On the lookout for something different from your usual high school dramas? Study Group is shaking up the K-drama scene with its thrilling action and intriguing teen characters. Starring Alchemy of Souls actor and former Wanna One and NU’EST member Hwang Min Hyun alongside Han Ji Eun and other rising stars, this K-drama is one to watch. Here’s everything you need to know about its cast, plot, episode schedule, and where to watch it in Singapore.
Meet your swoon-worthy Study Group leader. (Photo from: @optimushwang)
Study Group: trailer, cast, plot, and more
Study Group revolves around Yun Ga Min (Hwang Min Hyun), a high school student who dreams of excelling academically, but always ends up at the bottom of the ranks. He moves to Yusung Technical High School, hoping to start with a clean slate. However, it’s a place notorious for being the worst environment for studying. He learns that he has to literally fight as he recruits students for his study group and as he later keeps his members safe.
Throughout the series, he remains dedicated to his goal of going to college. But when his study group friends become targets of bullies, he sheds his glasses and uses his fighting skills to stand up for them.
Meanwhile, Lee Han Gyeong (Han Ji Eun), Yun Ga Min’s former tutor, returns to Yusung Technical High School as a temporary teacher. She harbours a secret while striving to transform the school for the better.
The other characters who bring fresh energy to the show include Pi Han Ul (Cha Woo Min), Kim Se Hyun (Lee Jong Hyun — not to be confused with CNBLUE’s former member), Lee Ji U (Shin Su Hyun), Choi Hui Won (Yoon Sang Jung), and Lee Jun (Gong Do Yu).
Is it worth a spot on your watchlist? Without giving too much away, here are three quick reasons why you should tune into the show.
Study Group first impressions review
1. This may be Hwang Min Hyun’s best role yet
You’ll see Hwang Min Hyun punch, kick, and fly in this series as if he’s straight out of a webtoon. You might have already seen him in fierce sword fights in Alchemy of Souls, but what makes his character different in this series is that he’s infused with impeccable comedic timing. We’re also loving his portrayal of a kid with a good and loyal heart. The moments which show his determination not to give up on someone make us root for his character.
2. The show is able to balance its various genres
As of writing, only six episodes have been released, but so far, the show is able to harmoniously blend its dark, dystopian-like world with lighthearted moments without making it jarring for the viewer. This contrast is also reflected in the characters of the series — while the bullies and abusive adults abound, Yun Ga Min encounters allies and people who support him on his journey.
3. The OST is on fire
ZEROBASEONE’s Seok Matthew and Park Gunwook understood the assignment when they got the opportunity to lend their vocals for the intro of the series. BACK PACKER is unskippable and matches the thrilling, youthful energy of the show.
Study Group: episode schedule and where to watch in Singapore
Stream Episodes 1 to 6 of the 10-episode series on Viu. Two new episodes will be out every Thursday.
Below, we answer some of your most frequently asked questions about Study Group.
Is Study Group based on a webtoon?
Yes! It’s adapted from the original webtoon by Shin Hyung Wook and illustrated by Ryu Seung Yeon. You can read it here.
Does Hwang Min Hyun do his own stunts?
Hwang Min Hyun reportedly spent over eight months training in action school, mastering complex stunts, including nunchucks, wire action, kicks, and more. Although most of the action scenes are comedically exaggerated on the show, you can find a behind-the-scenes video of him doing his own stunts here.
Which actor resembles Hwang Min Hyun?
Fans say that he resembles Cha Eun Woo, however, they are not related.
(Cover photos from: @optimushwang, @viusg)
On the lookout for more action-packed titles for 2025? Check out our roundup here.
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