“Study Group” (2025) is a breath of fresh air in the high school drama genre, blending intense action, dark comedy, and heartfelt underdog spirit. Adapted from the popular webtoon by Shin Hyung-wook and Ryu Seung-yeon, this TVING original takes the familiar setting of a troubled school and turns it into a battleground—not just for fists, but for futures.
Premise and Plot
Yoon Ga-min (Hwang Min-hyun) is the ultimate underdog: a quiet, earnest student who dreams of academic success but is only truly gifted at fighting. Enrolled at Yusung Technical High School—infamous for its delinquent students, gang connections, and even a teacher’s unsolved murder—Ga-min’s only ambition is to study hard and get into college. Yet, despite his relentless effort and passion for learning, his grades never improve, and he perpetually ranks at the bottom of his class.
Determined not to give up, Ga-min forms a study group with like-minded classmates: Kim Se-hyun (Lee Jong-hyun), Lee Ji-woo (Shin Su-hyun), Choi Hee-won (Yoon Sang-jeong), and Lee Jun (Gong Do-yu). Their idealistic teacher, Lee Han-kyung (Han Ji-eun)—Ga-min’s former university tutor—returns as a temporary teacher, hoping to reform the school and support the group, though she harbors secrets of her own.
But Yusung is no ordinary school. The study group quickly becomes a target for bullies, led by the cold and calculating Pi Han-ul (Cha Woo-min), and must navigate a world where violence is the norm and academic ambition is seen as weakness. Ga-min, who trained his body for the sake of his mind, is forced to use his fighting skills—not for glory, but to protect his friends and defend their right to dream.
Themes and Tone
“Study Group” is more than a school brawler—it’s a sharp critique of Korea’s hyper-competitive education system, where survival often feels like a zero-sum game. The drama uses physical fights as a metaphor for academic and social struggles, making every punch and confrontation feel loaded with meaning. The series also explores friendship, perseverance, and the courage to challenge a broken system, all while balancing dark humor and moments of genuine warmth.
Characters and Performances
- Yoon Ga-min (Hwang Min-hyun): Ga-min is a compelling protagonist—awkward, kind, and fiercely determined. His internal conflict between his love for studying and his unwanted talent for fighting drives the series. Hwang Min-hyun brings both vulnerability and quiet strength to the role, making Ga-min’s journey from invisible nerd to reluctant hero deeply satisfying.
- Lee Han-kyung (Han Ji-eun): The teacher every student wishes they had—idealistic, supportive, and willing to fight for her students. Her chemistry with Ga-min and the group is a highlight, and her own backstory adds depth to the narrative.
- Pi Han-ul (Cha Woo-min): The main antagonist, Pi Han-ul is a memorable villain—intelligent, ruthless, and complex. His clashes with Ga-min provide some of the series’ most intense moments.
- The Study Group: Each member brings their own quirks and struggles, but together they form the emotional heart of the show. Their camaraderie, loyalty, and growth are as compelling as the action sequences.
Action and Direction
The fight scenes in “Study Group” are a standout—brutal, kinetic, and surprisingly cathartic. The choreography is sharp, and the violence, while exaggerated, never feels gratuitous; it’s always in service of the story and the characters’ emotional stakes. The direction maintains a brisk pace, expertly balancing action, comedy, and drama without losing sight of the show’s core message.
Strengths
- Inventive blend of genres: Action, comedy, and social commentary are woven seamlessly.
- Well-developed characters: Especially Ga-min, whose duality as a fighter and a scholar is both relatable and inspiring.
- Faithful adaptation: Fans of the webtoon praise the drama for capturing its spirit, humor, and emotional beats.
- Engaging pacing: The show rarely drags, with each episode delivering new challenges and character development.
Weaknesse
- Some secondary characters and subplots are underexplored, especially as the series juggles a large cast and multiple storylines.
- Occasional tonal shifts between slapstick comedy and gritty violence can be jarring, though this is often intentional.
- The school’s extreme environment may feel exaggerated to some viewers, though it serves the show’s allegorical aims.
Final Thoughts
“Study Group” is a standout K-drama that turns the high school genre on its head, delivering both adrenaline-pumping action and a heartfelt message about perseverance, friendship, and the fight for a better future. It’s an underdog story that’s as funny as it is fierce, and as moving as it is thrilling. Whether you’re a fan of the webtoon or new to the story, this is one study session you won’t want to skip.
