Park Ji Hoon returns as Yeon Si Eun in Weak Hero Class 2, now streaming on Netflix, continuing his intense journey through school violence and friendship. Fans are buzzing about whether watching the first season, released in 2022, is necessary to enjoy the latest chapter.
Weak Hero Class 2 premiered on Netflix on April 25, 2025, bringing back Park Ji Hoon as Yeon Si Eun, a brilliant but physically weak student who uses his sharp intellect to fight bullies. The first season, Weak Hero Class 1, introduced his story at Byuksan High School, where he formed deep bonds with Ahn Su Ho (Choi Hyun Wook) and Oh Beom Seok (Hong Kyung). Now, fans are eager to know if the prequel is essential to understand the new season’s plot, characters, and emotional weight.
What Is Weak Hero Class 1 About?
Weak Hero Class 1, released on Wavve on November 18, 2022, and later on Netflix on March 25, 2025, follows Yeon Si Eun, a top student at Byuksan High School. Despite his frail appearance, he refuses to bow to bullies like Jeon Yeong Bin (Kim Su Gyeom). Using his knowledge of physics, quick thinking, and nearby objects, he outsmarts his enemies.
Si Eun starts as a loner, focused only on studying. His life changes when he meets Ahn Su Ho, a charismatic slacker, and Oh Beom Seok, a timid transfer student. The trio forms a strong friendship while battling school violence. The season explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the psychological toll of bullying. It ends with a tragic event: Su Ho falls into a coma after a brutal fight, and Beom Seok betrays Si Eun, leading to Si Eun’s expulsion from Byuksan.
The drama, based on the Naver webtoon Weak Hero by Seopass and Kim Jin Seok, premiered its first three episodes at the 27th Busan International Film Festival in October 2022. It earned praise for its realistic portrayal of school violence, gripping action, and strong performances, achieving a 45.5% share on OTT platforms. Sudarshana Ganguly of The Telegraph called it the “2022 Best K-drama,” rating it 4.5/5 for its raw storytelling and Park Ji Hoon’s nuanced acting.
What Happens in Weak Hero Class 2?
Weak Hero Class 2 picks up after Yeon Si Eun transfers to Eunjang High School, carrying the trauma of failing to protect Su Ho and losing Beom Seok. Expelled from Byuksan, he faces new challenges in a school plagued by darker forces, including the Union, a network of high school gangs led by Na Baek Jin (Bae Na Ra).
Si Eun tries to stay isolated, haunted by guilt over Su Ho’s coma. He visits Su Ho daily in the hospital, showing their deep bond. Rumors swirl at Eunjang about Si Eun’s past, with some claiming he “killed someone.” Despite his reluctance, he forms new friendships with Park Hu Min (Ryeo Un), a just leader; Seo Jun Tae (Choi Min Yeong), an underdog who gains courage; and Go Hyun Tak (Lee Min Jae), a former taekwondo athlete. They face Choi Hyo Man (Yoo Su Bin), a returning bully from season 1, and Geum Seong Je (Lee Jun Young), a key Union member.
The season builds to a massive showdown on a muddy basketball court between Eunjang students and the Union. Si Eun uses his intelligence to strategize, recruiting Geum Seong Je to leak Union financial records and weaken their ranks. The fight determines whether Eunjang joins the Union or remains free. The season also explores Na Baek Jin’s complex past with Park Hu Min, adding emotional depth to their rivalry.
Choi Hyun Wook makes a cameo as Ahn Su Ho, appearing in flashbacks and a pivotal hospital scene. Hong Kyung’s Oh Beom Seok appears in a dream sequence, reflecting Si Eun’s guilt. The finale brings a heartfelt moment when Su Ho wakes from his coma, reuniting with Si Eun. Park Ji Hoon revealed he cried during this reunion, highlighting their real-life friendship.
Do You Need to Watch Season 1?
Watching Weak Hero Class 1 is not mandatory to follow Weak Hero Class 2, but it’s highly recommended for the full experience. Here’s why:
- Plot Independence: Weak Hero Class 2 stands alone with a new setting (Eunjang High), fresh characters, and a self-contained story about the Union. The show provides enough context about Si Eun’s past through flashbacks and dialogue, so new viewers can follow the plot. For example, rumors about Si Eun’s violent history and his hospital visits to Su Ho explain his trauma without needing season 1.
- Emotional Depth: Season 1 builds Yeon Si Eun’s character, showing why he’s emotionally distant and distrustful. His bond with Su Ho and betrayal by Beom Seok shape his reluctance to make friends in season 2. Without this background, moments like Si Eun fainting upon hearing Su Ho’s weakening pulse or his dream of Beom Seok lose impact. Park Ji Hoon noted, “Su Ho still plays a very big part in Si Eun’s psyche in season 2 because he was such a dear friend.”
- Character Context: Choi Hyun Wook’s cameo as Su Ho and Hong Kyung’s brief appearance as Beom Seok carry more weight if you know their season 1 roles. The finale’s reunion scene is more moving with the context of their past. Fans on X agree, with one user stating, “You should watch season 1 because the friendship element hits different in season 2.”
- Thematic Continuity: Both seasons explore friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of violence. Season 1 sets up Si Eun’s moral compass and calculated fighting style, which evolve in season 2. Knowing his journey from a loner to a protector enhances the story’s themes. Director Yoo Soo Min emphasized, “This is a story about friends,” making season 1’s friendships crucial to the narrative.
- Webtoon Connection: The drama deviates from the Weak Hero webtoon, where season 1 is a prequel to the main story at Eunjang. Season 2 aligns more with the webtoon’s core plot but doesn’t require reading it. However, season 1’s unique adaptation adds depth to Si Eun’s character that the webtoon doesn’t cover in the same way.
Fan Reactions to Season 2
Fans have mixed feelings about Weak Hero Class 2. Many praise Park Ji Hoon’s emotional performance, with one viewer saying, “Weak Hero Class 2 made me cry even more than the first season. Park Ji Hoon, I love you.” Others lauded the new cast, including Ryeo Un, Choi Min Yeong, and Lee Jun Young, for bringing fresh energy. The action scenes were called “thrilling” and “well-choreographed.”
However, some felt the season was rushed, with one fan noting, “It needed at least 12-16 episodes to flesh out the story.” Others wanted more backstory on the Union and Na Baek Jin’s relationship with Park Hu Min. Fans also expressed sadness over the limited episodes, predicting a potential season 3 with Su Ho rejoining Si Eun’s group.
“Weak Hero Class 2 made me cry even more than the first season. Park Ji Hoon, I love you.”
“It needed at least 12-16 episodes to flesh out the story.”
Differences Between Seasons
- Setting: Season 1 is set at Byuksan High, while season 2 moves to Eunjang High, introducing a larger threat with the Union.
- Cast: Park Ji Hoon is the only main actor returning. Choi Hyun Wook and Hong Kyung have minor roles, replaced by new allies like Ryeo Un and Choi Min Yeong.
- Tone: Season 2 is darker, focusing on Si Eun’s trauma and larger-scale gang conflicts. Season 1 balances humor and action with lighter friendship moments.
- Pacing: Season 2’s eight episodes feel rushed to some, while season 1’s eight episodes were praised for tight storytelling.
Critical Reception
Weak Hero Class 2 has topped Netflix charts in South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, and more. Critics praise Park Ji Hoon’s “standout performance” and the “intense action,” but some noted the pacing sacrificed character development. Director Yoo Soo Min commended Park Ji Hoon for embodying Si Eun, saying, “His body and heart truly remembered Yeon Si Eun.”
Is Season 1 Worth Watching?
Even if you skip season 1, Weak Hero Class 2 is enjoyable for its action and new characters. However, season 1’s emotional foundation makes the sequel more rewarding. It’s available on Netflix in over 190 countries, with eight 40-minute episodes, perfect for a quick binge. Fans on X urge viewers to watch it, with one saying, “Season 1 is not just about the plot; the friendships make season 2 hit harder.”
Also Read: Weak Hero Class 2 Soars to Global Success with No. 2 Netflix Ranking in Just One Day
Weak Hero Class 2 dropped all eight episodes on Netflix on April 25, 2025, at 12:30 PM IST. The season ends with Ahn Su Ho waking from his coma, hinting at a possible season 3. Fans speculate Su Ho could join Yeon Si Eun’s new squad, but no official confirmation exists. Park Ji Hoon shared ideas for a darker season 3, where Si Eun might “go rogue,” though he noted it’s just his imagination. The series continues to trend in Netflix’s Top 10, driven by its intense plot and loyal fanbase.
CREDITS: Netflix
