4 High School Action K-Dramas To Watch If You Loved “Weak Hero Class 2”

If you’re still reeling from the intensity of “Weak Hero Class 2”; or you miss “Weak Hero Class 1,”; you’re not alone. The raw emotion, high-stakes action, and gripping storylines left every viewer craving more dramas that hit just as hard. Fortunately, there’s a wave of high school action series that pack a similar punch, blending brutal fights with powerful themes of friendship, survival, and rebellion. These dramas dive into the darker side of teenage life, where fists often speak louder than words and standing up for what’s right comes at a cost.

Here are four high school action K-dramas to add to your watchlist if you loved “Weak Hero Class 2.”;

“High School Return of a Gangster”;

“High School Return of a Gangster”; follows the unexpected journey of Kim Deuk Pal (Lee Seo Jin), a 47-year-old gangster with a secret dream of finishing high school. After a twist of fate lands his soul in the body of a bullied teenager named Song Yi Heon (Yoon Chan Young), Deuk Pal seizes the chance to live out his dream. But high school is not as simple as he imagined. Juggling teen life, gang instincts, and a growing sense of justice, he steps up to protect the weak and fight school violence, all while navigating a second chance at youth.

One of the main features of this drama is that Deuk Pal, a 47-year-old, is in the body of a youngster. Actor Yoon Chan Young portrays the fish-out-of-water humor and ahjusshi behavior perfectly. One thing to note is that while the drama is based on a BL webtoon titled “I, a Gangster, Became a High Schooler,”; it unfortunately does not include that aspect of the story.

“Extracurricular”;

“Extracurricular”; tells the dark, gripping story of Oh Ji Soo (Kim Dong Hee), a model high school student who secretly runs an illegal business to fund his future college tuition. Living a double life, he appears quiet and obedient at school, but outside, he is deeply involved in a dangerous underworld. When school bully Min Hui (Jung Da Bin), cunning partner Gyu Ri (Park Ju Hyun), and popular student Gi Tae (Nam Yoon Su) end up joining him, their lives spiral into chaos. As more students get entangled in the criminal web, the consequences grow deadly. Tense, morally complex, and brutally realistic, “Extracurricular”; explores the lengths teens will go to survive in a harsh, unequal society.

One of the best things about “Extracurricular”; is how it lures you in with a seemingly typical setup, then flips everything on its head. Oh Ji Soo’s transformation from a quiet, top student running an illegal business after school into a morally gray antihero is nothing short of riveting. While the premise feels unrealistic at times, the characters’ emotional struggles, pressure, money, and expectations hit close to home. With tight pacing, gritty tension, and stellar performances, “Extracurricular”; is dark, daring, and unforgettable.

“Study Group”;

“Study Group”; centers on Yoon Ga Min (Hwang Minhyun), a kind-hearted but academically struggling student who ends up at the notoriously violent Yusung Technical High School. Determined to turn his life around, he forms a study group with a small band of misfit classmates, all while using his surprising fighting skills to survive daily brawls and protect his friends. Despite the chaos around them, the group works toward a shared dream of entering a good university. Blending high-stakes action with heartfelt camaraderie, “Study Group”; is an underdog story of grit, growth, and choosing books over fists, even when fists seem necessary.

“Study Group”; blends high-octane action with heartfelt storytelling and moments of genuine humor. The main lead, Yoon Ga Min, may look like your average nerd, but his martial arts prowess and unwavering determination flip that assumption on its head. Despite his academic struggles, Ga Min’s dream of getting into college never wavers, making him an inspiring and a lovable underdog. The drama does a fantastic job of showcasing how friendship, perseverance, and righteous rebellion can thrive even in a corrupt, violent system.

Start watching “Study Group”;:

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“Boyhood”;

“Boyhood”; follows the story of Jang Byung Tae (Yim Si Wan), a timid and unremarkable student living in a rural town during the 1980s. While transferring to a new school in a brand new town, a case of mistaken identity makes others believe he is a legendary fighter. Suddenly thrust into the spotlight, Byung Tae must keep up the tough-guy act to survive in a school dominated by violence and gang hierarchies. As he navigates unexpected friendships, intense rivalries, and his own fear, “Boyhood”; becomes a coming-of-age tale filled with heart, humor, and action, proving that bravery is not about strength but about standing tall when it matters most.

“Boyhood”; is a messy, hilarious, and oddly moving drama that leans fully into its 1980s setting. Think dad jokes, nosebleeds, awkward dances, and somehow still moments that hit you right in the heart. At its core is Byung Tae, a perpetually bullied underdog with no strength or smarts, but so much heart you cannot help but root for him. Yim Si Wan nails the character’s chaotic energy and emotional depth. The slapstick humor will not be for everyone, but if you stick around, the emotional payoff, grounded romance, and sharp character growth make “Boyhood”; an unexpectedly satisfying ride.

Start watching “Boyhood”;:

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Hello Soompiers! Is there any high school action K-drama you would like to add to this list? Let us know in the comments!

If you haven’t already, watch “Weak Hero Class 1”; on Viki:

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Also watch the drama’s stars Choi Hyun Wook and Ryeoun in “Twinkling Watermelon”; below:

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Javeriais a binge-watching specialist who loves devouring entire K-dramas in one sitting. Good screenwriting, beautiful cinematography, and a lack of cliches are the way to her heart. As a music fanatic, she listens to multiple artists across different genres and stans the self-producing idol group SEVENTEEN. You can talk to her on Instagram@javeriayousufs.

Currently watching:“Spring of Youth,”; “Second Shot at Love,”; and “Our Unwritten Seoul.”;
Looking forward to:“Squid Game Season 3”; and “Good Boy”;