Great unique story line
high-energy K-drama packed with thrilling action and intense fight scenes that are both stylish and gritty. The choreography is top-notch, delivering punch after punch of excitement that keeps you on edge. The story cleverly balances school life with raw street fights, creating a unique blend of drama and adrenaline. The main cast shines with solid performances, especially during emotionally charged moments. However, I did wish the villains were explored more deeply — their motivations felt underdeveloped at times. Still, it’s an electrifying ride that fans of action-packed dramas definitely shouldn't miss. A gripping and fun watch!Was this review helpful to you?
Webtoon come to life
I haven’t read the webtoon, but I can tell you that this drama really captures the essence of action comics — the fight sequences are full of wild moves and crazy camera angles, and the music is so energetic that I always felt myself buzzing with adrenaline afterwards.Even though the show tackles bullying and the educational system, it approaches it in a more satirical way. The antagonists were moustache-twirling type of villains, and I never really doubted that we would have a happy ending, unlike something like Weak Hero Class 1, which tackles similar topics but with a more serious, quiet, and depressing tone that I typically enjoy more, especially to give me the feeling of high stakes.
Despite that, I enjoyed this as a no-brain watch, and it helps that the cast really sells the friendship theme.
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Study Group – A promising start with room to grow
The story of this K-drama Study Group really surprised me. I was expecting something that, like many dramas of this genre, would be less emotional. But the friendships that developed throughout the story truly caught me off guard and made me really happy.All the emotions I felt while watching this drama are basically the same ones I feel when watching a comfort drama, so in that sense, I’m very satisfied. However, I still feel a bit disappointed by the emptiness of this drama.
I might sound silly saying this, but I’m rooting for the next season(s) to be better than this one. I think the choice of having 10 episodes for the first season is reasonable. It seems like this season mainly aimed to introduce the Study Group, so I really hope that the second season has more episodes and that the plot doesn't get completely changed—like many dramas tend to do in later seasons.
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The music is so good
Pretty much what you can expect from a school drama adapted from a webtoon. OP main character. Rag tag team of students who grow to trust one another. Teacher who doesn't give up on her students. Although I felt like the teacher's role was a little weak. But if you want to watch an unstoppable main character who rids the school of its oppressor, this is an easy to watch option.Was this review helpful to you?
AN UNTOLD STORY OF THE STUDY GANG
Study Group" is a webtoon adaptation of the same title. While I’m not typically a fan of bullying dramas, this one stood out because it featured the protagonist frequently getting the better of the antagonist.
Positives:
Great Casting: The actors did an exceptional job, and the chemistry among the characters was evident. The visuals were top tier, and I believe the OST was good too.
Intriguing Backstories: I loved how the backstories were initiated and told. Each story had its unique way of adding spice to each episode, and I was always looking forward to them.
Perfect Character Development: The character development was well-executed, making the drama more exciting to watch.
You'd think you'd had so much fun with one episode, but the next episode would leave you with a new type of excitement! However, I didn't like the fact that Hong Min Gi had little screen time.
Negatives:
HanUI's Character: Let's talk about HanUI,I doubt if he can be saved or if he even wants to be saved. His character was so chilled and cool too.
Final Fight Scene: I didn't like the last fight between GaMin and HanUI. It was too basic compared to the initial fights from previous episodes and had way too many cartoon effects, making it look unrealistic (even though I know it's a webtoon).
In conclusion, Study Group was an exceptional drama overall, with a great cast and a beautiful storyline.
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Highly recommended watch
One of the best KDramas this year. If you have the time, you might want to binge-watch this. However, and without giving any spoilers, the protagonist has fallen into super-power stuff in the last episode, which personally I don't think it matched the series and kinda ruined it all. How about some really sick but realistic moves? Was that too hard? Seems to me the ending was rushed to get the job done without any further considerations, that's all. Other than this, everything else is just fine. Highly recommended.Was this review helpful to you?
The story centers on Yoon Ga-min, a quiet, hardworking student at a school known more for fights than academics. Despite his surroundings, he dreams of getting into a top university — a goal that feels nearly impossible. But when violence and corruption threaten his friends, Ga-min learns that sometimes studying isn’t enough; you have to fight for the right to dream.
Hwang Min-hyun delivers an outstanding performance, portraying Ga-min’s resilience with quiet strength and sincerity. His journey from timid to fearless feels organic and deeply satisfying. The supporting cast adds color and realism — each character, from fellow students to teachers, represents a piece of what it means to grow up in a broken system.
The fight scenes are impeccably choreographed — intense yet grounded, balancing adrenaline with emotion. But what truly elevates “Study Group” is its heart. It doesn’t glorify violence; it exposes it, showing how hope and perseverance can be the ultimate form of rebellion.
The cinematography is dynamic, the pacing sharp, and the soundtrack perfectly amplifies the drama’s tension and triumph.
In the end, “Study Group” is about more than exams or fights — it’s about believing in yourself when no one else does. A raw, powerful, and deeply human story that proves determination can be its own kind of strength.
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10/10 story with 1000000/10 cast!!
This was smtg refreshing!! I wont call the story entirely new but it was like an escape from all the regular highschool romance!! The friendship of the little study group peaked!!!! I know a lot of reviews contain info about the story and the ost but can we take a moment to talk about the villain?????????????? Pi han ul rocked me to the core!!! He was sooooo awesomee and facecard never denies!!!!!!!!! Everytime he was on the screen i did ntg but scream!!!!!! He's sooooo handsome and his role is sooooo cool!!Was this review helpful to you?
Action Manhwa comes to life
The story about a boy that really wants to study, but all his skills are physical, in fighting. A great show that gives us his journey through finding friends and his worth outside of studying as well as fighting for better future for everyone.The series is well-written and well-acted (great casting), the highlight are the fight scene made in a true "manhwa comes to life" style that makes them seem supernatural. The soundtrack of this drama is also so well-fitting and complements the overall vibe of the series. Highly recommended.
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A most see if you like action and heart
I binged watched it in a day because I couldn't stop watching. Loved the action scenes, the characters and the cute story about this boy who was so bad in studying but great at something that could change so many things. The message was clear and you could be influenced easily.Bullying and hard times in school have always been existing and always will. But this story make you believe that anything is possible, even for a kid who easily could give up but didn't. Hopes and dreams is manifested in the story line in a intelligent way. I liked it a lot and would definitely watch a second season if they make one.
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The fight scenes are top-tier, and the pacing keeps you hooked. It’s rare to find a drama that’s this fun and exciting at the same time. A must-watch for anyone who loves action-packed high school dramas with a lot of laughs!
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This review may contain spoilers
Intro to resisting systemic corruption
Every strike Yun Ga Min lays against a variety of bullies is a cathartic release of power that we all wish we had to defend ourselves. The beat down scenes are very well set up in each situation. It's so funny how he accidentally became a martial arts savant on his path to do everything to boost his chances on finally getting good grades. The only muscle that is the most resistant to strengthening in the poor guy's body is his brain alas. He may not be smart, but he his heart and tenacity is inspiring to the people that he cultivates a supportive circle that inspires them to stand up to the corrupt school and bully system they are trapped in that also goes beyond it. It's also important to note that Yun Ga Min comes from a middle class background in comparison to his economically disadvantaged schoolmates. Their financial insecure status is a key point that is taken advantaged of by the rich kid Pi Han Ul who is a rotten apple fallen from the rotten violent rich businessman gangster tree.I like that teacher Lee acknowledges that violence is a legitimate self defense reaction to when the student is facing violent behavior and detective Na acknowledge the limitation to how much he's able to help them. Ms Lee has zero fighting skills and knew from the start her mentor was stabbed to death and she still went to this school and took a stabbing to protect her student from a murder charge and faced down many attempted murders. She went into her personal mission with eyes open to the danger. It does seem she healed from the stab wound really fast. It's also good that the Study Group doesn't just have Ga Min as the only protector, Ji U and to a lesser degree but better than Se Hyeon and Hui Won, though Se Hyeon is a pretty quick study, able to to swiftly follow both Ga Min and Ga Min's mom's direction to fight bullies. Se Hyeon might be an all rounder in brains and brawns with more training. Hui Won has potential as well, knocking down a bully american football tackle style. If there is a season two, it would be nice to see the group train up in all stats, both grades and fighting. Sun Cheol just wanting to study and his grandfather learning something new until he died are both very moving stories.
It's eye rolling that of Ga Min's mom, the director of the Tae Kwon Do association would be knocked out with a severe injury despite so many other characters getting worse hits and just shrugging it off. This was ultimately unnecessary as it didn't change Ga Min's character trajectory in anyway and she recovered just fine anyways. The drama leaves some dangling threads like Ga Min's master that his mom banned him from meeting anymore and possibly more to do with Han Ul's father and of course the kids who are only first and second years getting into college. I hope Sun Cheol who is already a senior gets into college as well. I hope this show gets another season to finish out the story.
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