Park Ji Hoon recently opened up about his experience playing Yeon Si Eun in Weak Hero Class 2 during an interview. Here’s what he had to say about the series, his character, and the challenges he faced.
Q. How did you feel when you saw the release of Season 2?
We all watched it together in a private screening before it was released. While I have affection for all the characters, I feel like Yeon Si Eun has something more—there’s a sense of vulnerability and sadness in him. As Director Yoo Soo Min mentioned, I wanted to share more of Si Eun’s story, and I’m grateful I had the chance to do so in Season 2. I cried after watching it. There was something lingering after the final scene. I realized, ‘We’ve all come this far for this moment.’ Ultimately, it felt like we all worked towards seeing Si Eun smile. The memories from Season 1, the sweat and tears on set, all of it rushed back to me. That’s where the true reward lies.
Whether the platform changed or not, I didn’t feel much of a difference. I focused entirely on portraying Yeon Si Eun. I’m truly grateful and honored that people are enjoying the show, and I’m glad that I had the opportunity to be a part of Season 1.
Q. Did you gain weight for Yeon Si Eun in Season 2?
Filming action scenes without proper meals was tough, so I focused on eating healthy. The action was intense, but I didn’t feel worn out since I love dancing and street dance. I never thought, “I’m getting old.” Protective gear helped a lot, and I found it easier to take hits than throw punches—the padded gear made a big difference.
Q. You mentioned in Netflix’s YouTube content that Lee Jun Young seemed pretty intimidating in the action scenes. But out of everyone on set, who was the most intimidating to you?
Lee Jun Young was definitely the most intimidating. Everyone was great, but Jun Young’s punches were incredibly fast. I could literally hear the whoosh of the wind. While filming on set, I had to stay tense, thinking, “If I lose focus, I might get hit.” The bathroom action scene was my first, and as I saw him walking to the bathroom with his hands in his pockets, I instantly thought, ‘That’s Geum Sung Jae right there.’ I even said it on set. His windbreaker made this sound as he walked, and it was genuinely scary. Sharp, like a blade. That’s the vibe I got.
Q. What was Lee Jun Young’s real personality like?
It was similar to his on-screen persona. He’s not violent, but free-spirited and romantic. We all love dancing, so we’d play music and dance together on set. If we felt the urge to express something, we’d dance, film it and then review it. It was great, and we got along well. At first, I addressed him respectfully, but he asked me to stop, so we quickly became closer.
Q. How did you get along with the new cast members in Season 2?
They were all talented actors, each with their own strengths. We didn’t start filming as close friends, but we naturally became closer as we spent time together. We share a similar energy because we were all around the same age, and it felt like Season 1 again. The director was also very easygoing and felt like a close older brother. The actors were very dedicated to their roles, and it made for a great atmosphere on set.
Q. What was it like to reunite with actors like Hong Kyung and Choi Hyun Wook from Season 1?
It felt like a rush of memories. It’s hard to express it as ‘fun,’ but it was a mix of sadness and complex emotions. I spent a lot of time reflecting on it.
Q. Before Weak Hero, your image was shaped by your appearance on Produce 101, where you were the adorable idol who said, ‘Save it in your heart.’ What’s your real personality like? And which character in Weak Hero is most like you?
The character most like me is Si Eun. Growing up as a child actor, my parents were my only source of support. I didn’t have many friends, and I spent a lot of time alone. When I thought about it and studied the character, I realized that Si Eun’s lonely, withdrawn nature really resonated with me. He’s the most similar to me, aside from the action scenes.
Q. In Produce 101, you competed alongside Hwang Min Hyun. Recently, he appeared in Study Group as a fighter. If the two of you faced off, who would win?
I think Si Eun would win. He’s good at using unconventional methods and would probably land a hit in a surprise move. Not only does he know how to fight, but he also knows how to identify weaknesses in others.
Q. Do you think there will be a Season 3?
If people enjoy Season 2, I think there’s a possibility for Season 3. I’m hesitant to say anything for sure, but as I approach my final year of high school and grow up, it might be possible to explore a story about growing up. While Weak Hero is about high school students, it’s interesting because it portrays them dealing with adult situations, and that could be fun to explore.
Q. Can you tell us about your next project?
I’m currently filming the movie The King and the Man (working title), where I play the role of King Danjong. I’m excited to show a different side of myself, and I hope people will continue to watch as I explore a variety of roles in the future.
>> Park Ji Hoon Teases Upgraded Action and Intensity in ‘Weak Hero Class 2’
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