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Study Group korean drama review
Completed
Study Group
2 people found this review helpful
by Zogitt
Feb 20, 2025
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

This drama pulls no punches

What a gem of a show! It is totally non-PC and full of triggers. I would stay away from this show if you are sensitive to just about anything to do with bullying, swearing or unbridled antisocial behaviours. We haven’t even mentioned blood soaked fighting and torture scenes. You have been warned!

Yes, this show is all about winning arguments with your fists. While the members of the study group are good kids, they are bullied and pushed around mercilessly by the school toughs. Of course, this means they have to push back at some point. This is when the fun begins.

To make this more palatable, most of the main characters are quite engaging. Yes, some are tropey like the studious boy who can't fight or the gifted fighter who can't study. It is the classic ying-yang team building which allows team members to complement each other.

They are an easy bunch to cheer on and you'll need to. The show is a challenging watch as you push through difficult scenes one after another. Life is not meant to be easy is an understatement here. There is so much ugliness. It would be so simple to take the easy way out and some did. To be honest, it is a school from hell.

In the face of all these adversities, the series still managed to inject a decent amount of humour and heart. We have to thank the ML for a good portion of it via his earnest deadpan delivery. It is a class act for a young actor. It is a pleasure to watch our study group grow closer and mature together.

While the show is totally in your face, I am fully engaged and happily hang on with white knuckles for the wild rides. Even a normal day can descend into utter chaos for our protagonist. It is a blast to watch the staged fights. They are gory but a little cartoon-y which lessen its impact. Some scenes are actually quite funny. It reminds me of the quirky Hong Kong style Kung Fu movies of yesteryears. Secret mantras and forbidden techniques rulez!!

The OST is loud, pumping and catchy. The production value is par for the course and suitably low rent when you consider the school is more like a slum than a centre of learning. Rewatch is subjective as this style of show is most impactful on first viewing. Your mileage will differ.

It is troubling that organised crime is endemic in this universe. Corruption is accepted as norm. Gangs control large corporations and play merry hell with people's lives. While our protagonist are changing their small corner of the world, the bigger picture remains largely unchallenged. Could there be a hint of a sequel? Bring it!l
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