Wavve original series "Weak Hero Class 1" is re-released on Netflix / Courtesy of Netflix

The Korean teenage action drama "Weak Hero Class 1" is experiencing a dramatic resurgence three years after its original release — this time on Netflix. Initially premiered in 2022 as a Wavve Original, the series is earning widespread international attention for its gripping performances and tightly woven storytelling.

The show ranked No. 3 globally on Netflix's TV chart with a score of 629 as of Thursday, according to streaming analytics platform FlixPatrol.

Since its release on Netflix, "Weak Hero Class 1" has topped the charts in Thailand and Malaysia, listed as No. 2 in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia and Brazil and secured the top 10 spots in major markets, including France (No. 3), Spain (No. 4), the United States (No. 5), Canada (No. 6), Germany (No. 8) and Italy (No. 10).

Based on a popular webtoon of the same name, the series follows Yeon Si-eun, played by Park Ji-hoon, a high-achieving student who, despite his small stature and quiet nature, uses his intelligence and surroundings to fight back against school violence.

The story centers on his bond with classmates Ahn Su-ho (Choi Hyun-wook) and Oh Beom-seok (Hong Kyung) as the trio takes on bullies with more than just brute strength.

What sets "Weak Hero Class 1" apart is its nuanced portrayal of youth. It's not just another school violence drama—it's a raw yet heartfelt coming-of-age story that explores loyalty, inner strength and moral dilemmas. Si-eun's transformation from a passive outsider to a strategic fighter, all while maintaining his top academic standing, forms the emotional core of the series.

Choi Hyun-wook also won praise for his role as Su-ho, a fiercely loyal friend who stands beside Si-eun in the face of danger. His first foray into action acting involved months of training at an action school and a rigorous fitness routine, which helped bring authenticity to his performance.

Even during its initial run, "Weak Hero Class 1" made waves, claiming a 45.5 percent market share on the domestic streaming platform Wavve, a testament to both its popularity and critical acclaim.

Now, anticipation is building for the sequel. Titled "Weak Hero Class 2," the new season will be produced and released by Netflix in April. It continues Si-eun's journey as he transfers to Eunjang High School, haunted by the trauma of failing to protect a friend. Determined not to lose anyone again, he faces even harsher violence in a brutal but luminous survival story.

The new cast includes Ryeoun, Choi Min-yeong, Lee Min-jae, Yoo Su-bin and Lee Jun-young, promising a fresh wave of energy in the next chapter of this emotionally charged saga.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative artificial intelligence and edited by The Kora Times.