1
4
From Exams to Epic Fights: Study Group is the School Drama We Didn't Know We Needed!
If you’re looking for a drama that keeps you entertained from start to finish, Study Group is the one. It’s got everything—comedy, crazy fight scenes, heartwarming friendships, and just the right amount of chaos. The show takes the usual high school setting and flips it on its head, giving us an adrenaline-packed story about a student who doesn’t just study hard but fights just as hard to survive in a gangster-ridden school.The way this drama manages to incorporate the webtoon is insane. The fight scenes all feel directly out of a comic book or an anime, giving everything a fun and interesting feel. Also whenever Ga-Min used his uncle's forbidden fighting techniques, it felt too surreal and amazing (yes I barely have words to describe this😅😭)
>Plot & Concept
Yoon Ga-min (played by Hwang Minhyun) might look like your typical nerd, but he’s anything but ordinary. He believes in the philosophy that a strong body means a strong mind, so while other students hit the books, he’s also hitting the gym—and his opponents. Studying in the infamous Ancheon High, where fists matter more than grades, Ga-min trains to protect himself and his friends while still aiming for academic success. This unique combination of school life and martial arts makes Study Group stand out. It’s not just about exams; it’s about survival, teamwork, and outsmarting enemies in the most thrilling ways.
>Perfectly Paced (But Too Short!)
One of the best things about this drama is its pacing. Unlike the usual 16-episode, hour-long format that sometimes drags, Study Group keeps things tight with 10 episodes at 45 minutes each. It never feels slow or stretched out, and every episode has a purpose. That said, it ended way too soon! Just when I was fully invested in these characters and their crazy schemes, the drama wrapped up, leaving me wanting way more.
>Characters That Absolutely Slayed
The cast of Study Group is honestly one of its biggest strengths. Every single character brings something unique to the table, and the actors nailed their roles.
-Yoon Ga-min (Hwang Minhyun) – Our main guy is a total paradox: book-smart yet street-tough. His dedication to both studying and fighting makes him such an interesting lead, and Hwang Minhyun plays him with the perfect mix of determination and vulnerability.
-Pi Hanul (Cha Woomin) – Let’s talk about Pi Hanul because wow. He had that cold, psychotic energy that made every scene he was in instantly better. His intense gaze, his confidence, and the way he carried himself? Absolute perfection. I need to see Cha Woomin in more villainous or unhinged roles ASAP!
-Lee Hyunwoo (Park Yoonho) – Now, here’s where I have a complaint: Hyunwoo deserved way more screen time! He was such a cool character, but we barely got to see him shine. Definitely one of my favorites, and I really wish the drama had given him more to do.
-Choi Heewon (Yoon Sang Jung) – The cutest member of the study group, hands down. She brought a fun, lighthearted energy to the series and made everything feel more real.
-Ga-min & Se-hyeon’s Friendship (Lee Jonghyun) – Their bond was honestly so wholesome. They had each other’s backs in such a genuine way, and their dynamic made the drama even better.
>The Amazing OST
First of the OST by zb1 was so good?! Like the minute it came on I was hyped up and was ready to enjoy the drama. It was just so good!
>Final Thoughts
Study Group is one of those dramas that hooks you in and doesn’t let go. It’s got just the right balance of action, humor, and emotional moments, and it introduces a bunch of talented actors who deserve way more recognition. The only real downside? It ended too soon. If they ever announce a second season (which they totally should), I’ll be first in line to watch it.
If you want a school drama that’s not just about romance and exams but also has insane fight scenes, epic friendships, and a fresh take on survival in high school, Study Group is an absolute must-watch!
Was this review helpful to you?
Park Shin Hye Ate, Kim Jae Young Stole My Heart—Judge from Hell Was That Good!
Judge from Hell is an electrifying blend of thriller, romance, comedy, and fantasy, delivering a gripping storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. From start to finish, this drama offers an exhilarating ride, with no dull moments or unnecessary filler scenes. The well-paced narrative, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances make it a must-watch.Park Shin Hye takes on a bold and refreshing role, showcasing an entirely new side of her acting abilities. She absolutely ate this role, embodying her character with unwavering confidence and precision. Every scene where she delivered justice and took her revenge felt incredibly satisfying to watch. Her expressions, body language, and overall presence made her portrayal both captivating and powerful. Despite this being a different kind of role for her, she fit right in, proving her versatility once again.
Kim Jae Young, playing the male lead, was an absolute scene-stealer. His character was charming and emotionally compelling, especially during the heartbreaking scene at his mother’s funeral, which left a deep impact. His performance was both raw and touching, making him an actor to look out for in future dramas. I would love to see him take on more roles in this genre.
The undeniable chemistry between Park Shin Hye and Kim Jae Young elevated the drama to another level. Their interactions felt natural and added emotional depth to the storyline, making their relationship a key highlight of the show. Additionally, the supporting cast provided the perfect balance of comic relief and intrigue, making the drama even more enjoyable. They truly served, adding charm and personality to every scene.
The plot was meticulously crafted, keeping me fully engaged throughout. While there were a few minor loopholes that left me wondering, they didn’t take away from the overall experience. One of the best aspects of this drama is that it didn't stretch unnecessarily. Many K-dramas tend to extend to 16 episodes, sometimes adding filler scenes, but Judge from Hell smartly wrapped up its story in 14 episodes, maintaining a tight and impactful narrative.
Visually, the drama was stunning, with carefully crafted shots that enhanced the intensity of each scene. The OST was another standout feature, with Sunmi’s 'Crossroad' being an absolute masterpiece. It has been on loop ever since I finished the drama, and I have no regrets! The soundtrack perfectly complemented the tone of the drama, adding an emotional layer to the storytelling.
If you haven't watched Judge from Hell yet, you are truly missing out. This drama delivers everything—from thrilling action and satisfying revenge arcs to heartfelt romance and comedic moments. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and I would definitely watch it all over again. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an exciting, well-balanced drama that keeps you hooked until the very end!
Obviously all of this is entirely my opinion and you don't have to agree with it...I believe that you should definitely watch the drama yourself and come up with your own opinions and perspectives instead of avoiding a drama based entirely on reviews which were not that positive..Hope everyone reading this has a great day!!
ヾ(^▽^*)))
Was this review helpful to you?
wtf?!
I really looked forward to watching this and my expectations were naturally sky high since Hybe is a huge company. In the beginning(the first 2 episodes) I actually liked it because all the girls seemed so sweet and I was so obsessed with the theme song sung by Bae Suzy. Then it just got really boring really quickly. It was so obvious that the judges had already picked their lineup and began supporting only those trainees which they had a preference towards. I'm not saying any of this because my favs weren't picked but it was just so obvious that the girls were being unfairly treated. I feel so bad for the girls who worked so hard for this but couldn't achieve their dreams because Hybe didnt think they fit in their beauty criteria. A group should be created with balance of each type of performing talent but it just felt like al of the girls were chosen based on their visuals. And the fact that they were chosen based on their 'potential' and not actual talent is just absurd. The talented trainees were just constantly being degraded by the judges even when their performances were near perfect. This is absolutely no hate to the girls. All of them are amazing and yea I do believe that they can grow and bloom into something beautiful and this is not a question whether they deserved it or not. The girls just were not ready. The real disappointment isn't the girls but the actions taken by the company itself. I will continue to give my support to ILLIT as well as the trainees who could not debut and I hope that they chase their dreams and achieve them too.All of this was entirely my opinion and it doesn't have to be similar to what you think about this. My opinion is mine and yours is yours which I completely respect. This doesn't have to change what anyone thinks but its just something that I thought needs to be put out there. You guys should definitely watch it and come up with your own views and perspectives about this.
o(*°▽°*)o
Was this review helpful to you?
