From the U.S. to Taiwan, 'Weak Hero' takes over Netflix worldwide upon Season 2's release
Director Yoo Su Min and creative director Han Jun Hee of Weak Hero Class 2 hint at leveled-up action against a deeper emotional backdrop than Weak Hero Class 1.
Weak Hero Class 2 is a tale of growth and survival of model student Yeon Si Eun (Park Ji Hoon), who transfers to a new school carrying the trauma of failing to protect a friend while standing against violence. Determined never to lose another friend again, he confronts greater violence, unfolding a desperate struggle for survival.
Director Yoo Soo Min and creative director Han Jun Hee share insights about what went into making the action thriller's second installment.
Director Yoo Soo Min said, "It's a story [set against the backdrop of] a time in life that everyone experiences — the period of growing from a boy into an adult. The strength of the Weak Hero series lies in how well it captures the pure and raw emotions [one experiences at] that age," adding, "Weak Hero Class 2 aims to depict Yeon Si Eun's growth one step ahead, centered around the keyword 'reconciliation.'"
Director Han Jun Hee, responsible for planning, emphasized, "Weak Hero Class 2 not only features a larger scale and more intense action, but above all, it marks the next chapter in the story of Yeon Si Eun. That's why it contains even deeper emotions and sentiments. Please pay attention to how Si Eun, who has been hurt and lost his world, rises again and writes a new chapter."
Director Yoo Soo Min stated, "In Weak Hero Class 2, Si Eun's action has become even more desperate, and there's a greater focus on what he's fighting for," adding, "The clash of the more richly developed characters and action concepts tailored to each of them will amplify the thrill of the action."
Director Yoo Soo Min also emphasized the meticulous attention paid to the overall details of the production — including art direction, sets, and music — explaining that the goal was to preserve the tone of the original work while grounding it as much as possible in realism. The fictional Eunjang High School, filmed using a real school building as an open set, realistically captures a range of school spaces — from classrooms to the basketball club room of Park Hoo Min (Ryeo Un) and Go Hyun Tak (Lee Min Jae), and Choi Hyo Man's (Yoo Soo Bin) whereabout.
Particular care was taken to design the props, space, and atmosphere so that even the unspoken hierarchies within the classroom could be subtly conveyed. The cinematography and music, which follow the characters' emotions, are also key elements. As Weak Hero Class 2 takes on a stronger tone, the production approached camera work and lighting with a new strategy, aiming to not only deepen both the characters' emotional expression but also to enhance the overall mise-en-scène.
Director Yoo Soo Min emphasized, "Since Class 1 had the feel of a summer imbued with blue tones, we approached Class 2 with an amber-toned winter to find a connection between the two. While Class 1 and Class 2 ultimately tell one story, a closer look reveals subtle differences in how each was approached, so we also worked hard to bridge that gap through the music."
Director Yoo Soo Min also expressed strong confidence in the cast, showing deep trust in their ability to portray the characters' growth and emotional depth. He praised Park Ji Hoon, saying, "His body and mind remembered how to be Yeon Si Eun, so he resolved many of the challenging aspects on his own, which I was truly grateful for."
Director Han Jun Hee also expressed: "It was an honor to be the first audience member to witness Park Ji Hoon's portrayal of Yeon Si Eun through the monitor."
He continued, "The new people entering Yeon Si Eun's life are a mix of friends and enemies. I hope viewers will enjoy watching the journey of friendship and conflict he goes through. Also, the relationship between Park Hoo Min and Na Baek Jin, who represent Eunjang High and the Union, will be another key point to watch."
Weak Hero Class 2 is coming April 25, only on Netflix.
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