Weak Hero Class 2 Review: An Absolutely Arresting Action-Thriller

Weak Hero Class 2 Review: Model student Yeon Si-eun is back with his teenage angst and a penchant for standing up to bullies in his new school, Eunjang High School, after the devastating situation that unfolded in his first school. This time around, he refuses to let others bully him but is also adamant that he won’t repeat past incidents that left one of his own hurt. However, high school isn’t an easy feat, and when things take a turn for the worse, Si-eun must do whatever is necessary to not let bullies hurt him and his friend. But this time, he might have to push himself past his limit.

The series has 8 episodes, each with a runtime of around 45 minutes. It’s based on the webtoon 약한영웅 by SeoPass.

Weak Hero Class 2 Review

There’s a surprising amount of tension in Weak Hero Class 2 episode 1, considering it only builds the story and has nothing of note happening. However, Park Ji-hoon’s Si-eun is so surprisingly mysterious and quiet that it feels like the sky is going to fall at any moment. After introducing all of its characters in their most natural habitats, the story properly starts in the second episode, and from then on, there’s no slowing this Kdrama down.

Weak Hero Class 1 was the true definition of a sleeper hit. It won the audience’s hearts completely, especially when it was released on Netflix, but no one could probably predicted the cult following it would generate months and years afterwards. Three years later, season 2 continues Si-eun’s legacy as the resident quiet guy with the hidden temper. As mentioned above, Weak Hero 2 caught my attention the moment it started; there’s an air of mystery, intrigue and crushing tension that gets you glued to the screen the moment it starts.

Also Read: Twinkling Watermelon Review

The series focuses on two distinct aspects of Si-eun’s life — the demons of his past that he tries to leave behind and the fear of it seeping into his present and destroying him. The emotional weight of what happened in the past has left Si-eun devastated for obvious reasons. You can’t help but feel deeply heartbroken for him as he struggles with his issues alone. Thus, Jun-tae’s entry into his life almost comes at a good time, but brings with it a lot of unpleasant memories. Their budding friendship is quite sweet and warm, but the circumstances surrounding them are always simply terrible.

It’s baffling how much everyone fights in the series, at points it’s amusing as well. I don’t particularly relate to children fighting like dogs in class without a teacher in sight, but this is apparently a very common thing in South Korea. Either way, the moment Baku, or Hu-min, comes into the picture in Weak Hero Class 2 episode 3, things take a dramatic and surprisingly sweet shift. He’s the happier part of this dreadful tale and puts a smile on your face every time he’s on screen. Ryeo Un is a ray of sunshine and a delight to watch.

Si-eun’s warm high school group makes me fearful for the later episodes almost immediately, and I wasn’t really wrong. As we jump from a good moment to an explosive fight and then back, it feels emotionally exhausting. The push and pull of Si-eun’s feelings are hurtful at some points because he desperately wants to change his life, but circumstances won’t let him.

I will say that I found the whole gang war to be a bit much, but it’s easy to fall into the story headfirst because of how genuinely it tells its story. I also think some of the characters are extremely one-dimensional, especially the antagonists. We hardly get to see anyone’s motivations or understand who they are. It’s sort of odd, thus, to see, say, Seong-je be this crazed killer, but why is he like this? These are all high school students, there must be some reason. It’s not realistic for something like this to happen anywhere, let alone for a group of youngsters to run a syndicate under everyone’s noses.

Also Read: Weak Hero Class 2 Ending Explained: Is Si-eun Able to Save His Friends? What Happens to the Union?

However, my favourite part about Weak Hero is the extraordinary action sequences that are fluid and full of thrill. Every minute builds up to a bloody fight sequence that will give you an adrenaline rush. The series gets every minute of these fight sequences right and makes you root for Si-eun at every turn. Of course, kudos have to be given to Park Ji-hoon, who is a fantastic Si-eun. It’s easy to love him, and he plays the rebel with a cause character all too well. The rest of the Weak Hero Class 2 cast are equally fantastic and make the experience memorable.

Final Thoughts

Weak Hero Class 2 is thoroughly entertaining. Regardless of its unbelievable nature, it’s just so enjoyable that you don’t pay attention to its shortcomings. The series is fast-paced enough to take your mind off its flaws and enjoy the flow. Of course, the fantastic performances and the fluid action sequences help. All in all, I found it difficult to stop watching the series from the moment it started, and it kept me hooked throughout.

Also Read: You Season 5 Ending Explained: Does Joe Finally Face Justice? What Happens to Bronte?