“I create opportunities even in hellish situations”
An emotional sucker punch. First they disarm you with mesmerizing action choreography and quick witted humor, then they hit you with the most gutwrenching reminder of all of the people who poured into you when you were a student, all of the teachers who sparked hope in you and paid for it with their time and money and heart.This is such a beautifully woven drama that hit every single nail on the head. Casting? Flawless. Camera work? Engaging. Action? Listen I don’t even like fight scenes like that but I was EXCITED to see Ga Min in action every week. I wish there was more but I don’t even want the episodes to be longer because the shorter time limits kept everything fast and fresh- I just need another season and I need to know what happens next.
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Best Feb 2025 Drama
I am so glad Hwang Min Hyun decided to do an action drama. I have been waiting for it since it's announcement. I enjoyed the story and the acting. Everyone is great. Even the villains/anti-heroes. Cha Woo Min did a fantastic job and managed to stand out. I am looking forward to seeing him in a variety of roles now. The ladies were also wonderful. I love strong women of all kinds. I liked that the bunch all have their strengths and weaknesses. The support character of Kim Sun Cheol was also a good one.Initially, I struggled to see bullying being depicted. Though it is considerably better than some other shows, it still impacted me and stressed me out. It gets a better later since the show is doesn't try to let things get too dark and is interspersed with light moments and growth and bonding. Just thought to mention it in case you are also sensitive to those things.
The cinematography and OST are really great. I have 2 new favourites songs - Backpacker and Hood.
The only weak aspects (for me) were the fight scenes. I love a well choreographed action scene. But the main lead has been given superhero-like abilities which take away the realism. The show is based on a webtoon so I started to read it to see if the fights are similar in that and they aren't really (full disclosure: have read about 8 chapters). They are much more believable. The action sequences between the other characters aren't like that in the series. Maybe the exaggeration is to give it a webtoon feel. In any case, for this reason I wouldn't compare it to Weak Hero Class 1. They have some similarities but WHC1 is darker than Study Group and perhaps slower at times but the action was far superior in my opinion which is why I gave Study Group a 9.
Obviously I love both shows so I hope Study Group is also loved by audiences.
There is an end credit scene at the end of episode 10.
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"Study Group" – A High-Energy Blend of Action, Friendship, and School Rivalries
*"Study Group" is an electrifying mix of high school drama and intense action, making it an absolute thrill ride from start to finish. What I loved most was how the main lead, Hwang Min Hyun, remained unfazed by all the power struggles and egotistical clashes that typically define adolescence. Unlike his peers, who were caught up in hierarchy and dominance, he was simply focused on studying. But through this, he inevitably got entangled in the chaos of his school, facing challenges alongside his friends and uncovering deeper conflicts.The series is well-structured, with each episode offering insight into the backgrounds of key characters, making their struggles feel real and engaging. The character development is commendable, and I particularly enjoyed how the study group stood by each other through thick and thin, proving the strength of their friendship. The mix of high-energy fight sequences and moments of camaraderie made the story all the more gripping.
The young actors delivered outstanding performances, making the plot feel believable and immersive. The action choreography was top-notch, with well-executed fight scenes that kept the adrenaline pumping. The background scores, opening theme, and OSTs were perfectly in sync with the rebellious and fiery spirit of the characters, adding to the overall intensity of the show.
That said, one thing I felt was missing was a deeper sense of meaning. Many K-dramas used to have a strong didactic element, but this one leans more into the action and thrill, sacrificing a bit of depth in the process. While it’s undeniably entertaining, it doesn’t leave much food for thought.
Overall, "Study Group" is an exciting and high-energy watch that keeps you hooked with its action-packed narrative, strong friendships, and well-directed sequences. It may not be deeply thought-provoking, but it delivers everything needed for a hit drama. Highly enjoyable and definitely worth watching!*
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definitely a must watch
Damn. I loved this show! It was hilarous and kept me wanting to watch until the very end! I’m hoping they might make a second season. I was sucked in from the first episode. The cast worked well together and the action and special effects that were used were great too. I kept seeing little previews of this show when I watched videos on Facebook and I was like damn this looks good. And it was, definitely worth a watch! I am always recommending shows to my coworker at work and this will be on the list.Was this review helpful to you?
Super fun ride from start to finish!
I've been caught fully off guard by this show...to think that I'd completely overlooked this drama when it first started airing because the summary on MDL didn't sound interesting. But then I randomly decided to give it a go and oh my god, what a FUN watch. Best example of execution >> concept.So engaging right from the first episode, fantastic OST, the perfect length of episodes, not too long, not too short, GREAT casting, each of the new faces I'm seeing are so good at their individual roles. They all have such natural chemistry between themselves. And I totally overlooked Minhyun this whole time since Alchemy of Souls...he was made to do this role. Brings a natural innocence to his character but his stunts are equally convincing. The screenplay holds up to the last episode and keeps delivering twists and comedic moments and there's not a slow moment throughout.
I don't think I've enjoyed an action/comedy as much as I enjoyed this one since Bad and Crazy. I'd been looking for something along the same vein, combining light hearted moments, crazy humor and wonderfully choreographed fight scenes with a solid cast and chemistry.
I think the best shows are ones that make you feel like they ended too soon and should've had more episodes, and this one checks it all.
(But if there's a season 2 👀, I'll be here first!)
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Mind blowing
Study group kdrama is so good 👍 the stroy is another hit and the acting of the cast is killing they did a really good job and wow this drama encourage many people to Study even theirs situation is not good and even they are getting bullied nice message to the society. Zing zing amazing in one word 👏Was this review helpful to you?
Study Group Being The Best And The Main Character Of 2025 Kdramas!
Honestly... I don't even know how to start this off because it was THAT GOOD. I have never been so satisfied and enjoyed and loved every bit of a drama like study group in my life. Study Group is the most perfect epitome of a webtoon remake drama, other dramas should use this as an example. Every scene from the webtoon was so satisfyingly made to life ESPECIALLY the action scenes. I can never get enough of the action scenes, I was always left in awe whenever I saw Gamin fighting but most importantly.. when the study group cutely joined together and fought. They are so wholesome and made the action scenes even more meaningful, the bonds of the study group made it even more special. Every episode was done so well and the comedy aspects were amazing.I loved the bond of the group especially the dynamic between our Gochuchang boy Jun and our diva Jiwoo. I can watch them all day like they are too funny, cool and cute together. I love their type of dynamics. The casting was just too perfect that I am so relived we had this cast because they made the show what it is today.
I sincerely hope there is a season 2, and I have faith it will. Until then, I will be rewatching this. Thank you, Study Group and the soundtrack, for keeping me going during university. I have the motivation to study, and I will try to have the mindset of Gamin and never give up. I will listen to the soundtrack, take myself back to the show, pretend I'm in the study group,p and work hard.
Also having Hwang Minhyun as the star with Gunwook x Matthew, Yedam, and Haon as the OST was made for me, it made it even more special as a fan of them all ~
DID NOT WANT TO SAY GOODBYE BUT... See you for Season 2 x
Kind regards,
Study Group and Gochuchang N0.1 fan (can't believe it was his first drama)
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10/10! From beginning to end!
One of the best action shows I’ve seen in a long time, or maybe ever. I love an action show or flick, but there’s a certain point where if it gets more violent than action-packed, it can become less enjoyable to watch. For sure Study Group has violence throughout, these kids are always fighting, whether literally or figuratively, for their place and their beliefs. It’s a testament to how great of a show this is that it balanced the line perfectly between action versus over the top violence. The fight scenes were all that more incredible because of the fantastical aspect added to them. The entertainment factor of the skillful choreographed fight scenes is addictive, you can’t not watch, and anytime someone flys in the air or crashes through a wall from a punch or a kick, it doesn’t matter if it’s unrealistic, it’s so easy to just go with it and enjoy seeing the villains that deserve a comic book style beat down get served. I wish I would have watched this even sooner, but either then or now, I’ll be just as bummed when it’s over and done. I already know this is going to be one of those shows that sticks in my mind for a long time. And I’m looking forward to watching it again someday, which I’m positive I will, but even then, I’ll be sad that it has to end.Was this review helpful to you?
Underrated Gem Alert: Study Group (2025) Deserves More Hype!
I accidentally stumbled upon *Study Group (2025)* and ended up binge-watching the entire series—it’s *that* good! I had no idea it was released in January; I only found it in April, and now I’m wondering why it’s not as popular as other school dramas. Honestly, it deserves way more attention!The acting is solid, the story is gripping, and the fight scenes? Absolutely amazing. Each fight is choreographed so well—it never feels boring or dragged out. One thing I really loved was the background *rap music* during fights or intense moments—it adds so much energy and hype! It honestly made every scene feel 10x cooler.
It has the perfect blend of action, comedy, and emotional moments. If you loved *Weak Hero Class 1*, this one will totally be your vibe. I enjoyed every second and now I’m really hoping for a Season 2 because this story deserves to continue.
In short, *Study Group* is a hidden gem that every action-school drama fan needs to watch. Don’t miss it!
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worth watching kdrama!
description : follows the story of a guy who wants to become good at studies vut somehow is still the worst😭.. although he's rlly good at fighting. later transfers to a school which is totally filled with bad guys and gangsters ( thought he would be good than them in studies ) but faces with some bullies later he thought he can create a study group to improve everything there now he has to create a group but, some challenges are waiting for him..ratings and opinions : this kdrama is hella good acc to me def worth watching!
(9.5/10)
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This review may contain spoilers
Made me wanna study
I started watching out of whim, I'm not into action packed series but this one got me hooked! What I liked:1)All the main characters are likeable and suit their role well
2) Action scenes are lit!
3) The study theme is so refreshing. Kids just wanna learn!
4)The avoidance of sexualised threats. I was truly anxious when the teacher and girl student were threatened but nth untoward happened
5) The villain. He looks redeemable and I hope we get to see his 180arc
6) The main lead. So nicely portrayed, clueless and innocent and happy and a killing machine
7)His mother. What a badass! Damn girl, serve some justice!
8) 45m episode! Yeah! No more time anxiety! 45 mins, fully packed and fits nicely in your everyday programme
What I didn't like:
1) The actors at times look a lot older than normal students, especially the thugs
2) The more the story progressed the more the action scenes looked cartoonish. Don't misunderstand, they are artfully done but at the end they looked like superpowers instead of martial arts. The final fight reminded me of marvel cinematics.
3) Is there a season 2? I have questions. What's Yeop's relationship with the villain's father? Is he the other heir?
All in all the story gave me a nice bubbly feeling about studying which is a first so, yeah, give it try!
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YOU WILL BE ENTERTAINED!!!!
Study Group is like a mix between Weak Class Hero 1, Mob Psycho 100, and One Punch Man.... and in the best possible way!!!!I'm not kidding either. Some of the punches were so potent, so utterly convincing, that I gasped and gawked like a real spectator would on the sidelines. Hwang Min Hyun did an absolutely amazing job portraying high school student Yun Ga Min, a young and naive optimist with a passion to improve himself intellectually (quite possibly to no avail) who suffers from hidden feelings of inadequacy when it comes to his academic pursuits. This inadequacy blinds him to his other strengths, such as being basically oblivious to how overpowered he is physically.
Honestly, it's hard to believe Min Hyun was almost 30 years old when filming the series. It's funny how he's basically the same age as Jin Woo Jin (Disciplinary Committee member Kim Gyu Jin), yet in their fight scene, Woo Jin looked like a grown man fighting against a teenager. Luckily, the show doesn't take itself seriously enough for the viewer to care about such things.
Also, although everybody gets a free knuckle sandwich, there's no denying the underlying theme that it's never too late to better oneself, even when it feels like all odds are against you. My two favorite quotes from the show include "I create opportunities even in hellish situations" and "Be thugs amongst yourselves if you must." I enjoyed Min Hyun's performance so much that I took a peek at his biography, being absolutely convinced he was the same actor who played the main lead in the show "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty." Much to my surprise, these are two completely different actors! (really though, I can't be the only one who thinks Hwang Min Hyun and Lee Chae Min look like siblings).
I rank Study Group as my number one favorite series this year. I rate it a 10/10 because I was entertained from start to finish. The only downside is that now I feel a void in my heart that no other show can entertain me quite like this one in the foreseeable future (for this reason, I'll minus a 0.0000000000000001).
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