“Weak Hero Class 2” on Netflix: Bigger, Flashier, and… Disappointing? [OTT Review]
Released on April 25, “Weak Hero Class 2”, directed by Yoo Soo-min, is a Netflix original series following Yeon Si-eun (played by Park Ji-hoon), who transfers to Eun Jang High School after being haunted by trauma from a violent past he couldn’t prevent. Determined not to lose another friend, Si-eun throws himself into even more brutal fights.
Based on the popular Naver webtoon, Weak Hero Class began as a Wavve original in 2022. The first season was praised for its raw portrayal of teenage struggles, deep character relationships, and stylized action pioneering a new lane for school action dramas.
Season 2, now with Netflix’s backing, comes with heightened production value and broader scope. But in focusing on explosive action and a wider universe, including rival school gangs, the series seems to have lost the emotional weight and character depth that made Season 1 shine.
The inclusion of a “school gang alliance” that operates like a full-blown crime syndicate: stealing phones, dealing motorcycles, and running operations like a mafia ring,.. feels overblown, especially considering all the characters are supposedly high school students. The visual dissonance of grown-looking actors in school uniforms committing serious crimes adds to the disconnect.
Worse still, the central storyline involving Park Hu-min (Ryeoun) and Na Baek-jin (Bae Na-ra) lacks impact. For a plotline that consumes much of the screen time, the emotional backstory and motivations between the two childhood friends-turned-rivals feel weak and underdeveloped. Their escalating conflict lacks convincing buildup, making the final moments, especially the post-credit scene, feel underwhelming.
The dialogue also suffers. At times, the characters sound like they’re trapped in a cringe-worthy phase of adolescent angst, muttering melodramatic lines that kill immersion rather than build tension. Without strong character bonds, even the most intense lines fail to leave a lasting impression.
That said, the action sequences do deliver, especially in the early episodes. From alleys to rooftops, each episode features intense, fast-paced fights with solid choreography. However, by the climax—when Si-eun’s crew takes on the massive school gang the illusion breaks. Despite the brutal sound effects, the punches visibly miss, and the fakeness is hard to ignore.
Still, Weak Hero Class 2 isn’t without merit. It introduces new faces like Choi Min-young as Seo Jun-tae, a bullied student who finds courage thanks to Si-eun, and Lee Min-jae as Go Hyun-tak, Hu-min’s loyal friend. Both actors deliver standout performances and breathe life into otherwise thin roles.
In the end, Weak Hero Class 2 looks polished thanks to Netflix, but feels hollow. The emotional core and compelling character dynamics of Season 1 have been traded for larger—but emptier—set pieces. The action got bigger, but the story got weaker.
