TVING’s original series “Study Group” (directed by Lee Jang-hoon and Yoo Beom-sang, written by Eom Seon-ho and Oh Bo-hyun, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by YLAB Plex) has been receiving rave reviews.
With a clean and well-balanced combination of story and cast, “Study Group” has captivated viewers, prompting early calls for a second season. And it’s easy to see why.
The drama premiered on TVING on January 23. It is a high school action-comedy series about Yoon Ga-min (played by Hwang Min-hyun), who wants to excel in academics but is only gifted in fighting, as he navigates the brutal academic world of the notorious Yusung Technical High School and forms a study group. The series is based on the popular webtoon of the same name.
From the first two episodes, “Study Group” delivered entertainment beyond expectations. The story follows Yoon Ga-min, who desperately wants to study well and puts in the effort, yet remains at the bottom of the academic rankings. His chaotic journey toward academic success and the formation of a study group with like-minded friends add to the drama’s charm. With a solid foundation from the original webtoon, combined with strong acting and skillful direction, the show keeps viewers engaged.
Episodes 7 and 8, released on February 13, further heightened viewer excitement.
Up to episode 8, “Study Group” maintained a highly immersive storyline. The drama was so engaging that, despite being on an OTT platform, there was no need to use the skip function—a common feature for less exciting segments in streaming content. With its fast-paced development, compelling visuals and captivating performances, the series encouraged binge-watching. The protagonist’s quirky personality added comedic relief, balancing the tension and making for an even more enjoyable experience.
At the heart of “Study Group” is Hwang Min-hyun’s standout performance. His enthusiasm for studying is expressed through his “pure yet intense gaze”, but the irony of his poor academic performance adds a layer of humor. With his appearance, mannerisms, and speech exuding the aura of a “model student” and “golden boy”, the revelation that he struggles with academics makes for comedic gold. His acting is a key factor in the drama’s success. Ga-min’s deep sense of justice, helping even his struggling peers, makes him an incredibly likable character. His determination to aid the weak earns viewers’ support and empathy. Moreover, Hwang Min-hyun’s natural performance, devoid of exaggeration, is as impressive as his character’s combat skills. His facial expressions and action sequences are so well-executed that viewers might find themselves exclaiming, “He’s so good!” Through “Study Group”, Hwang Min-hyun has landed his first true “career-defining role” following his appearances in “Live On”, “Alchemy of Souls”, “Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow” and “My Lovely Liar”.
Beyond Hwang Min-hyun, the cast—including Han Ji-eun, Shin Su-hyun, Yoon Sang-jeong and Gong Do-yu—seamlessly embodies their characters, adding to the drama’s appeal. Despite the show being rated 19+ with some strong language and intense moments, the perfect synergy between actors and characters minimizes any discomfort.
According to Good Data Corporation’s TV-OTT drama buzz ranking for the first week of February 2025 (February 3~9), released on February 11, “Study Group” secured 7th place, marking its second consecutive week in the Top 10. This achievement is notable, given the ongoing competition among popular TV and OTT dramas.
Additionally, “Study Group”‘s production team revealed on February 11, “The number of paid subscribers and unique viewers has doubled compared to the first week after release, maintaining the top spot for paid subscriber contributions on TVING for two consecutive weeks, highlighting its immense popularity.” This underscores the viewers’ deep affection for the series.
Fans are actively expressing their desire for a second season through online communities, feeling that 10 episodes are not enough. Even if the show ends at 10 episodes, they eagerly anticipate further developments.
With the finale approaching, “Study Group” has already sparked demands for a second season. Given that the drama is based on a webtoon, the possibility of a multi-season format cannot be ignored. As TVING enjoys widespread acclaim for its original drama, the growing requests for a continuation place the spotlight on the platform’s next move. Could “Study Group” transition from a one-season original series to a long-running franchise?
