This review may contain spoilers
Casting + OST #1
First of all, the OST WAS NEVER SKIPPED 🙌 Even throughout the whole show. Hollo by Bang Ye-dam, Backpacker by ZB1?? Can't believe it. The casting too, they brought so many actors i LOVE! This was so not a flopped show 😫 I think 10 episodes was way to little, but assuming they're having a 2nd season, I think it'll be okay. The ending was slightly rushed, maybe 12 episodes would've been better, but I really enjoyed every single ep. THE COMEDY PART OF THIS SHOW 🥱💙To sum it up:
• Great Cast
• Great OSTs
• Great Plot
• Slightly empty ending
• 95% rewatch
♡♡♡
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A HEART STOPPING MASTERPIECE - an absolute blast full of heart
If I had a choice I would give this drama 100 , 1000 out of ten . It is tooo good and super cool . The BGM , OST was literally fire. It's all dynamic ,The cast is perfection ; each actor brought their character to life effortlessly . A non- stop action roller-coaster, big-bang energy and adrenaline-pumping drama at its best 💖.A must watch for any action lover . From the very first episode the action is intense -it's super cool and keeps you on the edge of your seat . Loved the friendship, passion , the heart-felt moments especially the bromance of the STUDY GROUP .The ML's innocence ,dedication is inspiring . And the super fire girl made me wanting to become like her . The innocent cutesy swear girl is cool too . And let's not forget about looks-while everyone was undeniably charismatic and slaying in the fire including the teacher , Min hyun definitely takes the crown for being the most eye-catching specially during the fights his eyes are just uff. The antagonist deserves a special mention too . The villain didn't just play the role , he embodied it. All in all this drama has everything you could ask for it's an all around package that mixes : excitement , laughs , heartfelt moments , loads of blasting action and an unforgettable cast. A total winner in my book 😭❤ Hoping for a season 2 soon ! Saranghae💕Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Study Group: Hopeful
This show was incredibly well done.***Maybe Spoilers Ahead I don't know***
Let's go by parts. First of all, the story was amazing. It was definitely a unique plot, and something that I don't think hasn't been done much in K-Drama Land, which I appreciate. It was also the perfect length: they didn't have too many random plots, and everything tied together well in the end.
Next, the acting. IT WAS AMAZING. Hwang Min-Hyun, I may have to watch every single drama you have been in. Ga-min was such a precious character. That may sound a bit odd, but I don't think there is really a better way to describe him. He was someone who really REALLY tried hard and did his best. He was so loyal and he was so loving to all of the characters. Especially to the ones who didn't really have much love in the first place. It was so nice to see. And of course, all the other characters were amazing.
THE ROMANCE. I definitley am reading too much into it, but I don't care. Sehyun's and Heewon's romance was so soft. They were just two people who seemed to really like each other, not for their tough sides, but for their gentle side. And that was something that I really appreciated. That little conversation while Sehyun was walking home that day will live rent-free in my head. And then on the total opposite end of the spectrum, we have Lee Jun and Jiwoo. I don't know about their romance. It was tough, but also sweet. They supported each other a lot. poor Ga-min was fifth wheeling the whole time.
And lastly, I want to give a shout out to the fighting scenes, because OH MY GOD. THE DIRECTING?? THE CINEMATOGRAPHY?? THE CHOREOGRAPHY?? THE MUSIC?? Everything about the fight scenes were so amazing. I also love how they made it a bit cartoonish in a sense? It was so so perfect, and so entertaining.
I would highly recommend this show: it's fun and interesting.
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"Not Your Typical School Drama—Study Group Delivers Intensity and Thrills!"
Study Group is a unique blend of action and school drama, centered around Yoon Ga-min (portrayed by Shin Seung-ho), a high school student who dreams of academic success despite being in a rough, delinquent-filled school. Unlike his violent classmates, Ga-min wants to study—but he’s also an incredibly skilled fighter. To survive and achieve his goal, he forms a study group while fending off dangerous confrontations.What Makes It Stand Out?
1. Action-Packed School Drama – Unlike typical school dramas focused on romance or friendships, Study Group delivers intense action sequences, making it feel like a mix of Weak Hero Class 1 and Vincenzo.
2. Hwang Min Hyun Performance – His role as Ga-min showcases his strong screen presence, balancing a determined student persona with his unexpected fighting abilities.
3. Realistic Struggles of Students – It highlights the harsh reality of education, school hierarchy, and survival in tough environments.
4. Suspense and Grit – With every episode, the tension rises as Ga-min and his study group face more dangerous enemies.
Pros & Cons
✔ Engaging fight scenes and choreography
✔ Strong character development
✔ A fresh take on school dramas
✘ Lack of romance (if you’re looking for it)
✘ May feel a bit dark for those who prefer lighter school dramas
Final Verdict
If you loved Weak Hero Class 1, The Uncanny Counter, or Extracurricular, Study Group is worth watching. It’s a thrilling drama that mixes school life with action and survival, making it different from your usual high school romance.
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THAT IT IS A MUST WATCH
I am not even going to cut a single point ...this is 100/10 for meLike this made me read a webtoon..and i hate reading buttttt while reading a webtoon i imagine all these scenes and its at different level ....Hwang Min Hyun is the only one i can imagine as Yoon Ga Min.... I am not good at words ..but this is most perfect adaptation of webtoon for me ..i don't know abt others
WHY THE HELL 500 WORDS ARE NOT ENDING
As i told i am not good With words but i will say every one out there if you love this Dont frgt to watch
weak Hero class 1
and high school return of gangster
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My new love
It was such a fun and interesting watch. I will definitely recommend it to my family and friends. It was also very motivating and inspiring. The friendship between the characters are also very heartwarming. The soundtrack for this drama was also top notch. The cast members were able excicute their characters flawlessly. Definitely one of the better webtoon based drama out there.Was this review helpful to you?
Like the manhwa, but on 2x speed. Still a fun time if you don't overthink it
I just finished watching it, and what a ride. First off, the intro? Absolute banger, I love it so much lol. The drama blends action, comedy, and drama really well, it keeps you hooked the whole time. The casting is spot-on, every actor brought their character to life in a way that feels natural. Acting? Top-tier. Friendship chemistry? Chef’s kiss. Plus, cinematography goes hard during fight scenes. Speaking of fights—THE FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY?! Easily my favorite part. The action scenes are brutal and well-executed, definitely lean more toward anime logic than real-life combat (which I don’t mind because it cracks me up every time). Characters take hits that should K.O. the opponent, but nope, they just get up like it’s nothing. If you like over-the-top fight scenes, you’ll love it. If you’re expecting realism... yeah, lower those expectations.That said, there are a few downsides. The pacing and editing feel kinda rushed at times, with certain cuts making the story feel eh. My biggest disappointment is the zero mention of the Chinatown arc, literally one of the best arcs in the manhwa, and they just erased it like it never existed. And on a personal note, Sunchul’s screen time was straight-up criminal. As my bias, he deserves so much more love, even in live action mah bro got done dirty. Justice for Sunchul!
So…..
If you haven’t read the manhwa, you’ll probably enjoy Study Group for what it is. A solid action-packed drama with fun character dynamics. But if you’re a manhwa reader, I’d suggest setting your expectations to 0 so you don’t rage-quit over the changes. Compared to most live-action adaptations (where the bar is in hell) this is actually pretty solid. Even if the pacing is a little wack, the friendships, the ridiculously fun fights, and the acting make it worth watching.
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Epic series and one of the best webtoon adaptations
I love it and I must say thanks to kdramas approach - they always wrap up the season nicely without major cliffhangers, so they can be seen as a complete piece, unlike HBO and others - where a season ends abruptly and in most cases without continuing, so I feel like I was robbed of my time.
The series is epic, beyond any expectations! Why it is 10 - no fillers, perfect pacing, music, spectacular acting - I can see big efforts and trainings behind the camera. I already watched some bts and those are insane. As someone who loves animes - this series is like the best live action adaptation of anime I could dream of - even though it is based on korean webtoon. And - I already rewatched first 6 episodes and will definitely rewatch the series again!
Season 2 - I will be waiting for that, even if it is 2027, at the same time S1 concluded quite succinctly, so there is no feeling of emptiness or dissatisfaction.
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Simply too good
This is a comic turned & done right into a kdrama adaption. It's so well written it keeps you hooked the entire show & it doesn't over do it. I highly recommend this to anyone. Hoping there will be a season 2 as there is so much potential for more & much that hasn't been explored. I barely rare any drama a 10/10 but this definitely deserves it.Was this review helpful to you?
“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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