Weak Hero plot summary: what the series is about
At the centre of Weak Hero (original title: 약한영웅) is Yeon Si-eun, a high school student who is academically gifted but keeps to himself. He looks like an easy target, and in a school where violence and bullying shape daily life, that matters. Yet Si-eun refuses to simply take the abuse. When he is pushed, he pushes back, and he proves far more capable in a fight than anyone expected.
He doesn’t stay alone for long. An unlikely circle of friends forms around him, and these bonds give the story its emotional core. But standing up to bullies has consequences. The conflicts escalate beyond schoolyard cruelty and pull Si-eun and those close to him into confrontations with increasingly dangerous opponents, including gang-related threats. The show’s tagline, “Stand to protect it,” sums up the central tension: what are you willing to risk for the people beside you?
The Korean drama blends gritty action with a coming-of-age story about male friendship, loyalty and the cost of fighting back.
What makes Weak Hero notable: cast, creators and format
Cast. Park Ji-hoon leads as Yeon Si-eun. The main ensemble includes Choi Hyun-wook as Ahn Su-ho, Hong Kyung as Oh Beom-seok and Cha Woo-min as Kang Woo-young. The wider cast features Yoo Su-bin (Choi Hyo-man), Ryeoun (Park Hu-min), Lee Yeon (Yeong-i), Choi Min-yeong (Seo Jun-tae), Kim Su-gyeom (Jeon Yeong-bin) and Shin Seung-ho (Jeon Seok-dae).
Creators and direction. The series was created by Yoo Soo-min and Han Jun-hee. Yoo Soo-min also wrote it, and directing duties were shared by Park Dan-hee and Yoo Soo-min.
Source material. Weak Hero is based on a webtoon.
Networks and release dates. The series is linked to Netflix and wavve. Season 1 premiered on 18 November 2022, and Season 2 premiered on 25 April 2025.
Format. The show has ended. It runs for two seasons of 8 episodes each, for a total of 16 episodes. The listed episode runtime is about 84 minutes. In the US it carries a TV-MA rating, reflecting its depiction of violence and bullying.
Who will enjoy Weak Hero
- Viewers who like grounded, hard-hitting action dramas set in high schools
- Fans of stories about friendship, loyalty and bromance among young men
- Anyone interested in dramas that tackle school bullying head-on
- Readers of Korean webtoons curious to see an adaptation in live action
- Adult audiences comfortable with intense violence, given the TV-MA rating
Where to watch Weak Hero in the US
Weak Hero is listed on these official platforms in the United States, all of them subscription services:
- Netflix: subscription, including the Netflix Standard with Ads plan
- OnDemandKorea: subscription
- Kocowa: subscription
- Kocowa Amazon Channel: subscription
Because the series has ended with two complete seasons, it suits viewers who prefer to watch a story from start to finish. Check each platform for the episodes currently offered there.
Trailer
Cast
Park Ji-hoonas Yeon Si-eun16 episodes
Choi Hyun-wookas Ahn Su-ho16 episodes
Hong Kyungas Oh Beom-seok16 episodes
Cha Woo-minas Kang Woo-young16 episodesSee credits →
Yoo Su-binas Choi Hyo-man9 episodesSee credits →
Ryeounas Park Hu-min8 episodes
Lee Yeonas Yeong-i8 episodesSee credits →
Choi Min-yeongas Seo Jun-tae8 episodes
Photo: TMDB
Episode guide
| Season | Episode | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Aired | |
| 1 | 2 | Aired | |
| 1 | 3 | Aired | |
| 1 | 4 | Aired | |
| 1 | 5 | Aired | |
| 1 | 6 | Aired | |
| 1 | 7 | Aired | |
| 1 | 8 | Aired | |
| 2 | 1 | Aired | |
| 2 | 2 | Aired | |
| 2 | 3 | Aired | |
| 2 | 4 | Aired | |
| 2 | 5 | Aired | |
| 2 | 6 | Aired | |
| 2 | 7 | Aired | |
| 2 | 8 | Aired |
Dates are original broadcast dates in the country of origin (Korea/China). Official streaming platforms in your country may add episodes the same day or later.
FAQ
- How many episodes does Weak Hero have?
- Weak Hero has 16 episodes across two seasons, with 8 episodes in each. The series has ended.
- When was Weak Hero released?
- Season 1 premiered on 18 November 2022. Season 2 premiered on 25 April 2025.
- Who is in the cast of Weak Hero?
- Park Ji-hoon stars as Yeon Si-eun, alongside Choi Hyun-wook as Ahn Su-ho, Hong Kyung as Oh Beom-seok and Cha Woo-min as Kang Woo-young. Yoo Su-bin, Ryeoun, Lee Yeon, Choi Min-yeong, Kim Su-gyeom and Shin Seung-ho also appear.
- Where can I watch Weak Hero legally in the US?
- In the US, Weak Hero is listed on Netflix (including Netflix Standard with Ads), OnDemandKorea, Kocowa and the Kocowa Amazon Channel. All of these are subscription services.
- What genre is Weak Hero?
- Weak Hero is a Korean action and drama series based on a webtoon. It focuses on school bullying, violence and friendship, and is rated TV-MA in the US.
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