Weak Hero Class 1 isn't too fast paced, it gives you enough backstory for all the characters that you feel like you can understand them, and gives you glimpses into how actions are done without dragging through the boring stuff or making it longer than it has to. All the characters had something about them that felt real and easy to relate to yet were still complex and had very distinct personalities and opinions.
Sieun, the main character, is your typical nerdy high schooler who keeps quiet and gets picked on. Beomseok is the transfer student who is immediately picked on. Suho is the good fighter who wants everyone to be at peace. These are all rather familiar character types to anyone, except Weak Hero Class 1 manages to make them much more than that. I think the way the characters were developed and transformed was so well done. In fact, I'd say this show does it better than just about anything else I've ever seen.
First, let's talk about Beomseok. Beomseok right from the start is set up for his rather unfortunate fate. He's this kid whose been the underdog his entire life, both at home and in school. Have you ever heard the saying that talks about either being abused or being the abuser? That saying is a great way to describe the mentality we see displayed through Beomseok. Every minor scene with Beomseok is a step towards his transformation into the antagonist. For example, the first true interaction he has at his new school makes him feel cornered. Automatically, this makes him think he needs to oblige to avoid being bullied again. However, after the situation ends and he understands that Sieun isn't going to put up with that sort of behavior, Beomseok clings to him, searching for comfort and protection from his classmate. Now, this obviously becomes a genuine connection that also extends to Suho, but it shows Beomseok's vulnerability, about how he feels like if something isn't done defensively, he'll only continue to suffer. Weak Hero Class 1 also gives us insight as to how Beomseok thinks subconsciously through almost everything he does, whether he's asking Suho a favor or it's through the glances he shares with his friends. There is a really good article that explains Beomseok's development really well that explains it much better than I can, but essentially, they slowly built Beomseok into what he became, it wasn't just one sudden incident that changed him. Building him the way they did felt much more real, more plausible. Even after everything he had done, and what he believed, you still see the vulnerable, hurt Beomseok we were originally introduced to, and it makes you wonder why he had to turn out like that.
Sieun, on the other hand, felt a little bit like wasted potential to me. His character felt much more thought out than many others under the same cliche. He wasn't just some bullied loser who hated the world and everyone in it. He warmed up to Suho rather quick and easily forgave those who apologized. He even cared for Youngyi, who was supposed to be against him. Yet, he wasn't so forgiving that it felt unbelievable. He always noticed smaller details that went unnoticed by his peers. He was always the first to asking Beomseok if he was okay whenever he seemed upset or left out. Overall, he was a great friend and seemed very dedicated to school and doing well for the future, even going to cram school and watching videos to study off of in his free time. Yet, after the situation with Suho and Beomseok, his character took a turn for the worst, disregarding almost everything he had going for him prior. While I think it was the right choice for the plot and I understand why it was done (without this the plot likely wouldn't have advanced), it still felt disappointing to see a character with so much potential throw his life away so quickly. Maybe it didn't make as much sense because we're still not aware of his mentality. I think his development would make more sense if we understood how he felt about his parents, or why he studied so much for school. Was it because he wanted approval? Was it because he had big hopes for the future? Or was it perhaps because he had nothing better to do? However, because of Sieun's big switch up, I felt both curious and excited to see how his story. It left unpredictability, and because of that I can overlook the slightly disappointment I felt.
Overall, Weak Hero Class 1 is a very well-written story with even better written characters who leave you feeling emotionally attached and wishing for their ending to be happy. It also allows you to feel excited, and leaves room for twists without leaving you without unanswered questions. I 100% recommend this show.
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