The series 'Weak Hero' is reaping the benefits of its move to a new platform.
'Weak Hero 1' is a gripping action drama about Yeon Si-eun, a top 1% student who, for the first time, makes friends with Su-ho and Beom-seok, and together they face numerous acts of violence. This 8-episode series was originally released on the Korean OTT platform Wavve in November 2022.
Upon its release, the series gained significant popularity, becoming a flagship series for Wavve. However, due to the limitations of a domestic OTT platform, its international reach was restricted. It was broadcast in North America via KOCOWA, in Taiwan through iQIYI, and in Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and India via Rakuten Viki. Despite these efforts, the global distribution faced challenges in terms of reach, speed, and impact.
Following the success of Season 1, 'Weak Hero' began preparations for Season 2. However, production was delayed due to Wavve's financial difficulties. During this time, Netflix acquired the series rights, leading to the series' move to a new home. It's rare for a flagship series to switch platforms like this.
Ahead of the release of 'Weak Hero Class 2', Netflix made 'Weak Hero 1' available worldwide. This move aimed to encourage re-watching among existing fans and attract new viewers. The result was a resounding success.
Since its release on March 25, 'Weak Hero 1' has garnered 6.7 million views by March 30, ranking 2nd in the global TOP10 non-English series category (according to FlixPatrol). It even surpassed the big-budget series 'When Life Gives You Tangerines', which ranked 3rd.
In Thailand and Malaysia, it debuted at number 1 and has maintained its top position. In several countries, including South Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines, it holds the 2nd spot. Additionally, it ranks 4th in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Brazil, 6th in Poland, and 8th in New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain, showcasing impressive global performance.
It's quite unexpected for a series released three years ago to achieve such high rankings globally. Netflix's decision to release Season 1 ahead of Season 2, along with strategic marketing investments, proved to be a masterstroke. The success of 'Weak Hero 1' on a global scale is a testament not only to the strength of the content itself but also to the power of Netflix as a global platform.
Netflix has announced that 'Weak Hero 2' will be released on April 25. Season 2 begins with Yeon Si-eun transferring to a new school, carrying the memories of failing to protect his friends despite standing up against violence. Determined not to lose any more friends, Si-eun faces even more organized and intense violence. Park Ji-hoon returns as Yeon Si-eun, with new cast members including Ryeoun, Choi Min-young, Yoo Soo-bin, and Lee Jun-young joining the series.
The industry is keenly watching to see if 'Weak Hero 2', now with the backing of a global platform, can surpass the popularity of Season 1.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)