Park Ji-hoon graces Esquire Korea cover ahead of ‘Weak Hero Class 2’ release: “Acting is a thrilling ride”

Park Ji-hoon graces Esquire Korea cover ahead of ‘Weak Hero Class 2’ release: “Acting is a thrilling ride”

Park Ji-hoon, the former Wanna One idol turned leading actor, has appeared on the cover of Esquire Korea ahead of the global premiere of Weak Hero Class 2 on Netflix. Styled under the “enfant terrible” concept, Park showcased his boyish charm and magnetic presence, signaling his transition into a more mature and versatile performer.

In the accompanying interview, Park expressed his deepening passion for acting. “I’m completely hooked on acting,” he said. “Getting into new characters, reading new scripts, and collaborating with new teams — every part of the process is exhilarating.” A former child actor, Park added, “Since I was young, I dreamed of becoming a musical or film actor, and that dream continues to fuel me.”

Park made his official return to acting in 2019 with a lead role in Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency. He steadily built his repertoire with youth-centric dramas like Love Revolution and At a Distance, Spring is Green, before making a significant impact with Weak Hero Class 1 in 2022.

Originally released on Korean streaming platform Wavve, Weak Hero Class 1 gained a second life on Netflix this March, entering the platform’s non-English global Top 10 for three consecutive weeks. Its unflinching portrayal of school violence and Park’s gripping performance drew both domestic and international praise.

The sequel, Weak Hero Class 2, is set to premiere globally on April 25 via Netflix, riding high on the momentum of its predecessor’s resurgence. Industry experts note that Park is among a rare class of idol-turned-actors who have managed to convincingly break into the acting world. “He has star quality, strong screen presence, and emotional range — key assets for longevity in the global OTT landscape,” one insider commented.

Park’s Esquire feature marks a strategic moment in his evolving career — one that not only promotes his upcoming project but also reinforces his brand as a rising actor with layered appeal and international potential.

 

Source: Esquire