Weak Hero Class 1 (2022)

Drama is so much fun!!!! I thought it was just a school action, but it is deeper than that. It explained the feelings of teenagers, their psychological struggles, their relationships, and their oscillations. I feel that I came back to see myself when I was young, so I was really affected and really loved it. The drama deserves praise and appreciation.
I think they put in extra effort because it's live action so they really deserve appreciation !

Park Ji Hoon is a good actor. I felt every feeling the character felt, dullness, sadness, depression, and even feelings of warmth in the hospital scene.

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This series has blown my mind by how close it has come to the reality. Just binge it.

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.

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Complex lead w/nuanced character growth, emotions screamed through punches/throws/kicks, A+ delivery

I usually don't post about, let alone review, shows that are already highly represented (I don't post a lot as is), but this show truly deserves the 5 hours of time anyone who can handle violent content (EXTREME bullying and extreme injuries!).
That said, I honestly recommend you NOT read any reviews before watching. It's so satisfying to go in without others' perspectives. A clean slate is perfect for this IMO. With that said, this isn't really so much full of spoilers (as I don't really go into plot much) as it is a summary of the characters which may still be more than some wish to read about.

We start with a stone-faced high school kid, a complete loner whose parents, divorced middle class workers (an academy math teacher and athletic coach), pay him little attention. He dives into his studies like his life is on the line, goes to cram academies and not much else. When he places first in a math competition (that is either schoolwide or regional/national-something bigger than their class), the guy who places third (a rich, entitled kid who rebels by drinking, smoking, and buying fentanyl from a hulk-like runaway/homeless/orphan thug in a gang that exploits teens) gets irritated and makes him a target.

From there, violence becomes the main feature, but the reasons for being violent, the methods of fighting, and the approach to it are different for all of the key figures. There are, of course, lackeys that gang up on people in swarms, but they picked a truly unique lead here. How he fights is pure strategy. He's truly weak-his stamina makes him take 50% longer than classmates to run a distance most take 6-7 minutes to do, so he instead uses his brain. He scans his environment, calculates the best strategies he can, and goes for quick shocking moves, not a steady flow of hard punches. He is, to be frank, a badass in terms of his brain. His lack of social skills, though, is less enviable, but his apparent lack of need for friends/him seeming fine flying solo does make others (like the attention-seeking third place kid who we can assume has some home life issues/parents pressuring him to be the best because "how can you lose to someone without our abundance of wealth?" but we don't actually see the background of them because it would distract from the short and fast-paced show's focus).

Alongside him are two other classmates, one right away, another soon after. From the beginning, our second lead is a righteous classmate whose MMA skills are unparalleled, a sweet guy who works multiple jobs to help take care of the grandmother he lives with. He protects not just the lead from others but others from the lead early on. He gets along with everyone, is truly good-hearted and generous, and is impossible to dislike for anyone but the few bullies with their ego issues who can't stand someone being so well-loved by everyone, someone so assured in who he is that he doesn't mind anyone's opinion of him or anger easily at all. They become friends in a quite unique set of encounters day to day, but it is a hard-earned friendship for the golden retriever-like faithful pal.

Soon after the initial two have been introduced to us, a transfer student enters the picture. He is a rich kid who was bullied severely at his former school. His family situation, though, is nothing to envy. His father is an Assemblyman who we learn adopted him solely to improve his image. There is nothing but annoyance and hostility because he is a nuisance-he isn't winning awards that the Assemblyman can show off but instead is occasionally taking him from work when beaten up by other schoolkids at the school of all-wealthy people.

This show's fight scenes are incredibly powerful... for something with only 5 hours of viewing content, I found myself truly impressed by the sheer variety of reasons for fighting and ways people end up fighting people who are often total strangers. It wasn't a variety pack that was just "create all kinds of scenarios and throw them all out there to just have as much violence as possible" from my viewing. Nothing seemed farfetched, a scary fact. Sure, the chance of ONE PERSON having this assortment is farfetched for reality, but this almost has a "Girl From Nowhere" "tour of this town's adolescent violence" feel through the lens of the ML.

I always LOVE when students look like everyday students. Seeing a load of flower boys/princess-like girls is harder to get immersed in. I love that this particular ML, despite being able to "glow up" and look very pretty (I've seen him in such roles), looks like a pretty common, average kid. He isn't this tall model-looking guy with an anime-like face but a kid whose expressions make him seem generally not-so-attractive. The golden retriever who can fight like nobody's business, well, okay-he's like a young Jang Ki Yong and no one's going to deny he's got some really handsome moments here. The third player, too, can look rather intriguing in a way that has a bit of what make Lee Soo Hyuk and Noh Min Woo so drop dead gorgeous. He is an awkward squirrely skinny kid here, and his hair is intentionally made unflattering, his glasses not really doing much for him, either-they made the two friendless ones LOOK like kids who don't have friends. Pretty impressive on makeup/hair/wardrobe and of course the acting, too!

One thing really stood out about these kids' faces, the ML's in particular. Watching the stoic lead show warmth as time goes on and seeing the transformation in his EYES when slowly getting a bit closer to the SML is powerful! The acting is truly spot on start to finish, and there's a scene where the SML (golden retriever) mentions feeling a bit strange as he expresses how the lead, this kid who was nonchalant and "are we close? Do you know me?" with people who talked to him when attention went his way, is actually a really warm, considerate, kind person... it was one I'll remember a long time. Despite there being SO much violence, we really do see these awkward kids blossom... and one fall and develop intense envy and bitterness and sadness/loneliness and derail for that matter. The ML's development, though, is kind of magical. Even the end is showing a still-transforming adolescent. He's one of the most intricately written teen characters I've seen in a LONG time (maybe ever), and his delivery was IMPECCABLE.

You will feel such a wide range of emotions... sometimes the violence will be deeply satisfying (even though it shouldn't), other times deeply disturbing and even heartbreaking! It's like these actors really did punch out all of their characters' strongest emotions with every single punch, throw, etc. For the male lead in particular, we see the journey of his psyche and can tell his emotional state from the way he engages in violent acts. It's truly well-done. I'm REALLY stoked it's getting another season, something I rarely feel so excited about!

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Amazing acting!

I'm trying to figure out how to write this review, because I've just finished it and have taken a few minutes to collect myself....

Park Jihoon and Choi Hyunwook, and honestly all of the other actors, are incredible in this! Park Jihoon's acting is award-worthy in this, as is the entire drama.

The drama has 8 episodes, which were all released at the same time. I've seen comments saying that this is because it's meant to be binged, which is understandable, as you could lose the emotional buildup between episodes if you had to wait to watch each next episode. But also, they could have done this to get it aired by the end of 2022 so that it was available to be considered for the current year's awards. (Or possibly, they just didn't have a time slot, but I doubt that's the case.)

For some reason, a lot of people are unaware that Park Jihoon has been acting for about 15 years, so he's an actor-turned-idol, not the other way around. He's not one of these green "noobs" (I hate that word) with no experience under his belt. He's had stage and television experience, plus the experience with Wanna One and his solo singing career. So I would have expected for him to do well, but he went beyond my expectations and blew me away with this drama, as well as At A Distance, Spring Is Green (which I also recommend.)

Choi Hyunwook is younger and less experienced, but still not new to the acting world. He was my favorite character on Twenty-Five, Twenty-One because he has such charisma, and I had the same thoughts as I watched him in Weak Hero Class 1. He has that strong but confident personality that is cool and captivating.

Also I want to mention that Shin Seung Ho had me mesmerized with his calm and cool exterior....

So anyway, the drama...it was violent. I usually shy away from such things as violence and bullying, because if I hide my face, they don't exist, right? No. They do, but I know (hope to goodness) they don't exist at this level in S. Korean high schools. I was fully immersed, and had to pause occasionally to remind myself that it was a drama and no one really got hurt. It was good enough that I never thought of dropping it, and even interested in watching season 2.

I'm sure there are triggers for some people, and it's probably not for everyone, but if you can watch it, it's definitely worth every 10 rating that it got.

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I wanted to check out the first episode out of curiosity and ended up watching all eight episodes within 12 hours. It was 100% Park Jihoon's portrayal of Si-eun that hooked me. Those sad eyes and that emotionless voice expressed so much intensity. Choi Hyun Wook was also so charismatic as Soo-ho; his energy is infectious and the two of them together really warmed my heart. However, to be clear, this isn't a warm drama! This is intense and violent, the eight episode length gives it such a fast pace although still allowing character development to be evident. Every cast member played their part so well.

I truly hope this gets a second season. Noting that I have not read the webtoon.

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GREAT ACTION & AMAZING BROMANCE!

SUCH A GOOD SHOW OMG!!! I totally did not expect it to be this good because I wasn't that interested in the synopsis or the actor lineup but it proved me wrong! I am amazed by the different images that Jihoon showed me through his role in this drama. It is so different than his Wanna One days. I am also so in love with Sooho! Sooho & Si Eun are too adorable together and I'm so sad T_T I will be keeping an eye on both Jihoon and Hyun Wook's future projects. The plot and action scenes are also so amazing and thrilling to watch!! It is a bit graphic but so exciting and satisfying to watch nonetheless. I love it when the weak character shows his other side! I wasn't expecting the plot to turn the way it did halfway, but the drama was still very good and kept me engaged until the end. No wonder everyone is raving about this drama! I TOTALLY RECOMMEND IT!

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I'm Speechless! What was the hell is that?

In short: Anyone who can cope with brutal violence, should watch this series immediately, don't wait even a second!!!

In long: I came just as I finished the series and I don't even know how to start. I might make a typo, sorry in advance.

First of all, I want all the applause to go to Park Jihoon and Choi Hyun Wook. they deserve such a big round of applause... they were both the most talented young actors I've seen lately. They made me hold my breath for 8 episodes and lose my mind while watching the friendship they portrayed with their magnificent acting.
Edit: I just learned that Park Jihoon is an idol and also he has a very cute face card and cute idol persona in real life, i can't believe that he is the same person who plays that Si Eun character in this drama. lol. he is an amazing actor.

Then I want to add the following. first of all, this drama is definitely a heavy drama in terms of display of violence, just like "the king of pigs". So if brutal violence is too much for you, please don't watch it.

The second thing I would like to add is that this series did not actually contain any public service ads. that is, it actually involved real life. It contained everything that could happen in real life. what we are normally told, when bullied go and complain, make sure the authorities will protect you. but no, neither parent, nor teacher, nor police… none of them will try to save you. No one will care about you like no one cares about si eun and soo ho, this drama perfectly portrays the realities of life. be against bullying, a word that can only be spoken in public. From the highest status to the lowest, no one will even care if you are bullied. And that's why this show is never, ever pity. They put the facts before us without hesitation.

In some scenes, I had to stop, give myself some time and continue like that. I won't be able to get over this series that I couldn't get over the same "the king of pigs" (themes are similar).




SPOILER but this is a call to the screenwriters: do not leave si eun alone at another school in the second season and let us watch their happy moments with his friend soo ho, PLEASE!

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It's not a trio but a duo. ONLY A DUO

Everyone on kdrama twt was going on about how fabulous this was and yeah I agree this show is a masterpiece but they failed to warn me about how I'm gonna feel towards the end.
Let me just start off by saying that I absolutely love the duo that is Soo Ho and Si eun. I'm sure this is want soulmates are supposed to be like, always willing to get hurt for the other and have each others backs at all times. Their friendship grew so much on me.
Now regarding Bum seok, I liked how he was willing to help is his friends out when they were in trouble and how genuinely seemed to worry about soo ho when he went to the Gangsters house. But he messed it all up so fast. how can someone mess up so bad?!?! And the root cause of it all was just his inferiority complex and blatant jealousy.
Not even the previous bullies infuriated me as much as he did. He betrayed them and had the audacity to cry after hurting his friend. Soo Ho was right, he is pathetic and I believe Si eun should have beaten him up in the end.
Is it too much to ask to have a happy ending? I have had enough of 2022 traumatizing me so much

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I wasn't ready....

1. For the violence
2. For the great reviews to be entirely right
3. For the emotional rollercoaster this series took me through
4. For the fantastic acting skills
5. For the newfound respect for all of the actors, including the two mains leads
6. To be missing them after the show had ended
7. To be pinning to see more of them
8. For the brutal honesty of this show
9. For the abuse
10. For the ending episodes

No, I would not watch it again...not because it wasn't a great show, but because I don't think my heart can handle it knowing how it plays out, especially at the end. I am a sucker for happy endings...this ending was not one. I do hope for a Season 2! I know many fans usually hope for a season two of their fav shows, but if you watch some of them, it won't make since. For this show, a Season 2 would make sense because it feels like the middle of the story. I'm here wondering what jobs the ML could do with his demeanour and outlook on life. I want to love on him...sigh...

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Must watch!

I never wrote a review despite watching hundreds of dramas but I had to leave one for this one!
I don't see any flaws to it! The story is captivating, actors are brilliant, you get really attached to the characters because they are realistic and well written. The fighting scenes are realistic and great as well, which changes from these drama were the main leads practically fly without breaking a sweat!
The last episode was so intense I realised that I was barely breathing!
If you like stories about the underdog, deep friendship and action, don't hesitate! But brace yourself ;)

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Thrilling, Touching, Thought-provoking

Fans of Crows Zero and High&Low The Worst, assemble! South Korea is entering our favorite genre, "high school delinquents fighting and bromancing," to challenge Japan's supremacy in it, and let me tell you: the Koreans are starting with an absolute banger. Weak Hero Class 1 is action-packed, entertaining, thought-provoking, and will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. It gives the bromance, friendship, and fights that are the genre's hallmark and at the same time presents a unique twist on the familiar story of high school rivalry.

What distinguishes this series from its Japanese counterparts is that its setting is more realistic. We leave behind the Japanese high schools from hell and enter an average school, in which teachers, ordinary students, and, sadly, bullying exist. Notably, the guys throw punches not like anime fighters, but like real high school students, and this is why the main character, Yeon Shi Eun, is so memorable and likeable.
Unlike his equivalents from Japan, he is physically weak, but he compensates for his weakness with his strength of spirit, bravery, and intelligence. He is a person whom I grew to admire over the course of the series because he reminds the viewers that courage does not mean lack of fear – courage means doing the right thing despite your fear – and this is precisely what Shi Eun does from the first episode to the last. Even when he and those dear to him suffer from the cruelty and injustice of others, he does not lose the kindness of his heart. In general, if I had to point out just one thing that the production team of this series did right, I would say that they gave us a main character who knows right from wrong and acts on his principles.

It is worth mentioning that the plot is heavier than those of the Japanese movies. While the delinquents of Japan fight to establish dominance, uphold the honor of their school, punish criminals, have fun etc., the focus of this series is definitely the exceptionally severe bullying. There are bad gangsters to be defeated too, of course, but they are present only in the first half of the story – keep this in mind.

Surprisingly for Korea, another hallmark of the genre, "bromance with no heterosexual explanation," is as recognizable here as it is in Crows Zero and High&Low The Worst. From finger hearts to calling your bro "cutie" and putting on your helmet on his head, to jealousy, to staring that makes the viewers exclaim "I want someone to look at me the way Shi Eun looks at Ahn Soo Ho," to sacrificing yourself to protect or take revenge for your bro, the familiar signs are all here. Who is open-minded enough to see it will see it.

This review will be incomplete if I do not praise the actors. They were all brilliant. It was Park Ji Hoon who stole the show with his great performance, though. I have been following his career since his days as a member of Wanna One, and I like him as an idol, but I had not thought highly of his acting until I saw him as Shi Eun. I believe that here he finally showed what he is actually capable of.

Overall, if you are looking for something that both is action-packed and has an interesting, well-developed plot without melodramatic romance, annoying characters, and unfunny humor, which seem to spoil many Korean series, this series is definitely worth the watch. I have not been so invested in a story in a while. Kudos to the production team.

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