The production team of 'Weak Hero 2' shared insights about the work.
On the 1st, an interview with directors Yoo Soo-min and Han Jun-hee about the Netflix series 'Weak Hero Class 2' took place at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Seoul.
'Weak Hero Class 2' is a desperate survival story and a brilliant tale of growth about a model student, Yeon Si-eun (Park Ji-hoon), who transferred to Eunjang High School, carrying the trauma of having fought against violence for a friend but ultimately being unable to protect them, now facing greater violence to ensure he never loses another friend.
After its release, it gained explosive popularity not only domestically but also globally, with one director noting, "I am very grateful. I had concerns before the release, but I appreciate that everyone enjoys it," while director Yoo also mentioned, "I have felt a lot of responses and messages coming in. I received a message from senior Ju Jihoon. He congratulated me, saying he received positive energy from 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call'. We exchanged warm stories and lots of congratulations."
He continued, "While there was an overseas release during season 1, it feels like this season has a bit more international viewership," and director Han remarked, "I had a lot of fun during season 1 and thought it would do well, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much everyone liked it. It's the happiest moment when the actors win awards, and I was really happy. It has been a few years since we released consecutively, and it feels good to think that many people appreciate it. I believe there is a universal sentiment in 'Weak Hero' where the weak overcome the strong. Also, since it has a veneer of action, it was likely easier to approach."
'Weak Hero' has moved to Netflix for Class 2, unlike Class 1, which aired on Wavve. In response, director Han stated, "As with all works, the production itself seems miraculous. Leaving aside the platform shift, I believe many people came together for this work. There were challenges but I have a lot to be grateful for. Everyone, including the director, worked positively to carry on this weak hero story; I can say that for sure. More than anything, this work makes me want to see the next story, and while it was not an easy process to make, I think we did well," conveying his firm belief. Director Yoo added, "I focused more on internal matters of the work. I had concerns about how to shoot and create it; that process is always tough. There wasn't a difference in the platforms; it was equally difficult and fun."
He also explained the differences between the two seasons, stating, "It wouldn't be accurate to say I completely avoided a brighter mood compared to season 1. Since more people from various countries are watching, I thought we should make it more genre-oriented and less emotionally intense, allowing for a comfortable view. We wanted to maintain the essence of 1 while enhancing the genre feel. Additionally, the relationship between Park Hu and Baek Jin was not present in the original; I thought more dramatic emotions needed to be created in the process of adapting their relationship. In some ways, the story resembles that of Suho and Beomseok. If we include Gotaek, I think the three stories resemble the trio from season 1. I thought it would create coherence in the story."
Director Yoo also said, "I wanted to ensure that Class 1 and Class 2 are seen as a single story. When Class 2 ends, I want it to wrap up what started in Class 1. The process of Si-eun meeting new characters in a new environment is also part of her growth journey. Ultimately, it's a story about Si-eun meeting other people," adding, "The reason Si-eun fights has changed compared to Class 1. While the action in season 1 was more direct as a reaction to bullying, this time, Si-eun begins with the state of 'I will not fight.' As she fights to protect someone, it led to somewhat more emotional actions. Since her heart moves first, there isn't time to think about tactics; the reasons and emotions behind the fighting have shifted, thus significantly changing the action design."
He also mentioned the overarching message of the series, with director Han noting, "In the story of 'Weak Hero,' there is always a price to pay. Season 1 ends with a price, and it was impossible for it to end without any cost. In the initial scene of the final fight, you see kids laughing. I wanted to shoot it as if they were playing, capturing the feeling of teen rebellion. I believe the antagonists of the series are 'adults.' Whether it's Beomseok or Baekjin, high schoolers look like 'children's mistakes.' Adults' wrong actions are more calculated. However, what kids pay is the cost," explaining that "there aren't many good adults in the series. Everyone tries, but there is a degree of irresponsibility. It's not about a specific person causing the problem, but rather a system of schools or families that appears to be the antagonist. I think that's part of the series' appeal."
There were also some regrets. Director Yoo shared, "In terms of narrative, while Class 1 delved deep into three characters, this time, we are dealing with the stories of seven characters, which might have resulted in a slight lack of depth." Director Han agreed, stating, "That's true, even during season 1, and it's always a bit disappointing. It's disappointing but I feel no regrets. The results are beyond our control, but at least I believe we gave our all in the process; I felt like we poured our souls into it," when asked if there were thoughts of extending the episodes. Director Han replied, "We planned for 8 episodes from the beginning. I didn't think about extending it. From our perspective, it might be better to leave some room for thought. It could have been more enjoyable as a longer series, or it might not have worked. There are regrets over not going that route, but I have no regrets."
He also discussed the actors, revealing insights about the casting behind the scenes: "Since most of the characters exist in the original work, we thought about the character's synchronicity. More importantly, I worked with talented individuals. Their skills and qualities as actors were the priority, and once the work was completed, everyone represented it beautifully, which helped a lot," he said, praising, "Actor Park Ji-hoon is remarkable; it seems the character Si-eun remains with him. That's not an easy feat, as it involves portraying a character for an extended time and carrying burdens. When on set, I found it fascinating how well he performed. I wondered why he was performing so well, and he'd say, 'I don't know either.' It is fascinating to see, and I think he performed even better than in season 1, though I don't know what happened between seasons."
Director Yoo also shared anecdotes about his younger brother, actor Yoo Soo-bin, stating, "The character is a villain with a comic touch. He needs to be a skilled actor, and I thought Soo-bin was a good fit. There was a connection to Class 1, and he performed that role incredibly well, for which I am very grateful. In the field, he took care of the other actors and helped create a good atmosphere, greatly appreciated. Since it's a family project, I think we all put in more effort," he laughed. He further elaborated, "I like both Hyoman's villainous side and his pathetic aspects. As an older brother, I have a desire to tease my younger brother. When he turns around on the sofa, the image of that curve and his back is striking."
Additionally, director Han stated, "In parts 1 and 2, Jun-tae and Hyoman are very important. Actors Choi Min-young and Yoo Soo-bin are experienced and skilled actors. They performed incredibly well. I had a lot of concerns. Si-eun needs to observe, while the narrative needs to be carried by the two of them, and they did so well. On set, he seems like the older brother, looking after the younger ones, and I believe he has the confidence to do even better," adding, "Personally, I was surprised by the actor Ko Tak (played by Lee Min-jae). He doesn't really seem like a high school student. His action scenes were well executed, and even how he spoke with Jun-tae was impressive. I still think it was fantastic; I believe he did even better than I expected."
He shared insights about the highly anticipated ending scene of Class 2. Regarding the character An Su-ho (played by Choi Hyun-wook), director Yoo explained, "When Su-ho regained consciousness, I don't think Si-eun would have contacted him immediately. I think there was a period of recovery before she eventually reached out to him. It seems like a lot of time has passed for Su-ho, almost 2 years. Naturally, he would be in a different state than before."
He emphasized a particularly significant scene featuring a brightly smiling Si-eun, stating, "For me, it was the most crucial moment. The driving force for doing Class 2 was that we have to lift Si-eun up again; we can't just leave it be. In the script, it stated, 'Si-eun smiles. Really brightly.' I think viewers will feel that way as well," he stated, adding, "After finishing the 8th episode editing of Class 1, I went to a snack bar with the editing director. When he asked if I would do Class 2 if I looked tired, I replied, 'I don't have the thought now, but if it happens, we need to make Si-eun smile again.' Starting with that feeling was important for me, and the last scene matters a lot."
He also conveyed thoughts on the inevitable sequel. Director Han Jun-hee mentioned, "As always, our judgment isn't what determines the next season. For us, these characters are precious," he began. He continued, "However, we do tend to discuss it over drinks. Now that there is no original work, we often project our imagination on the subsequent stories, although it seems early to solidify those ideas. If viewers love it a lot, things can change, but I think director Yoo Soo-min's judgment will be necessary in that regard," he cautiously stated.
Regarding the potential return of An Su-ho (played by Choi Hyun-wook) in future series, director Yoo Soo-min commented, "I haven't specifically thought about season 3 yet, but if it happens, he would likely return," laughing as he added, "Of course, director Han Jun-hee often says, 'They should at least graduate.'" Director Han added, "There are genre action elements in parts 1 and 2, but as actors mentioned, there could also be stories showing school life that are more sitcom-like. I'm happy just to be able to talk about these things, in this moment, considering it a happy ending. Therefore, I am grateful."
[Photo] Provided by Netflix.
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