ONE: High School Heroes – A Gripping Tale of Rebellion and Resilience
ONE: High School Heroes is a 2025 South Korean action drama that delivers a powerful punch, blending intense fight scenes with deep emotional storytelling. Premiering on Wavve on May 30, 2025, this eight-episode series, adapted from Lee Eun-jae’s popular webtoon ONE, has quickly captured the attention of K-drama fans with its raw take on bullying, trauma, and the fight for justice. With a stellar cast, compelling narrative, and a gritty high school setting, it’s a must-watch for fans of Weak Hero Class 1 and Study Group. Here’s why this drama stands out.
Plot Overview: A Hero’s Awakening
The story centers on Kim Ui-gyeom (played by Lee Jung-ha), a top student known for his gentle demeanor and academic excellence. At school, Ui-gyeom faces relentless bullying, particularly after transferring to a new high school. The breaking point comes when bullies target his treasured Walkman, a keepsake from his late brother, triggering Ui-gyeom’s latent fighting talent.
Noticing Ui-gyeom’s potential, Yoon-gi draws him into the world of schoolyard battles. Together, they form the “High School Heroes,” a masked vigilante duo donning pink masks to take down bullies and challenge the school’s toxic hierarchy. What starts as personal rebellion evolves into a mission to protect the vulnerable, making ONE: High School Heroes a story of courage, friendship, and breaking free from oppression.
Cast and Characters: Bringing Depth to the Drama
The cast delivers nuanced performances that elevate the series’ emotional weight:
Lee Jung-ha as Kim Ui-gyeom: Lee Jung-ha shines as the conflicted protagonist, portraying Ui-gyeom’s shift from a reserved student to a fierce fighter with subtlety and intensity. His action scenes, honed after his role in Moving, are a highlight.
Kim Do-wan as Kang Yoon-gi: Kim Do-wan brings chaotic, punk-rock energy to Yoon-gi, balancing charm and mystery. His chemistry with Ui-gyeom is a standout, described by fans as “pure punk energy” with a heart.
Kim Sang-ho as Kim Seok-tae: As Ui-gyeom’s oppressive father, Kim Sang-ho is chillingly convincing, embodying a parent whose strictness masks deeper control issues.
Kim Joo-ryoung as Myung Da-bin: Playing Ui-gyeom’s mother, Kim Joo-ryoung portrays a woman evolving to shield her son from her husband’s harshness, adding emotional depth.
Supporting Cast: Im Sung-kyun as the domineering Kim Seung-joon, Yuk Jun-seo as the enigmatic transfer student Lee Geol-jae, and Yoo Hee-je as the threatening Choi Ki-soo round out the ensemble, injecting tension and intrigue.
Themes and Impact: More Than Just a Fight
ONE: High School Heroes tackles heavy themes like bullying, domestic abuse, trauma, and mental health. The series doesn’t shy away from raw moments, such as Ui-gyeom’s struggles with his father’s pressure or the haunting depiction of his brother’s suicide. Fans have praised the show’s realism, with one viewer noting, “The way they portrayed Eui-gyeom??? INSANE… the panic, the instinct, the silence. It’s so subtle but so loud.”
Unlike typical high school dramas, this series balances action with hope, avoiding preachy tones while delivering a message about standing up for what’s right. The fight choreography is satisfyingly realistic, though some fans noted that rapid camera shifts in fight scenes can feel disorienting. The show’s color grading and cinematography create an immersive, gritty atmosphere, enhancing its emotional stakes.
Comparisons and Context: A New Standard in School Action Dramas
Following Wavve’s hit Weak Hero Class 1, ONE: High School Heroes builds on the platform’s reputation for gripping school action dramas. While it shares similarities with Weak Hero and Study Group—miserable leads, irrational bullies, and absent teachers—it carves its own path with Ui-gyeom’s immediate defiance and the unique vigilante duo dynamic. Fans on X have called it “Weak Hero Class-coded” but note its distinct swagger, with one user declaring it “the MOST satisfying and realistic high school anti-bullying action drama.”
The webtoon’s 65 million views and 2020 Today’s Our Manhwa Award underscore its popularity, though the drama tweaks some elements, like Ui-gyeom’s fighting origins and family dynamics, for added depth.
Where to Watch and Episode Schedule
ONE: High School Heroes premiered on Wavve with its first four episodes on May 30, 2025, followed by episodes 5–6 on June 6 and episodes 7–8 on June 13. Each episode runs for 45 minutes. While Wavve isn’t available in all regions, Indian viewers can stream episodes on Dailymotion shortly after their Wavve release. Global streaming details for other regions are still pending, but fans are hopeful for platforms like Netflix to pick it up.
Why You Should Watch
This drama is a thrilling blend of action, emotion, and social commentary. Lee Jung-ha and Kim Do-wan’s chemistry, paired with a story that doesn’t pull punches, makes it a standout. Whether you’re drawn to intense fight scenes, complex characters, or themes of resilience, ONE: High School Heroes delivers. As one fan put it, “If you liked Weak Hero Class and Study Group, I highly recommend this one too!!”