This review may contain spoilers
one of the best dramas
This drama is enjoyable enough, the cast is incredible i just wish we knew more about the characters, what's their back story and the reasons behind the way they act this way. I have to admit i loved the villains.I enjoyed the fights i want to fight like that too. I'm begging for season 2.❤️This drama is enjoyable enough, the cast is incredible i just wish we knew more about the characters, what's their back story and the reasons behind the way they act this way. I have to admit i loved the villains.I enjoyed the fights i want to fight like that too. I'm begging for season 2.❤️
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Anime Live Adaption Turned Kdrama
Okay. So let’s start at the very beginning—Study Group episode 1. My expectations? Decently high. My feelings by episode 5? Flop era. I genuinely debated dropping it because it felt like the characters were aimlessly walking through an edgy webtoon backdrop with the emotional range of wet cardboard. But then… THEN… the drama pulled out a sneaky little Uno reverse card on me and episodes 6 to 10 came in swinging like Gamin's kicks—aggressively, illogically, but undeniably effective.• EPISODES 1-5: THE “WHY AM I HERE” ARC
This was Study Group’s weakest stretch, and honestly, I was bored. The character introductions felt scattered, the stakes felt low, and the only thing being studied was my patience. Characters like Heewon felt undercooked, the “study group” aspect felt weak and goofy, and the fights were already reaching anime-level dramatics with zero emotional weight to justify them.
Rating for these eps? 6.5/10 at best. It was like being promised an intense academic-turned-battle drama, and instead being handed anime filler episodes with mid pacing and teen rage.
• EPISODES 6-9: THE “WAIT THIS IS KINDA FIRE??” ARC
Then something miraculous happened. Episode 6 hit, and suddenly I was invested. The pacing picked up, the character arcs deepened (finally), and the fights? Still ridiculous—but now they had emotional context, which made them 10x better.
Characters like Sehyun got fully fleshed out. Jiwoo became more than just a pretty face (though she still deserved more depth), and even Heewon, annoying little gremlin that she was, had a moment of comedy gold with the “I have Gamin’s baby” line. Give her a tiny slay for that.
Oh, and let’s not forget: Yun Gamin's plot armor is literally made of vibranium. Like bro broke down a digital security door with some light cardio. I don’t care if he trains like Saitama, that door should’ve held up. Plot convenience was served hot and fresh every single time.
Rating for these eps? A solid 9.2/10. They carried the whole show.
• EPISODE 10: THE “LIVE. LAUGH. ANIME LOGIC.” ARC
I have so many feelings. Let’s be real: the ending was satisfying for what it was. If you weren’t super invested, it gave enough closure to walk away happy. It tied back old characters, delivered emotional climaxes, and wrapped up arcs in a clean way. But if you really cared about the characters and needed resolution to some of those unspoken things (cough Jiwoo and Lee Jun cough, I was robbed of their dating era), then you’re left staring at the screen like: “That’s it???”
Also. We need to address the final fight scenes. The punches-colliding-breaking-windows trope? The walls crumbling from impact like we’re in Dragon Ball Z?? I get that it’s supposed to be stylized, but sweetie, this is high school. These are students. Why did a classroom wall collapse like someone summoned a Jutsu?
Still. There was something kind of heartwarming about the ending. Heewon's entry with all the characters of past episodes was insanely cold. Everyone showed up for that one big dramatic happy moment. It gave that classic “we’ve targetted eachother throughout the whole show but gotta come together to save our teacher" camraderie, and I ate it up.
Rating? 9.5/10 for vibes, 7/10 for logic.
THE MAIN CHARACTER MISSING HIS DEPTH?? YUN GAMIN.
This needs to be said: Yun Gamin, our protagonist, seriously lacked backstory. I’m talking zero family dynamics, no clear insight into his past, and no clear reason for his desperate want to ace his studies. Why does he have a 10 p.m. curfew? Why is studying his only personality trait? What drives him? None of it is explained. He was reduced to this “I fight for my friends” + “I love studying for mysterious reasons” + “I’m too dumb to get into college but I still try” blueprint. And like… that’s not a character, that’s a motivational poster.
I’m sure the webtoon probably did him more justice, but for first-time viewers like me, Gamin felt like a hollow lead—especially when surrounded by side characters who had actual arcs. His development was more implied than explored, and that’s a major miss.
THE ACTUAL BEST ARC? SUN-CHEOL SUPREMACY.
Listen. Blonde Boy ate. His entire arc—trying to prove himself, fighting to study and succeed for the sake of his grandfather’s pride, to become a great man for him—was genuinely moving. It’s the only part of the show that made me cry, and I don’t mean like a casual sniffle. I mean I was bawling. That scene hit so hard because it was grounded. Relatable. Human. His struggles weren’t about absurd fight scenes or anime logic. They were about wanting to be enough for someone you love. He deserved every minute of screentime, and honestly? He carried emotional depth for the whole cast.
SHIPS THAT SUNK BEFORE THEY SAILED: JIWOO x LEE JUN
The slow-burn, the DIALOGUES, THE LOOKS—everything was giving “rivals to lovers.” Lee Jun literally lived rent-free in Jiwoo’s mind during her final battle. His words were her motivation. His words were her anchor. Her epiphany. And you’re telling me… NOTHING came of that? After all that flirtation?? I feel robbed. Like genuinely pickpocketed by the writers. Just give me a hand-hold or something. A shy smile. A nod. ANYTHING.
This was such a missed opportunity, and I will never not be bitter about it.
FINAL VERDICT
Study Group started off like an underwhelming school fight drama and transformed into a full-on live-action anime experience. Once you accept the absolutely bonkers logic and lean into the over-the-top style, it actually becomes… fun. Heartfelt. Even powerful at times.
BUT. It’s also flawed. The plot armor is real. The group dynamic never really fully came together. It was pretty endearing but I would have liked to see them hangout once in a while outside the study group, maybe a small montage would have nice. The romance was non-existent despite all the baiting. And let’s be honest—there’s still too much left unsaid.
If it gets a Season 2 (which seems unlikely as far as I have read), it could fix a lot. But even if it doesn’t, I’ll remember this one as a messy, ridiculous, unexpectedly gripping drama that made me yell at my screen multiple times.
Rating: 8.0/10
Vibes: 11/10
Physics laws broken: 78
Deserved ships sunk: 1
Emotional whiplash: Severe
Would I recommend it? Only if you're ready to watch a drama that lowkey thinks it's One Piece.
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Entertaining, Easy to Watch, and Surprisingly Hard to Look Away From with Fun, Unrealistic Fights
Unlike Weak Hero and ONE: Highschool Heroes, the fight scenes in this K-drama are more unrealistic and entertaining.It's a very enjoyable drama, and even though the story is quite serious, it's very light-hearted, easy to watch, but hard to take your eyes off.
My sister, who isn't a huge fan of Asian dramas, also really liked it.
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it's really fun!!!!
This drama is really good, like really. if anyone wanna start watching school action genre? then well suggested!!!! besides a nice drama seeing a nerd fighting lol. love it!!!! besides seeing female fighters are really lovely ,man. any of the episodes aren't boring. (seriously that's what I have to say but in my phone they telling me make the review 500 characters long for no reason. man.) let's just say really nice and with good casts k-drama . (dude the 500 characters are annoying the shit from me)Was this review helpful to you?
Amazing Soundtrack and Story!!
From the top the story was great I was hooked from beginning to end I started it to have something on my second monitor but quickly realized it was gonna need my full attention!!the acting was great from all stars I could feel the emotions in every scene!
on to what was probably my most favorite part-- THE SOUNDTRACK!! the music got me so hype for every fight I was jamming during every battle it was so good overall definitely one of my top 10 favorites amongst hand to hand combat films totally amazing!!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
An exciting youth drama with heart, humor, high-energy with wild action and soft villains
𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 is one of those shows that’s easy to enjoy even when it’s a little ridiculous. It’s fast, entertaining, and full of heart — a blend of comedy, determination, and chaotic action that somehow works. At its core, it’s about perseverance, teamwork, and believing in yourself when no one else does.The story of a group of students defying expectations and fighting to succeed is inspiring and surprisingly emotional at times. The character dynamics are great, and you can really feel the passion behind the cast’s performances. The pacing stays sharp, keeping you invested all the way through.
Now, the action — it’s completely over the top. Think exaggerated punches, physics-defying jumps, and school fights that look straight out of a cartoon. It’s pure Looney Tunes energy, and while it kills realism, it adds to the entertainment value. If you don’t take it too seriously, it’s a fun watch.
The only real weakness is the villain. For a story with this much energy, the main antagonist doesn’t quite deliver. They don’t exude real menace or tension, and their presence feels more functional than memorable. It’s a missed opportunity, especially in a series built around conflict and growth.
Still, the heart of 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 shines through — it’s a story about friendship, purpose, and pushing forward no matter what. Even when it leans into the absurd, it keeps a strong emotional core that makes it worth watching.
Pros:
✔ Great 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 and strong teamwork theme
✔ Over-the-top action that’s fun if you embrace it
✔ Uplifting message and solid pacing
✔ Light humor balanced with sincere emotion
Cons:
✘ Villain lacks presence and real intensity
✘ Action is hilariously unrealistic
✘ A few predictable school-drama moments
Would I rewatch?
Yes — it’s not perfect, but it’s fun, fast, and full of heart. The kind of show that keeps you smiling even when it gets a little absurd.
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This review may contain spoilers
cit. "What if our efforts didn't change anything?"
All this gratuitous violence inflicted on people who don't deserve it is disgusting! Going to school must be a nightmare for many students! Bully bastards are a really fucking problem of today's society.The message I can read inside this series is that the winner is the one who hits the hardest and that with kindness you can only get away with it, which is not exactly a good thing.
The fact that this guy and his teacher want to change the situation and rehabilitate the school is a good thing but the plot is poor.
This guy wants only to study and he would fight a lot to succeed.
He seems like a genius and then takes a lot of beatings. One of the scenes that made me furious is when this "hero" is on the roof of a building, finds the door locked and starts slowly analyze the situation while his classmates are brutally beaten (hurry up and get your mates to open the door for you!), unrealistic fight scenes, lines like "let's go study" when he's speaking with an half dead guy after fighting?
I dropped out for several months
Finally I decided to watch the last 2 episodes.
Dreams and hopes against money and contacts. What will win?
Throughout this journey, with no police (just a detective), the bad guys never get hurt while the good guys get slaughtered. It makes me nervous. Especially if you think that with just one shot you could kill or knock a person down. Here they get stabbed before reacting and the next day they are back on the loose. How is it possible?
Then when one of the bad guys shoots his gun in the library, the ammunition seems endless. Fists and blows that go through the walls.
Pure fantasy, when the rest would have been quite real.
Final... The only culprit seems to be the gang leader and all the others not even investigated?
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More like superheroes
June 2025An academically challenged student, meets his old tutor now teaching at his school, and decides to set up a Study Group. The biggest challenge isn't his lack of an academic brain though, but the fact his school is better known for fighting, with rankings amongst students for that, and not test results.
Added to the mix is a bullying hierarchy, run by a vile, obnoxious student with a powerful father.
This drama somehow manages to balance a lot of violence, with humour, the warmth of growing friendships, and characters changing the course of their lives.
It's incredibly infuriating at times, for all the usual reasons, and is totally OTT and fantastical, in terms of the fight scenes, and just what goes on in the school.
Aspects reminded me of Class of Lies.
Hwang Min-hyun makes a perfectly believable high schooler. He does seem to be a casting favourite for characters that are reserved, thoughtful, sometimes awkward, yet strong, resilient and loyal.
Considering just how violent this is, it surprised me that there's still a significant feel-good element to it. A biggish surprise, sadness, hurt, anger, all the emotions associated with the subject matter, this story has it all.
The fact it was often so outrageous is possibly what enabled me to not be turned off by the bullying. More true-to-life and I would have dropped it, I think. It's what puts me off trying Weak Hero.
This borders on superhero territory though, with what characters are able to withstand. Female characters are tough and reslient, too. One in particular goes through a subtly amusing transformation.
It had me glued and I found it surprisingly entertaining. I'd have liked more on the outcome around awful characters, Pi Han-ui and Ma Min-hwan, but it seems there might be a S2.
The character I most wanted to see messed up?... Ma Min Hwan (played by Baek Seo Hoo). Very charismatic ~ more so than Pi Han-ui, I thought, but a complete psycho. The fact his bright, smiling appearance, was totally out of synch with his cruel nature, made him scarier.
Actor Yoo In-soo was reunited with Hwang Min-hyun, but back in a thug/delinquent role again. I prefer the different side seen to his acting, in Alchemy of Souls (he was bleach-blond Park Dang-gu). I hope he gets more options to play personalities like that character had.
Prrhaps there's a message in this drama somewhere, but if there is, it's pretty much drowned out by the often gruesome fighting.
The OST was OK, but I was not keen on the main song, Backpacker, which I personally found too repetitive.
I'd be happy to watch this again.
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This review may contain spoilers
He Looks Weak. He Fights Like a Storm. He Teaches Like a Father.
The main character speaks softly — carefully articulated words, low intonation, and always few in number. His eyes often glisten with emotion. His face looks gentle and harmless, almost like a "baby face." He wears glasses and doesn't look like a fighter at all. His academic performance is terrible.And yet — he kicks a metal door so hard it leaves a shoe print. He dodges punches without even looking. A single close-range punch knocks out his enemies. He grabs someone's collar and throws them across the room. His hits can break walls. He jumps from the third floor without hesitation. Even a flick to someone's forehead sends them flying.
Props to the fight choreographer — absolutely top-notch.
Wait — don’t stop me yet.
There are moments in this show that truly moved me. We are shown a raw depiction of society: financial struggles, students who think working right after high school is more realistic than college, injustice, unchecked power, and broken systems.
The MC is the kind of friend who never gives up on others. He guides them not with cheesy lines, but with quiet persistence — like an old soul. He protects his friends from a distance, steps in only when necessary, but is always nearby.
This is how an MC should be — someone who always finds a way to stand against injustice, even if it means using clever, sometimes unorthodox methods.
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Great concept, fierce fights… Althgout some logic took a permanent vacation.
A High‑School Action-Drama That Kicks Hard—but Sometimes Stops to Explain Algebra✨ THE GOOD:
Diamond-level premise – Mercenary-in-training meets academic grind. Students fighting for grades? Genius twist on high school drama.
Hwang Min‑hyun as Ga‑min – Awkward nerd turned reluctant brawler who still cares about college scores. Vulnerable, powerful—anti-hero perfection.
Cinematic action for days – Fight scenes crisp and epic enough to rival Weak Hero or The Glory. Nunchaku + textbooks = a vibe.
Tight ensemble energy – The Study Group feels like an unbreakable squad. Quirks, loyalty, humor—this crew is the emotional core.
🧠 THE “WHAT’S WITH THIS PLOT?” MOMENTS:
Plot logic takes coffee breaks... often. Villains roll in like YouTube ads, then vanish when you’re not looking.
Underused side characters—some got zero character arcs; screen time wasted.
Occasional tonal jagging—shifts from comedy to gore with no seatbelt announcement.
😂 FAN REACTIONS (because Reddit never lies):
“Every episode is good… it’s funny, crazy, and great acting”
“It feels like a webtoon or manga… brilliant execution”
🎯 THE “WHY IT STILL WORKS” FACTOR:
Zero filler—every minute counts in this 10‑episode sprint.
Action-comedy balance: funny one second, hyped the next. Fans saw it as “instant hype” therapy.
Song “Backpacker” OST is earworm-level addictive. Watch it just for that soundtrack.
⚖️ VERDICT:
“Like ordering ramen with extra fire—you chew every scene, you burn on the edge, but damn if it doesn’t slap.”
Watch if: You want adrenaline-school drama, friendship, clean action, and don’t mind skipping some brain cells.
Skip if: You hate bad guys who disappear mid-episode or school dramas where algebra comes with a punch.
Best paired with: 🎧 “Backpacker” on loop, fight playlist, and zero expectations for logic continuity.
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Need season two ASAP
I LOVED THIS!! This was such a fun watch! The action scenes were so anime like which was really fun! It was done so well and saw the cast did a lot of it themselves, so major props there! The characters were all really enjoyable to watch too.The music was peak. Between backpackers and hood, they just have the best soundtrack.
Loved seeing Cha Woo-min & Hwang Min-hyun in this as well!! Can't wait for season 2!
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Well Balanced Story
"Study Group tells the story of Yoon Ga-min, who is only talented in fighting, trying to study hard to achieve his goal of entering university by forming a study group in the notorious Yusung Technical High School."If you enjoy stories about...
◇Heart
◇Action
◇Comedy
◇Friendships
◇Coming of age
◇HEA for the main cast
◇Well balanced genres
◇Overcoming obstacles
◇Justice served by the end
I recommend looking into this 10 episode Korean Drama.
⚠️Possible Trigger Warnings ⚠️
○Bullying
○Harrasment
○Violence and gore
○Strong Language
○Alcohol, drug, and smoking
#kdrama #스터디그룹 #comingofage #teen drama #comedy #tving #studygroup #HwangMinhyun #HanJieun #ShinSuhyun #koreandramas
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