This review may contain spoilers
Why WHC1 might be one of the best dramas I've ever watched, if not the best
This is one of the best dramas I've ever watched, if not the best, for several reasons (spoiler alert):- Park Jihoon's acting is incredibly impressive, though he gets the least lines out of the 3 mains characters. At first, he may even appear as cold and emotionless, but truth is that all of his emotions are in fact conveyed through his eyes. Pain, revenge, sadness, every single feeling that rushes through his body is shown to us on camera by the look in his eyes. On his way to avenge his friend, when Sieun gets out of the hospital after seeing Sooho's unresponsive body, Park Jihoon's facial expressions manage to make the switch from sadness to anger very obvious in a matter of seconds.
- The storyline is very realistic and it's as painful as it is enjoyable. We think Sieun is finally safe when he transfers schools, only for him to end up being harassed by bullies at his new school. Whether an open end or a hint at a future season, it does a great job at highlighting that bullying is often something that is suffered on the long-term by victims. When we finally start feeling some relief, thinking the whole situation has finally been solved, we are quickly drawn back to the harsh reality: Sieun only escaped the bullies from his previous school, not the bullies from every other place. WHC1 also shows how incredibly difficult it is for anyone to tackle this issue durably, as the parents, teachers, the police and all the other adults are portrayed as helpless AND unhelpful throughout the whole show.
- The contrast between Sooho and the bullies is very subtle, yet incredibly obvious. Sooho knows how to fight, yet he only does so when necessary, and more than often, puts his fists to a good cause. On the other hand, the bullies use any situation as an excuse to stir up violence. They are weak, and lack morals, which is reemphasized during the 1-1 fight of Episode 8. They use violence not out of love for violence itself, but out of ignorance: they know nothing better. They seem shocked to witness Sooho's lifeless body on the ground, when it is a logical consequence of the beating they inflicted upon him.
- Bumseok is the typical antagonist. Him being adopted and having a chaotic relationship -if any- with his father reinforces his need to feel like he belongs somewhere. He finds that for a while thanks to his short-term friendship with Sooho and Sieun, but his lack of self esteem is quickly triggered by Young Yi. When he starts feeling like he matters, even though he is probably aware that he is being used by the bullies for his money, he can no longer stop before it's too late because he is blinded by this feeling he has never once felt in his life. It is easier for him to convince himself that Sooho deserved this than it is for him to realize that he ruined the one good thing he had in his life. He gets tired of being a victim, and so at the first chance he gets, he becomes a perpetrator, prisoner of a vicious cycle he was once the scapegoat of. His character does an amazing job at showing how a history of trauma can shape you for the worst, when you know no better. Though we have every possible reason to hate him, we can't help but feel pity towards the end of the show, and that's where it also does a great job at showing that sadly, not all victims of bullying will manage to escape the pattern of violence brought upon them. Sieun was also being bullied, yet he chose a drastically different path from Bumseok. This clearly explains one of the last quotes of Episode 8, where BumSeok asks Sieun to understand him, to which Sieun replies that he does, but that BumSeok must make the effort to understand the position he's in too. It is therefore obvious why he refuses to hit him, even though we may agree that Bumseok deserved it: Sieun knows that all of this was only triggered by Bumseok's sad storyline.
- The show also underlines the power of friendship in a very interesting way: When Sieun, who was always a lone wolf focused on studying, befriends Sooho, constantly-sleepy-and-starving-while-uninterested-in-anything-school-related character, he is willing to put his own life at risk for a friend who once did the same thing to save him from bullies. However, Bumseok, who has poor relationship skills and therefore ends up sabotaging his friendships for egotistic reasons, puts himself first. Bumseok also pays attention to silly things (eg. Sooho not following him back on Instagram), which is understandable considering that he lives in a family where appearances and money are the only things that matter. This setting therefore makes him unable to realize that Sooho and Sieun did more for him than anyone ever did. Most characters from this show are likable, with attention mostly drawn to Sooho, who is portrayed as the main hero. However, it is not a black-and-white type of show, since it shows both the weaknesses and the strengths of each character: Seokdae, for instance, who is involved in very questionable matters, ends up being a key character that looks out for others.
- Bonus point, because the entire soundtrack is absolutely wonderful.
Overall, this was an incredibly painful show to sit through, because it does an amazing job at showing the length bullies will go through in order to crack a few smiles, but this is exactly what made it this great. Some of the shots are very long, and build up on this feeling that the scenes of violence are never-ending. Despite having very few episodes (8), all actors pulled an astonishing performance that allowed us to get a glimpse of the hell bullied people may go through. I am definitely going to start reading that webtoon...
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Weak Hero Class 1: A Masterpiece of Raw Intensity and Emotion
Where do I even begin? From the very first scene, Weak Hero Class 1 had me completely hooked. The first four episodes? PURE FIRE. 🔥 Park Ji-hoon as Si-eun? Absolutely KILLING it. This guy is the walking definition of "quiet but deadly." He doesn’t need words to make a statement—every calm stare, every calculated move, screams power. 🫡— The Fight Scenes? INSANE.
The fight scenes are the definition of cinematic excellence—raw, visceral, and intense. Each punch and blow carries weight, immersing you in the brutal realities the characters face. The tension is palpable, especially during those moments when Si-eun uses a pen as a weapon. It’s not just a tool; it’s a symbol of his transformation and resilience. Watching him wield it with precision and determination was nothing short of mesmerizing.
— Characters that Steal Your Heart/ A+ Characters All Around
**Si-eun (Park Ji-hoon): Let me just say this: Chef’s Kiss. 👏👏👏 Park Ji-hoon brought Si-eun to life in a way I didn’t expect. You could see the weight of every decision and the internal storm brewing in his eyes. He’s quiet, but his presence is LOUD.
**Soo-ho (Choi Hyun-wook): Soo-ho is THAT friend. Dependable, loyal, and an absolute softie when it comes to his people. The bond between Soo-ho and Si-eun? Ugh, my heart. They’ve got each other’s backs no matter what, and it’s just so beautiful to see. 🥹✨
**Beom-seok (Hong Kyung): Oh boy, Beom-seok... where do I even start? I had such mixed feelings about him. At first, I got it—I felt for him. But as things escalated? 👀 I found myself torn between pitying him and wanting to shake some sense into him. I wish we got a bit more depth to his character because his arc had so much potential.
— The Emotional Destruction of the Second Half
Okay, so the second half of this drama? It had me in shambles. FULL-ON SOBBING. 😭left me ugly crying in my room. The emotions were off the charts. Pain, anger, heartbreak—you name it, I felt it. The show doesn’t hold back, and I wasn’t even trying to hold it together anymore. It hits hard. If the first half of the drama had me cheering, the second half completely wrecked me.
And let’s not forget the Si-eun and Soo-ho dynamic. Their friendship is the kind that makes you believe in loyalty and sacrifice, even when the world around them is falling apart.
— Final Thoughts: Fire, Angst, and Pure Brilliance
"Weak Hero Class 1" is a wild, emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. Park Ji-hoon owns every scene, the fight sequences are next-level, and the friendships will leave you sobbing into your pillow. This isn’t just a school drama—it’s an EXPERIENCE. And that pen? Iconic.
🔥 Rating: 10/10
Season 2, please hurry—I’m not ready to let these characters go! 🥹
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Every Emotion
I didn't hear about this series until it was over but once I did I dove straight in and didn't look back. I need S2 like yesterday and the fact there's a S2 in the making shows how amazing this series was. For staters, if you're looking for something wholesome and loving, you've come to the wrong place. If you love a good fight scene with blood and broken bones you're going to be right at home!Everything about this series was cut throat from ep1 and continued to the credits. As someone who takes friendship to the ultimate extreme, I felt more anger and rage than anything. Even though I was really quiet in school I was never bullied but never had many friends, so the ones I had I took care of. I've almost been jumped on the bathroom just for being guilty by association so I understand the fear of being attacked and having to watch your back. Bullying is a worldwide issue and South Korea is probably the best at portraying the brutality of it all, and this series is a prime example. I highly recommend!
Without any hesitation I would've done EVERYTHING the MC did at the end. No Shame!
Enjoy...
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This review may contain spoilers
SO FUCKING GOOD
Nov. 21, 2022THIS WILL BE THE FUCKING KDRAMA REVIEW I WILL BE WRITING IN ALL CAPS AND ILL BE SWEARING THE FUCK UP.
HOLY FUCKING SHIT. THE ADRENALINE RUSH I HAD WATCHING THIS SHOW. MY BLOOD PRESSURE WENT UP AND DOWN. I CRIED, I SCREAMED, I YELLED, I ALMOST BITCH SLAPPED A BITCH. YEA I DID THAT. I FUCKING LOVE THIS SHOW. I WISH THERE WAS MORE IN THE CLIMAX.
LIKE THAT UGLY ASS BONGSUN OR WHATEVER HIS CORNY ASS NAME IS. I WISH HE GETS BITCHED PUNCHED IN HIS GROIN AND FUCKING DIE. WHY TF IS HE GETTING SENT TO PH. FUCK HE BETTER PAY FOR HIS SINS. I HAVE NO EMPATHY OR SYMPATHY FOR HIS ASS. FUCKING DIE U BITCH!
I CAN'T BELIEVE MY MANS IN COMA. THIS IS SO NOT FUCKING UNFAIR. FUCK U AND ALL THEM BULLIES. HE NEEDS TO FUCKING WAKE UP I SWEAR TO GOD OR I WILL COMMIT MASSIVE CRIMES TOWARDS THESE DAMNED WRITERS.
AS FOR THE FUCKING CAST, I LOVE THEM ESPECIALLY PARK JIHOON. IN THE LAST EPISODE, I LITERALLY CRIED AND WAS RAGING. I FEEL IT, LIKE WHEN HE SLAMMED AND BROKE THE WINDOWS AT THE SCHOOL. AND HIS CHEMISTRY WITH THE SOO HOO IS JUST FUCKING AMAZING. I ALMOST THOUGHT THIS WAS A BL FOR A HOT MINUTE, LIES FOR THE WHOLE FUCKING SERIES. CAN THEY BE THE FUCKING ENDGAME PLEASE, LIKE THIS AINT FAIR. WAKE THE MAN UP FROM THE COMA, GIVE HIM A KISS LIKE IN THAT DISNEY MOVIE.
FUCK, THATS LITERALLY HOW I CAN SUM UP MY WHOLE EXPERIENCE WATCHING THIS SHOW. I SAT IN ONE SITTING FINISHED THIS SHOW. AND ALL I CAN SAY IS FUCK THAT BITCH, FUCK EVERYONE, FUCK EVERYTHING, FUCK. FUCK FUCK.
I WANT A HAPPY ENDING FOR THE AMOUNT OF SHIT I SUFFERED THROUGH SO WRITERS BETTER PULL THROUGH FOR SEASON 2 OR I WILL HUNT YALLS DOWN AT YOUR ADDY.
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Keeps your interest
WOW, this was so good, I didn’t fast forward once, and I was glued to every scene. If you don’t like violence, revenge, bullies, kids fighting to be excepted for who they are, but are outcasts because of their family situation, fighting, (a lot of fighting), not the kind of ending you would have wanted, you shouldn’t watch this drama. Some good things… friendship, acceptance, revenge, bromance, and that’s about it. The acting, fight scenes, directing, and writing were all beyond great. It’s NOT the kind of drama that will put you in a good mood, especially the end. BUT I highly recommend it! I will say I cried through most of the last episode. Didn’t leave me with a good feeling, but I am really glad I watched it. I will definitely watch season 2, and I’m sure there will be one.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
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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I have zero idea why this series has such a high rating
Pls don't waste your time, people. The whole movie from top to bottom was full of unnecessary violence that never ended. It was a never-ending loop that was far from satisfying. The brotherly relationship between the cast started well but fell off the rails for no good reason. No closure was given. Overall, this was one crappy movie that I wasted my time watching.. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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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?
Quiet Strength
Weak Hero Class 1 is a raw and emotionally gripping school drama that doesn’t hold back. I don’t usually enjoy writing reviews for action dramas because there often isn’t much to say—they tend to follow the same formula. But this drama completely exceeded my expectations. The acting, storytelling, and visuals were all executed perfectly.It follows Si-eun, a top student who’s quiet and reserved, as he’s pushed into a violent world where intelligence alone isn’t enough to survive. The show handles school bullying with an honesty that’s sometimes uncomfortable, but always grounded and real.
The fight scenes are intense without being overdone. They carry real consequences, and each one reveals something deeper about the characters involved. It’s not just about physical strength, but what someone is willing to endure to protect themselves or others.
The friendship at the center of the story feels genuine and heartbreaking. Si-eun, Su-ho, and Beom-seok are complex and believable, and watching their bond shift over time is one of the most powerful parts of the series. The emotional impact builds naturally, helped by strong performances across the board, especially from Park Ji-hoon.
I recommend Weak Hero Class 1 to anyone, whether you usually watch high school dramas or not. It’s a sharp, thoughtful series that goes beyond the surface and stays with you long after the final episode.
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Review:
Storyline: 10/10
- Weak Hero Class 1 portrays bullying in Korean schools – harsh reality checked!
- Plot twists kept me hooked till the very end – unpredictable and chilling
- Themes of trauma, revenge, and morality – deeply thought-provoking
Acting: 10/10
- Park Ji Hoon as Yeon Si-eun: PERFECT casting – his acting chilled me to the bone!
- Supporting cast – impressive performances all around!
Character Development: 10/10
- Yeon Si-eun's transformation from weak to strong – mesmerizing character growth!
- Every character's story resonated deeply – no flaws found!
Overall Experience: 10/10
- Kept me awake till dawn – addictive storytelling!
- Emotional rollercoaster – felt EVERY emotion alongside characters
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Retractable pen
We are at a fight scene in a high school.And this is basically continuing throughout the whole show. This drama does not shy away from violent scenes.
Verbal abuse, mistreatment, bullying as well as physical violence, such as beating up, ganging up as well as a decent amount of stabbing.
Among all those, we get to see three friends, who stick together to help and support each other.
The story itself could have been divided in two parts. The first four Episodes were amazing. We got to see how the friendship between Shi Eun, Soo Ho and Beom Seok was formed.
Honestly, it felt so fresh and natural how those three found together and what they are willing to risk for each other, while the plot is developing.
But sadly, the second part lost my interest. Not because it was not interesting, but more because we got literally thrown into a villain arc. There was little to no transition from the first four episodes to the last four.
And suddenly, a more or less important side character became the main villain.
The only thing that kept me there and not dropping the whole show was the character Soo Ho.
Choi Hyun Wook played his character so perfectly. He was dorky, charismatic and was just adorable in the entire drama.
He as well as Ji Hoon managed to portray the bromance of Shi Eun and Soo Ah in a way, where they do not have to speak much, to understand and care for each other.
Park Ji Hoons character is a hard one to play. You need to find the right/ decent amount of indifference, coldness as well as anger and joy in your facial expressions.
And to be honest, I am not really sure, if he managed to do so.
I have been waiting for some major character development, and even when I got it, it still did not satisfy me.
One thing I have to give him.
He can portray anger quite well. Paired with the retractable pen and the monotone sound, the emotion came off well.
I was shocked to see the last Episode and wished he would have shown more of this potential in former episodes.
Hong Kyung managed to deliver that, what the director gave him. His story plot was rushed, yet he put on a convincing show by convincing us of his current anger and hate.
Overall, a short, fast-paced little series. Interesting characters, compelling plot and a friendship, you wish to have.
I am excited, what season 2 will bring us.
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Beyond perfect.
Heart wrenching, so raw and beyond perfection. It’s been ages since I’ve watched a drama that touched me that much emotionally, I haven’t felt that since Move to Heaven. I cried so hard, you know like the crying in which you think your heart will give in. It’s a pure 100/10 for me. Won’t be able to think about anything else for ages now.The cinematography, beautiful. The acting, beyond perfection honestly. The main character’s face and eyes are graved in my mind. Park Jihoon did an intense and perfect job. The script, the directing, just perfect. So emotionally raw, intense and cruel. Held my breath the entire time when watching this.
I finished it in one setting. A pure work of art. And now, along Move to Heaven, it’s my favorite piece of media ever. And now I’m counting the days for the second season.
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