Study Group is one of the standout K-dramas of 2025, merging the intensity of martial arts with the determination of academic underdogs. Adapted from the popular Naver webtoon by Shin Hyung-wook, this 10-episode drama aired on TVING from January 23 to February 20, 2025. With its unique blend of comedy, action, and heartfelt moments, the show quickly caught the attention of both local and global audiences.
The story follows Yoon Ga-min (Hwang Min-hyun), a student with strong martial arts skills but weak academic performance. Transferring to the notorious Yusung Technical High, he decides to form a study group to pursue his dream of entering university. Along the way, he finds support in his former tutor, now teacher, Lee Han-gyeong (Han Ji-eun). Together, they fight against bullies, stereotypes, and personal doubts, creating a narrative that resonates deeply with fans of both action and coming-of-age stories.
Behind The Scene of Study Group
Behind the cameras, Study Group was shaped by a strong creative team, including directors Lee Jang-hoon and Yoo Beom-sang, and writers Um Seon-ho and Oh Bo-hyun. Produced by Studio Dragon and Ylab Plex, the drama was designed to stand apart from typical high school shows by offering a layered narrative that combines raw fight sequences with sincere academic struggles. The production team worked to ensure the series stayed faithful to the webtoon while elevating it visually.
The filming process captured a striking contrast between the gritty exteriors of Yusung Technical High and the intimate moments within the study group. Action sequences were choreographed with precision to emphasize Ga-min’s struggles, while classroom scenes softened the narrative, reflecting themes of growth and friendship. This balance between high-energy fights and heartfelt connections was a key factor in the drama’s success.
Fun Facts About Study Group
One unique feature of Study Group is how it seamlessly mixes genres. While many high school dramas focus only on romance or bullying, this series merges academic ambition with physical endurance. Fans praised the show for offering a refreshing narrative where brains and brawn coexist, breaking away from formulaic storytelling. Ratings reflected this positive reception, and critics noted its boldness in redefining the youth drama genre.
The drama also gained praise for staying faithful to its webtoon origins. From the sarcastic humor to the underdog energy, much of the source material was preserved while upgrading the visual storytelling. This faithfulness appealed to webtoon readers, while new viewers enjoyed the innovative take on school drama. As a result, Study Group became one of the few adaptations celebrated for both action choreography and emotional depth.
Interviews With Study Group Cast
Lead actor Hwang Min-hyun shared in interviews how challenging yet rewarding it was to portray Yoon Ga-min. He trained extensively for fight sequences while also working on expressing the character’s vulnerabilities. His ability to shift between an intimidating fighter and a struggling student added depth to his performance, making Ga-min a standout character in 2025’s drama lineup.
Han Ji-eun, who played Lee Han-gyeong, discussed how she approached the role of a teacher who refuses to give up on her students. Her performance highlighted both strength and compassion, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Interviews with the supporting cast also revealed their pride in being part of a project that emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and the fight for academic dreams.
Soundtrack And Music of Study Group
Music played a pivotal role in shaping Study Group’s atmosphere, helping to energize its action scenes and add emotional weight to its quieter moments. The OST featured a mix of rising stars and established names, each bringing their own flavor to the drama’s narrative. The tracks range from adrenaline-pumping anthems to softer, reflective songs that mirror the characters’ struggles.
Fans quickly embraced the OST, with many songs trending on streaming platforms. Notable tracks like “Back Packer” and “Hollo” captured the underdog spirit of the drama, while “Hood” and “Rushing Bull” fueled its intense fight scenes. Together, the soundtrack became a companion piece that enhanced the viewing experience.
| Track Title | Artist | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| Back Packer | Suk Matthew & Park Gun Wook (ZEROBASEONE) | Gritty, motivating, anthem-like |
| Hollo | Bang Ye Dam | Reflective, emotional, heartfelt |
| Hood | Haon | Intense, edgy, self-assertive |
| Let’s Do This | n.SSign (Hanjun, Robin & Eddie) | Bold, rhythmic, unifying |
| Rushing Bull | Yoo Hee Hyun & Park Se Joon | Driven, fierce, energizing |
Fan Theories And Discussions
Fans of Study Group quickly took to social media to share theories about the drama’s direction. Some speculated about Ga-min’s deeper motivations, linking them to his family background and martial arts roots. Others debated whether the study group would succeed academically or whether their bond itself was the ultimate victory. These discussions highlight the show’s ability to spark engagement beyond the screen.
On Twitter, hashtags like #StudyGroup2025 and #StudyGroupKdrama trended as fans dissected fight choreography and debated the symbolic meaning behind academic perseverance. Many also praised the drama for shedding light on real-world issues like bullying and education inequality. This mix of action spectacle and thought-provoking themes cemented its place as one of the most talked-about dramas of the year.
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Conclusion
Study Group proved to be more than just another school Korean drama. By combining raw action with themes of perseverance, academic ambition, and camaraderie, it carved a unique space in the 2025 K-drama lineup. The drama’s ability to balance thrilling fight scenes with heartfelt moments made it appealing to a wide audience, from fans of action-packed stories to those who love underdog narratives.
With critical praise, strong ratings, and buzz for a potential second season, Study Group solidified itself as both a successful adaptation and a cultural talking point. Its legacy lies in showing that even in the harshest of environments, teamwork, resilience, and a dream can create powerful storytelling.