Review: Weak Hero Class 2

Weak Hero Class 2 is a Netflix Korean Drama that continues the intense story that began in the first season. Class 1 follows an introverted top student, Yeon Si-eun (played by Park Ji-hoon), who is a constant target for bullies, but fights back using his intelligence and surprising strength. He later forms a close friendship with Ahn Su-ho (Choi Hyun-wook), a tough but caring classmate, and Oh Beom-seok (Hong Kyung), another quiet new student who struggles with trauma and self-worth. Their bond is tested by violence, peer pressure, and betrayal, leading to heartbreaking consequences. 

Class 2 shifts the story to a new school, where Yeon Si-eun must face different standards, grief, and more relentless bullying. It also includes new characters, Seo Jun-tae (Choi Min-yeong), Park Hu-min (Ryeoun), and many more, whom Si-eun is hesitant about due to his experience in the first season.

The new season showcases deep but common themes in real-life school environments, such as how students deal with stress and loyalty. One thing that stood out to me this season was how the fights between students seemed to have a more emotional motive now than last season, reflecting how teens struggle to express their emotions in a healthy way. The quieter moments in Class 2 also highlight how these emotions bottle up in these characters, and how they are all shaped by the environment they are put in. 

A particular scene from Class 2 that resonated with me long after watching comes from episode 7. It features a previous character, Oh Beom-Seok, along with the main character, Yeon Si-eun, during a dream he has while in deep sleep. They are sitting together in a dimly lit boxing ring. This setting is said to symbolize the guilt Si-eun has been sitting with since the tragic events of Class 1, and Beom-seok represents a part of his past that he can’t fully let go of.

In their quiet conversation, Beom-seok questions Si-eun about his new friends at his transfer school, trying to convince him that they won’t last. This reflects the hesitation Si-eun still feels when it comes to trusting new people and opening up again. Toward the end of this scene, Beom-seok asks Si-eun to stay in the boxing ring with him a little longer, even grabbing his hand with a pleading look that makes audiences feel sorrow for Beom-seok.  When Si-eun gently lets go, it’s a subtle but powerful moment: it illustrates that he’s beginning to move forward, choosing to stop holding onto the guilt and trauma that’s weighed him down. I was truly fascinated by how such a seemingly simple part of this episode could re-establish heavy themes of guilt and fear while also marking Si-eun’s emotional growth. 

Although the series brings intense fights and action, what truly stands out is the writing. It demonstrates the complexities put behind each character and scene, so much so that it makes you feel deeply even for characters who are supposed to be villains. Their pain, fears, and desperation are portrayed in such a real and raw way that it makes it hard to place complete blame on one person. Overall, I would recommend this series even to those who wouldn’t usually watch the action genre. Weak Hero Class 2 doesn’t just show violence. It shows the deeper, harsh reasons behind that violence. And that’s what makes it so powerful.