One: High School Heroes

“One: High School Heroes” ( Korean: “원: 하이스쿨 히어로즈”) is a South Korean TV adaptation of the hit webtoon “One” by Lee Eun‑jae, which has exceeded 65 million views. Set within the genres of action, coming-of-age, and youth drama, the eight-episode series aired exclusively on Wavve. Each installment runs approximately 45 minutes, following a suspenseful weekly drop schedule. Directed by Lee Seong‑Tae, a feature-film veteran of “Derailed” and “By Quantum Physics: A Nightlife Venture”, making his television directorial debut.

Plot Synopsis

A seemingly top-tier student, Kim Ui‑gyeom (played by Lee Jung‑ha), faces physical and emotional oppression at home from his father. When he begins enduring school bullying too, violent rage from within surfaces, revealing his innate fighting ability. Enter Kang Yoon‑gi (Kim Do‑wan), a strategic classmate who recognizes that latent potential and initiates the formation of a masked vigilante duo called the High School Heroes. Together, they seek to dismantle the brutal hierarchy of high school violence and take justice into their own hands.

The drama critically addresses intersecting forms of violence – domestic abuse, academic pressure, and school bullying – layering emotional complexity beyond standard revenge arcs.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

• Lee Jung‑ha as Kim Ui‑gyeom: A model student whose suppressed anger awakens as he steps into the role of a masked vigilante.
• Kim Do‑wan as Kang Yoon‑ki: The sharp, motivated peer who draws Yui‑gyeom into the world of underground fighting and masked justice.

Supporting Cast

• Kim Sang‑ho plays Kim Seok‑tae: the father whose oppressive parenting pushes Ui‑gyeom toward rebellion.
• Kim Joo‑ryoung as Myeong Da‑bin: the mother torn between silence and protecting her son.
• Im Sung‑kyun as Kim Seung‑jun, a dominant student figure.
• Yuk Jun‑seo as Lee Geol‑jae, a mysterious transfer student with his own secrets.
• Yoo Hee‑je as Choi Ki‑soo, a top-tier fighter in school and a threat to the heroes.

Style & Strengths

Gritty visuals, underground fight scenes, and masked vigilante symbolism. The trailer highlights tension between Ui‑gyeom’s oppressive home life and his explosive awakening through action sequences - underscored by the tagline: “If you can’t escape it, break it”.

A psychological depth that gives voice to all characters, drawing even antagonists with backstories and internal wounds.

Comparisons to earlier gritty school dramas like “Weak Hero Class 1”, though “One: High School Heroes” is carving its own path with emotional nuance and focused storytelling.

Final Thoughts

• A compact, binge‑able 8‑episode arc filled with impact.
• Stylish action with emotional resonance and a true coming‑of‑age journey.
• A social commentary on issues like academic pressure, violence, and trauma in Korean youth culture.
• Powerful performances and fresh storytelling from Wavve’s new original slate following “Weak Hero Class 1”.

Where to Watch

Streaming Access

• South Korea: Wavve.

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