Netflix Shaken Up: A New Rival Races After When Life Gives You Tangerines

2025-04-03 10:59

Within 5 Days of Release, This 19+ Korean Drama Hit 6.7M Views and Took Global Netflix by Storm

Despite its provocative 19+ rating, a Korean drama is sweeping Netflix across the globe. Within just five days of its global release, the series has already garnered 6.7 million views, marking a major success.

Weak Hero Class 2 Still Cut. / Courtesy of Netflix Korea

The breakout hit? Weak Hero Class 1 starring Park Ji-hoon. Based on a webtoon of the same name, the series follows model student and self-imposed outsider Yeon Si-eun (played by Park) as he unexpectedly gets dragged into a spiral of violence. The school action drama unfolds as Si-eun teams up with his first real friends, Su-ho (Choi Hyun-wook) and Beom-seok (Hong Kyung), to confront school violence and grow through the hardships they face.

According to Netflix’s Tudum site, Weak Hero Class 1 recorded 6.7 million views between March 25 and March 30, placing it No. 2 globally in Netflix’s Non-English TV Series category.

Global OTT ranking platform FlixPatrol also reported that the series debuted at No. 1 in Thailand and Malaysia, maintaining top spots in those regions. It's also currently No. 2 in South Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines, No. 4 in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Brazil, No. 6 in Poland, and No. 8 in New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain—proving its explosive global appeal.

Originally released as a Wavve Original in 2022, Weak Hero Class 1 is experiencing renewed global attention thanks to its re-release on Netflix on March 25, ahead of the highly anticipated Season 2. Upon re-release, it entered the Top 10 rankings in 70 countries, once again showcasing the global power of K-dramas.

Notably, the drama had flown under the radar before its original release—despite being led by Park Ji-hoon, formerly of Wanna One. At the time, the supporting cast, including Choi Hyun-wook and Hong Kyung, were considered relatively unknowns. But the atmosphere quickly changed after its debut. The brutal yet emotionally compelling story of a teenager fighting back against violence to survive sparked word-of-mouth hype. Its depiction of intense friendship, raw coming-of-age tension, and tight, well-choreographed action sequences helped catapult the show to popularity.

Even with its graphic violence, the show was praised for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of adolescence. Set within the confines of an all-boys high school, it portrays the internal and external battles teens face—from hierarchy struggles and broken friendships to topics like school bullying, gambling, drugs, and runaways. These gritty but grounded themes struck a chord with audiences, enhancing the drama’s emotional depth.

Thanks to its high quality, the cast—Park Ji-hoon, Choi Hyun-wook, Hong Kyung, Lee Yeon, and Shin Seung-ho—received acclaim for their impactful performances and have been marked as rising stars in the Korean acting world.

Weak Hero Class 2 Poster. / Courtesy of Netflix Korea

All Eyes on Season 2 of Weak Hero Class 2

Now, all attention turns to Weak Hero Class 2 (written by Park Hyun-woo, directed by Yoo Soo-min), which will debut exclusively on Netflix on April 25. The sequel aims to expand its reach to a wider international audience, having moved from Wavve to Netflix as its primary platform.

Season 2 begins with Si-eun transferring schools, carrying the trauma of having failed to protect a friend. Vowing not to lose anyone again, he confronts even more organized and brutal violence in his new environment.

Park Ji-hoon reprises his role as Yeon Si-eun and is expected to deliver an even more emotionally complex performance. He will be joined by new cast members Ryeoun, Choi Min-young, Yoo Soo-bin, and Lee Jun-young, adding fresh energy to the storyline. While the return of fan favorites Choi Hyun-wook and Hong Kyung has not yet been confirmed, anticipation remains high.

Notably, director Han Jun-hee returns as creator, ensuring continuity in vision and tone. Plus, beloved actor Jo Jung-suk has confirmed a special appearance, raising expectations even further.