Will 'Weak Hero Class 2' be Netflix’s next smart move?

“Weak Hero Class 2” continues the story of the 2022 sensation “Weak Hero,” which redefined the school action drama genre. Courtesy of Netflix

In today’s content landscape, it is not uncommon to distinguish between what is on Netflix and what is not. Such is the platform’s global influence and financial power that people often half-jokingly ask, “What if this show had been on Netflix?”

It is in this context that “Weak Hero Class 2,” a sequel to one of Wavve’s most successful dramas, is now gaining industry-wide attention as it transitions to Netflix.

Originally released in November 2022 as a Wavve original, “Weak Hero Class 1” gained traction globally after its domestic success.

With Netflix now the producer for Season 2, the streaming giant has also acquired the rights to Season 1 and began streaming it on March 25, one month ahead of the season two premiere, to build momentum and stir interest.

The first season was a strong performer, credited with driving the largest increase in Wavve subscriptions that year. Based on a webtoon, the drama featured rising stars Park Ji-hoon, Hong Kyung and Choi Hyun-wook, keeping production costs low while maximizing appeal.

Lee Yeon, Shin Seung-ho and the late Na Chul also left lasting impressions through their roles. For Park Ji-hoon, the series helped him shed his idol image and gain recognition as a serious actor.

Lee Jun-young as Geum Seong-je in "Weak Hero Class 2." Courtesy of Netflix

Despite the show’s popularity, Wavve has since scaled back its investment in original scripted content due to mounting deficits. Although the second season was quickly greenlit following fan demand, production eventually shifted to Netflix as Wavve reduced its focus on dramas and films in favor of variety shows.

Production company Shortcake expressed gratitude for the move. “We’re thankful to be able to deliver the next chapter of Si-eun and his friends, thanks to the unified support of so many fans and partners.”

Netflix’s early release of the first season is seen as a strategic play to target international audiences, especially given the recent success of Korean school dramas on the platform.

The strategy appears to be paying off — “Weak Hero Class 1” quickly rose to No. 2 on Netflix’s global Top 10 for non-English series and claimed the top spot in Thailand and Malaysia, according to FlixPatrol.

A scene from "Weak Hero Class 2" / Courtesy of Netflix

Netflix views “Weak Hero” as a series with strong international potential. On overseas platforms like Rakuten Viki, the show has earned high ratings.

For the director and cast, the move to Netflix has opened new doors. “I’m truly grateful that we now have the opportunity to show our work to a global audience. ‘Weak Hero’ has gone through a lot behind the scenes — it wasn’t easy, and I appreciate everyone who stuck with it," director Han Jun-hee said at a recent press event.

Still, a Netflix release is not an automatic recipe for success. Bigger scale and more characters do not necessarily suit “Weak Hero Class 2.”

What viewers want remains clear: gritty, impactful action, biting social critique reminiscent of Han’s previous work “D.P.” and a close-up look at how teens navigate and grow through school violence.

Whether “Weak Hero Class 2,” premiering on Friday, will build on the success of its predecessor, or fall short of expectations, remains to be seen.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.