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If "Weak Hero Class 2" left you wanting more, here are 4 high school action K-dramas packed with gripping fights, friendships, and raw teenage struggles.
If you’re still thinking about the intense world of Weak Hero Class 2 or feeling nostalgic for Weak Hero Class 1, you’re not alone. The powerful fights, emotional depth, and edge-of-your-seat moments left many fans searching for similar shows. Luckily, there are several high school action K-dramas out there that bring the same mix of adrenaline and heart.
These series dive into the gritty side of teenage life — where fighting back isn’t just about fists, but about standing up for yourself and your friends, even when the odds are stacked against you. If that sounds like your kind of drama, here are four you’ll want to add to your watchlist.
1. High School Return of a Gangster
High School Return of a Gangster follows Kim Deuk Pal (Lee Seo Jin), a 47-year-old gangster with an unlikely dream of finishing high school. A sudden twist lands his soul in the body of bullied teen Song Yi Heon (Yoon Chan Young). With a second shot at youth, Deuk Pal quickly learns that high school isn’t as simple as he imagined.
Now juggling the life of a student with his street smarts and fighting instincts, he takes it upon himself to stand up to bullies and protect the weak. The drama balances action and humor perfectly, especially with Yoon Chan Young’s spot-on portrayal of a gruff ahjusshi trapped in a young body.
It’s worth noting that the series is based on the BL webtoon I, a Gangster, Became a High Schooler, though the adaptation doesn’t include that angle of the story.
2. Extracurricular
If you’re in the mood for something darker, Extracurricular might be the perfect choice. The story follows Oh Ji Soo (Kim Dong Hee), a top student who secretly runs an illegal business to fund his future. On the surface, he seems like an obedient kid, but behind the scenes, he’s deeply involved in a dangerous underworld.
When fellow students Min Hui (Jung Da Bin), Gyu Ri (Park Ju Hyun), and Gi Tae (Nam Yoon Su) get pulled into his world, things quickly spiral out of control. The show forces you to think about survival, morality, and how far young people are willing to go in an unfair system.
Extracurricular hooks you with what looks like a typical teen drama, only to flip the narrative completely. Oh Ji Soo’s journey from a model student to a morally complex antihero is gripping to watch. While some situations may feel far-fetched, the raw emotions and social commentary keep it grounded and compelling.
3. Study Group
Study Group offers a refreshing blend of action and heart. Yoon Ga Min (Hwang Minhyun) is a kind but academically struggling student who lands in the notorious Yusung Technical High School. Determined to turn things around, he forms a study group with a band of misfit classmates. But at this school, daily life is filled with brutal fights, and Ga Min’s surprising martial arts skills come in handy.
Despite the chaos, Ga Min’s goal remains simple: get into a good college. This underdog story highlights grit, friendship, and fighting for your dreams—even when survival is the first priority.
Study Group manages to keep things fun while delivering some seriously intense action scenes. Yoon Ga Min is the kind of character you can’t help but root for—a determined underdog whose brains and brawn carry him through one battle after another.
4. Boyhood
Boyhood takes a nostalgic turn, setting its story in the 1980s. Jang Byung Tae (Yim Si Wan) is a timid student who, due to a misunderstanding, gets mistaken for a legendary fighter at his new school. Suddenly thrust into a world of gang rivalries and school violence, Byung Tae must fake his way through fights and friendships alike.
What makes Boyhood special is its mix of humor and heart. The 1980s setting brings in plenty of laughs—awkward dances, retro fashion, and over-the-top machismo. But underneath it all is a warm story about courage, friendship, and finding your voice.
Yim Si Wan brings Byung Tae to life with a blend of chaotic energy and vulnerability. You’ll laugh at his blunders and cheer when he stands tall in the face of real danger.
If Weak Hero Class 2 got you hooked on high school action dramas, these four series offer plenty of reasons to keep watching. From soul-swapping gangsters to underdog students fighting for survival, each show brings a unique flavor to the genre. So grab your popcorn, clear your schedule, and dive into these action-packed stories where teenage life is anything but ordinary.