This 19+ Korean Drama Is Already #1 Globally—And It Just Dropped Today

Just five days after its initial release, Weak Hero Class 1 hit #2 on Netflix's global non-English TV charts. Now, its highly anticipated second season, Weak Hero Class 2, officially premieres today (April 25) — and it’s already taking the world by storm.

The 8-episode season dropped in full on Netflix at 4 PM KST, marking the first time this once-local hit is launching simultaneously across the globe.

According to a report by Consumer Insight released on April 24, Weak Hero Class 2 ranked #1 for two consecutive weeks in “Most Anticipated K-OTT Originals,” with a 49% awareness rate and 27% viewing intention — beating out Netflix’s TANGUM and GenieTV’s The Taste of You.

Originally a hit on domestic platform Wavve, Weak Hero gained global momentum after Netflix re-released Season 1 last month. Despite being a 3-year-old drama, it quickly amassed 6.7 million views within five days, landing #2 on Netflix’s global non-English chart. It also ranked #1 in Thailand and Malaysia, and #2 in Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines — proving its dominance in the Asian market.

Domestically, the show made waves upon its original release in 2022, topping Wavve’s subscription-driven content and maintaining #1 in OTT buzz rankings for four weeks. What began as a low-budget production with rookie actors turned into a breakout phenomenon due to its sharp direction and powerful storytelling.

The platform switch from Wavve to Netflix was reportedly due to Wavve’s internal financial issues, which led to reduced investment in original content. As a result, Netflix picked up the show for Season 2.

The new season follows honor student Yeon Si-eun (played by Park Ji-hoon), who transfers schools while carrying the trauma of a friend he couldn’t protect. Determined not to lose anyone else, he faces even greater violence. While Season 1 focused on breaking out of his emotional shell and building friendship, Season 2 explores the theme of reconciliation.

Director Yoo Soo-min said, “There’s reconciliation with others, but also with oneself and the world. That emotional acceptance is part of growing up. That’s what I wanted Yeon Si-eun’s arc to reflect.”

Visually, Season 2 has also leveled up. Yoo noted, “We really focused on visual language this time, aiming for a stronger, genre-driven style.”

The cast includes both returning stars and new faces. Following the breakout performances of Park Ji-hoon, Choi Hyun-wook, and Hong Kyung in Season 1, Season 2 introduces rising actors Ryeoun, Choi Min-young, and Lee Min-jae. New antagonists appear, including Ba Na-ra and the return of Yoo Su-bin as Choi Hyo-man. Lee Jun-young also makes a special appearance.

At a recent press event, Park Ji-hoon said, “I tried to go deeper emotionally this season. My gaze had to carry more pain and desperation.” Director Yoo added, “Park Ji-hoon was Yeon Si-eun from start to finish. He carried the weight of the series quietly and powerfully.”

Netflix’s re-release of Season 1 worked especially well for international audiences, allowing global fans to experience the story almost back-to-back — a strategic move expected to positively impact Season 2’s international performance.

With Weak Hero Class 2 now streaming worldwide, all eyes are on whether it can spark another global phenomenon under Netflix’s wings.

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