Steers away from the comics enough to keep its readers entertained, but pales in comparison
I'm going to again start out by mentioning how ridiculously high scores are on MDL - it's like, if something was good, it has to be a 9 or 10, and if something is 5, that means it's God-awful!NO! 1 is terrible, 5 is middling a 10 is the best sh*t you've ever seen in your life!
That said, my rating reflects my honest opinion of this, based on a RELIABLE rating system, and I by no means hated it.
After the first episode of this, I was worried that it would be a direct live-action copy and paste, although the beating at the end of the episode was nowhere near as satisfying as it was in the comic.
Luckily, the creative team behind this chose to alter things, so that those who have read the comic wouldn't feel like this was a waste of time; paradoxically, that also ended up costing this quite a bit. You see, there's this really stupid sub-plot for a few episodes about how the gang takes down some loan-shark... yeah, kind of like Scooby Doo but with some violence tossed in! It was a really, really weak and unbelievable arc that, thankfully, was quickly brushed aside to focus on the main story.
I'll point out now that the acting in this was damn good!
I don't usually comment on the acting so much, but this would've failed utterly had the cast not pulled off their roles so well.
I won't go too much into things and risk ruining it all, but I ended this being, extremely disappointed that a certain recording wasn't spread online and the abusive scum-politician exposed because of it, which really left a sour taste in my mouth of how the absolute root cause of everything got away completely! It also meant that the main villain escaped too, and also the vigilante-style justice that only one of the antagonists actually properly received. So that was incredibly disappointing too, wanting to see certain people being unable to ever hold a pen again(!), or at least ending up in juvie, thanks to the aforementioned clip not being circulated.
In the end, it was a pretty good drama I'd recommend to younger adults, but a bit too immature and unrewarding for anyone older, or those who have already read the comics.
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It's OK.
(Edited - rating from 7,5 to 8,5 after season 2)Not the most awesome drama in history but it's entertaining and very well acted. It contains one of my favourite scenes to watch in the history of anything I've ever watched and I think those who have watched this drama probably know which scene I'm talking about.
I have already read the webtoon it's based on but I am not comparing them. I see it as its own story. It's not a bad drama and saying I don't enjoy watching it would be a lie. I have rewatched it multiple time and I do like it. But the whole truth is that while it could have been the absolute masterpiece many people make it to be, it's simply not. Limiting itself to 8 short episodes was in my opinion a big mistake.
So my main issues with this drama are :
- I could barely stand Si Eun and found him very dislikable in the beginning. Personal preference. No hate. He honestly acts like an arrogant psycho without any real reason. Gets better afterwards and becomes more likeable as he gets closer to Su Ho and Beom Seok but his personality still doesn't make much sense to me. Backstory is understandable but lacking in realization.
- The trio, relationship and characters, should have been WAY more developed. If it had, it truly could have been an exceptional drama. But in fact, we barely see them actually interacting with each other before it got dismantled. What do they actually love in each others ? What do they each bring to each others ? What do they see in each other ? This is all very superficial and fleeting... I wished we could have actually learned more about them through one another and see them change positively thanks to their bond - way before it started to break down and regress because of the inherent character flaws they had (well, especially Beom Seok's character flaws). Here it was brushed way too quickly, so it didn't impact me that much. I didn't have enough material to actually feel involved and really care about their relationship. The characters in general needed so much more development. They had so much potential. That's a shame. The reason their relationships broke wasn't developed enough either. Because of Young I ? Beom Seok was insecure and got jealous + the return of those bullies that traumatised him (as if he wasn't enough with his dumbass father), I got that, but because it happened too quickly, it didn't really matter to me honestly. It being the core element of the story, it should have been deepened.
- I didn't really like the OST at first but after multiple rewatches it kind of grew on me. Some of the lyrics are too cheesy though. Just isn't fitting imo.
Other than that, acting is definitely good and natural, Hong Kyung and Park Ji Hoon in particular have talent - Choi Hyun Wook is great as well but his character here was emotionally more repressed/balanced in what was shown to us so he doesn't bless us with a wide range of expressions compared to Kyung and Ji Hoon -, characters are interesting (yes even though Si Eun gets on my nerves in the beginning, I think he's still interesting). Beom Seok in particular is a very good, very flawed and very tragic character and I can't really hate him. Fights are awesome. I loved watching them. Ending is good, heart wrenching but appropriately done, I think.
So yeah. I liked it but I didn't love it the way I could have if it had a bit more development and it's too bad.
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The Reviews are Skewered fo sure
What’s with the high rated reviews? I was actually really looking forward to this. And yes at the beginning the acting and the story was going really well. However somewhere between episode at five and seven there was a huge leap without any character development or character storytelling or character angst to back up what ended up happening in the last two episodes. It made no sense whatsoever. And then even with the video footage it again made no sense as to why the protagonist lost when there was video footage. Honestly, the buildup was great but then it was just silly and stupid at the end. I can see why a lot of people were not happy.Was this review helpful to you?
This show captures the essence of true friendship!
Weak Hero Class 1 (2022) – 10/10This drama hit like a punch to the gut—in the best way possible. Weak Hero Class 1 is short but brutally impactful. It doesn’t waste a single moment. Every scene is filled with raw tension, emotion, and purpose.
What makes this stand out isn’t just the action (which is intense and well-choreographed), but the emotional weight behind it. It’s a story about bullying, loyalty, and what happens when a quiet, brilliant kid is pushed past his breaking point. Park Ji-hoon gave an unforgettable performance—cold, controlled, and heartbreaking. His character, Yeon Si-eun, is one of the most compelling underdogs I’ve seen in K-drama.
The friendship between the three main characters was beautiful and painful. It showed the longing for connection and the cost of trusting in a cruel world. The writing is sharp, the cinematography is stylish yet gritty, and the soundtrack fits perfectly with the mood.
It’s not just a school drama—it’s a survival story. One that forces you to confront the realities of violence, trauma, and isolation, while still holding onto something human.
An absolute must-watch. Gritty, emotional, unforgettable.
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10/10
actually worth the wait, I just want season 3 now bc I’m more hooked than I already was .😭 The acting was amazing (like always bc you can’t go wrong with jihoon) and I liked the storyline even though it was different from the webtoon , but to be fair they did have to adapt it a bit to be more realistic. Overall I loved this show since before season one came out , and now watching season 2 I only like the show more. I would definitely recommend this kdrama to people (I already have). And I’ll probably be rewatching it a few times bc this show just genuinely makes me happy.Was this review helpful to you?
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Another day another Ktruama
I really enjoyed it! The acting was great, and the casting was amazing. I loved most of the characters, and Su Ho and Si Eun's friendship was fantastic. Beom Seok really pissed me off; I hated how he betrayed them for basically no reason. Seriously, just because he was jealous that his little boyfriend made a new friend? I don’t care if his dad beats him—that’s no excuse to turn on your friends and literally “kill” them. I honestly wished Si Eun would have taken him down instead of the others because he was the main problem. But overall, I really liked this show and the friendships in it and can’t wait for season 2!Was this review helpful to you?
Heartrenching, enraging masterpiece
Tbh I’m a fan of the manhwa that happens to also watch kdramas etc, and let me tell you this was 100% it for both.Plot wise it doesn’t cover the story of the manhwa but tells the story before the beginning of it. Bits and pieces of the drama have appeared in the manhwa in flashbacks and such but not, well, not THIS.
They took a story about a teen who facing tough times and his own genius, ends up making actual friends ready to stand by his side through everything and making the best casting choices I’ve seen to date brought it to life.
Every single actor have their moments and they all make you actually connect. The scenario is built in a way that kills your insides at the end but also makes you understand the manhwa in such a different light. Every reader have their own suspicions when reading but actually coming face to face with such a story and that, done through such acting, directing, everything is perfection.
Idk what else to say, honestly I’ve seen this one too many times.
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Timeless School Action Drama: Weak Hero Class 1 (2022)
I watched *Weak Hero Class 1* right when it was released in 2022, and it instantly became one of my favorites. After recently finishing *Study Group*, it suddenly reminded me of this gem, so I had to come back and write a review.The fight scenes are *superb*—intense, raw, and brilliantly choreographed. The acting is top-notch, especially by the main lead **Park Ji-hoon**, who absolutely nailed his role with quiet intensity and emotion. Choi Hyun-wook and Hong Kyung (Choi Woon-sik) were also fantastic—every character felt real and memorable.
I went into this drama with zero expectations and came out totally impressed. It’s gritty, emotional, and powerful—a perfect blend of action and heart. If you haven’t watched it yet, you're missing out. A must-watch for fans of school action dramas!
Now I’m *seriously waiting for Season 2*—this story deserves to continue!
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One of the best kdramas I've watched in a while
Ima try to keep it sweet and simple, the actor portrays the protagonist so well, it really resembles the webtoon version (Gray) especially those eyes. they made Bryce (Beomseok) way too kind and gave him a bigger role than what he's supposed to have ngl... but it is the first season and it's all about his backstory so maybe they wanted to exaggerate it even more and give more depth to his character... because in the webtoon he's a piece of crap. Suho(stephen in webtoon) is easily my favorite character and quite literally is the reason why Sieun/Gray is who he is and where he's at right now. It's crazy to me that I've seen people acting like he doesn't deserve the hype, like hello?!that being said,
don't come near me with a pen
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Emotionally grappling
The intricate relationships between the characters, the raw emotions portrayed, and the intense conflicts they face make the story captivating and thought-provoking. The way the characters navigate through their challenges, support each other through thick and thin, and ultimately find strength in their unity is truly inspiring. The story delves deep into the complexities of human nature, the power of friendship, and the resilience needed to overcome life's obstacles. It is a rollercoaster of emotions that will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating what will happen next.Was this review helpful to you?
Camaraderie
This is my second time watching this outstanding drama series!! I have not watched the webstoon yet, but I will because sometimes there may be something that the writer incorporated into the storyline that the drama had to omit due to guidelines plus after viewing the series I know it would be worth the read!!All I can say without projecting any spoilers is to watch the magnificent series about “camaraderie.”
After watching this series, you’ll realize what true friendship means and you may even question your own “inner circle” of friends.
Trust me, you will not be disappointed….that
I promise you!!
I can not wait for Season two!!
I am looking forward to Season Two!!
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