'Study Group' gains momentum as K-teen drama expands its reach

The Tving original series “Study Group” is quietly gaining traction, drawing attention for its gripping narrative that overshadows concerns about realism. While the story revolves around students taking revenge against school violence through fantasy action, it focuses on delivering an engaging experience rather than dwelling on its weighty theme. Aside from lead actor Hwang Min-hyun, most of the cast consists of newcomers, enhancing immersion in the story and characters.

Released on Jan. 23, “Study Group” is based on the popular webtoon of the same name. The comic high school action series follows Yoon Ga-min (Hwang Min-hyun), a student who wants to excel academically but has an innate talent for fighting. As a high schooler, he plunges into the fierce world of competitive exams and forms a study group with fellow students, each battling their own struggles.

By incorporating dynamic action sequences, the series amplifies the genre’s appeal. With word-of-mouth praise from viewers, “Study Group” continues to perform well. The number of paid subscribers and unique viewers on Tving doubled compared to its first week, maintaining the platform’s top spot in new paid subscriptions for three consecutive weeks.

The series is also making waves across Asia. According to Viu, the largest regional OTT platform, “Study Group” ranked No. 1 in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. It also secured No. 3 in Hong Kong, No. 5 in Singapore and No. 8 in the Philippines, showcasing the growing global influence of K-school dramas. Hwang Min-hyun, who proved his international popularity with the 2023 drama “My Lovely Liar,” has added another standout title to his acting portfolio.

The key to its success lies in its fresh and comedic twist on traditional high school dramas. While the plot's logic and persuasiveness may have gaps, its genre-driven humor makes up for it. Even the exaggerated or unrealistic elements add a cartoonish charm, making the series all the more entertaining. Director Lee Jang-hoon maximized the show’s pacing, explaining, “I planned in advance where to emphasize and where to ease up, deciding when to accelerate and when to pause. Every element — from camera movements and editing to actors' performances — was structured with a calculated rhythm to maintain a fast-paced flow.”

Hwang Min-hyun’s notable growth as an actor also stands out. Having gained recognition through “Live On” and “Alchemy of Souls,” he soars — both figuratively and literally — in “Study Group.” According to his agency, Pledis Entertainment, Hwang dedicated himself to action training whenever possible, mastering wire stunts and nunchaku combat. One of the most memorable scenes in episode one, where he kicks a burning backpack mid-air, was reportedly perfected through rigorous practice.

Following “Pyramid Game” and “High School Return of a Gangster,” “Study Group” is cementing itself as the latest hit in the evolving K-school drama landscape. While previous series often focused on school violence, revenge or romance, the genre is expanding its spectrum and strengthening its competitiveness.

If Wavve’s “Weak Hero Class 1” paved the way, U+ TV’s “Friendly Rivalry” is following a similar trajectory alongside “Study Group.” As Tving’s original “The Scandal of Chunhwa” struggles with low ratings, the platform is likely hoping the rising popularity of “Study Group” will continue for as long as possible.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.