The Netflix series 'Weak Hero Class 2,' releasing on the 25th, depicts the story of a model student, Yeon Si-eun, who transferred to Eunjang High School with the trauma of having fought against violence for a friend but ultimately unable to protect them. Determined not to lose another friend, she faces greater violence, resulting in a brutal survival and a brilliant coming-of-age tale.
'Weak Hero Class 1' entered the top 10 series (non-English) category for two consecutive weeks after its release on Netflix, and in the midst of growing anticipation for 'Weak Hero Class 2,' director Yoo Su-min and planning director Han Joon-hee spoke directly about the series. Director Yoo explained that the 'Weak Hero' series is about 'the period when anyone transitions from boyhood to adulthood.' He noted, 'The series' strength lies in the purity and raw emotions experienced at that age,' and added, 'With the keyword of 'reconciliation,' 'Weak Hero Class 2' aims to explore Yeon Si-eun's further growth.'
Planning director Han Joon-hee emphasized that while 'Weak Hero Class 2' features a larger scale and more powerful action, it is primarily the next chapter of the character 'Yeon Si-eun,' enriched with deeper emotions and sentiments. He urged audiences to pay attention to how Si-eun, who has been hurt and lost her place in the world, rises again to write her story.
Yeon Si-eun's unique 'brain action' utilizing her excellent intellect is an indispensable element in 'Weak Hero Class 2.' Director Yoo noted, 'The action in 'Weak Hero Class 2' has become more intense, focusing on what Yeon Si-eun is fighting for,' and stated that 'the diverse characters and the action concepts tailored to them will intensify the action thrill.' Director Yoo, who dedicated much effort to the details across the work, including art, set, and music, explained that he aimed to maximize realism while maintaining the essence of the original work. The 'Eunjang High School,' filmed on an open set, realistically showcases various spaces within the school, including the classroom, the basketball club room of Park Hu-min (Ryu Un) and Ko Hyun-tak (Lee Min-jae), and the hideout of Choi Hyo-man (Yoo Su-bin). Notably, the size and position of the spaces, along with props and atmosphere, were constructed to implicitly express order within the classroom.
Following the emotions of the characters, the music is also a crucial point. As 'Weak Hero Class 2' has grown richer in genre colors, the approach to the camera and lighting was redesigned to enhance the emotional depth and mise-en-scène. Director Yoo emphasized, 'While 'Class 1' had a blue tone depicting summer, 'Class 2' aims to connect by approaching it as the amber tone of winter. Although Class 1 and 2 are ultimately one story, the approaches to each work differ slightly, and thus, efforts were made in the music to find the middle ground.'
Above all, anticipation for the new character play by the youthful actors, led by Park Ji-hoon, who will portray the deepening maturity of 'Yeon Si-eun,' is palpable. Director Yoo expressed deep trust in the cast, saying, 'Park Ji-hoon's body and mind already remember 'Yeon Si-eun,' and I'm thankful that the actor resolved many of the challenging aspects himself.' Planning director Han Joon-hee also expressed his unique affection, saying, 'It was an honor to view the portrayal of Yeon Si-eun by actor Park Ji-hoon as the first audience through the monitor.' He continued, 'The new characters approaching Yeon Si-eun include friends and adversaries alike. I hope viewers enjoy the process of friendship and conflict that Yeon Si-eun will undergo during this journey. Additionally, the relationships between 'Park Hu-min' and 'Na Baek-jin,' representing Eunjang High School and the union, will also serve as another viewing point that heightens curiosity.'
The Netflix series 'Weak Hero Class 2' will be released globally on Netflix on the 25th.
[Photo] Netflix
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