and highly involving psychological thriller. We really need more like this from kdramas. Ending too is thoughtfully and nicely crafted which leaves room for season 2 which I am eagerly waiting for. Great watch, highly recommended.

Wow. Did Not Expect This

[tenyuuh · 10/10 · 10 January 2023]

I don't even remember how I found the first episode on YouTube, but I got sucked in after the first episode and binges the show after a couple of days.

Being in the states this show is going to be hard to find so I'm not surprised there aren't more ratings.

But damn, the way this show started and the way it ended blew my mind and there sure better be a season 2.

The themes in this show are DARK as heck. I thought this would be just a bully theme only, but damn I'd they didn't bring in so much more.

The switch half way through the season completely shocked me. I did not see that coming at all.

This show doesn't give you all the reasons for why people do what they do - in fact even with the main characters you are left with more questions than answers.

I'm wrecked.

I made an IMDb account just to give this one star

[thoughtsfromfriends · 1/10 · 13 April 2023]

All of these excellent reviews are lying to you. There are two good things about this show, the acting and the fight choreography. If that is enough to make you love a show then great, go for it. However, if you are a fan of character development or plots that make any sense, you are better off finding something else to watch. This show does you dirty and is really sloppily done. It wants to be a tragic picture of bullying and youth but it is too chalk full of some of the most one dimensional and sensationalized bullies you've ever seen. It does not treat any characters with any amount of empathy. There is like one or possibly two characters that make any sense or are remotely engaging and that feeling doesn't last through the last episode.

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 8/10 · 1 December 2022]

Korean Drama "Weak Hero Class 1 " is a school drama about school violence.

The drama has some interesting main characters, which carry the drama through the very ending. Strong performances, in addition, complete a perfectly well done blend and enhance the entertainment of the story.

Likewise, the cinematography of the drama was spot on. The series didn't overdo it with the violence and the gore, even though the story is pretty dark. Rather, it focuses more on the friendship between the characters and their own life struggles. Hence, it didn't shift the attention of the viewer from what was really important.

So, overall, eight out of ten.

Astounding

[selenagw-64725 · 10/10 · 27 February 2023]

This show was heartbreaking, but beautifully so. It balances humor, action, and drama so incredibly well.

The main characters are phenomenal and the acting way surpassed my expectations--and my expectations were not low. The three main characters complement each other very well. Shi-eun is unsociable but strong, Suho is fun and bold, while Bum Seok is meek and conflicted.

The first half of the show greatly contrasts with the second half, so if you're looking for a show that's more upbeat and positive, you could honestly stop after the 4th episode and pretty much be content with that as an ending. But if you do keep watching, you likely will encounter some darker topics, but it's still phenomenal so I recommend you do.

BEST K DRAMA 2022

[samiragarcia-33843 · 10/10 · 26 December 2022]

I read the webtoon first and was so EXCITED for this series, when it came out it didn't disappoint me, I feel like the series is soo good I can't stop watching it even tought is really sad, the webtoon and the series are very different as the storyline of the series is just a short side story of sieun in the webtoon, but they made those 10 caps kn the webtoon one of the best series of 2022, can't wait for season 2 cause the webtoon has a storyline that can make even 2 seasons more, I'm hoping in the next season they stay as truthful as possible with the webtoon, conclusion 10/10 rrally recommend this series.

I really like it!

[faithrefesada · 9/10 · 12 December 2022]

I saw the clip on facebook and try to search it online so i gave it a try. I watched the first episode and got hooked to it. Since its only has 8 episodes i watxhed it in a day. I finished this drama and I am at a loss for words, teary-eyed, and on the edge of my seat. I love the cast and their characters. The fight scenes were well choreographed, realistic, and brutal. I literally cried when i thought Hyun Wook died at episode 7. But relieved that he is alive. I wanna see him again in Season 2.

Overall, I love the storyline and the acting. Suit them well. Expecting the 2 lead actors to be in Season 2.

Highly Recommended Drama!!! Must Watch !!!

[baruashathi · 10/10 · 11 April 2023]

Yesterday I watched this drama. I really loved this drama- the plot is so interesting and the acting is on point. This drama made me smile and cry and i really love it. I really appreciate the dramas like this,the story, acting, action everything is looks so realistic. Still stuck in my head this drama. I was completely absorbed in the drama.

What else can I say about Park Ji hoon? His character was the main attraction of this drama. He has portrayed this character very well. Hats of him. His character proves that A weak boy can be powerful if he's with his friends who are a perfect match for him and he done that. The pen, as symbolism, is used to great effect.

I never wrote a review despite watching hundreds of dramas but I had to leave one for this one! It'll always top of my favorite k- drama list. Literally one of the BEST shows I've ever watched.