Study Group Kdrama Season 1 Review (2025)

•  Native Title: 스터디그룹
• Also Known As: Seuteodigeulub , 스터디 그룹
• Screenwriter: Oh Bo Hyun
• Director: Lee Jang Hoon
• Genres: Action, Thriller, Comedy, Youth

Cast of Study Group

Hwang Min Hyun as Yun Ga Min

Han Ji Eun as Lee Han Gyeong

Cha Woo Min as Pi Han Ul

Lee Jong Hyun as Kim Se Hyeon

Shin Su Hyun as Lee Ji U

Yoon Sang Jung as Choi Hui Won

Gong Do Yu as Lee Jun

Synopsis of Study Group

Adapted from the webtoon “Study Group” written by Shin Hyung Wook and illustrated by Ryu Seung Yeon. Its a story that revolves around Yoon Ga-min is a high school student with big dreams of getting into a good university. But there’s one problem—he goes to a school full of troublemakers, where studying is the last thing on anyone’s mind. No matter how hard he tries, his grades just don’t improve.

Determined to change his future, Ga-min starts a Study Group with a few classmates who also want a better life. But in a school ruled by bullies and violence, studying isn’t easy. When he’s pushed too far, Ga-min discovers he has a hidden talent—he can fight. Now, he’s stuck between two worlds: trying to focus on his studies while fighting to protect himself and his friends.

Review of Kdrama Study Group

I went into Study Group not knowing exactly what to expect, but wow—this drama completely blew me away. It’s got everything I love: intense action, hilarious comedy, and an underdog story that had me hooked from start to finish.

The main character, Yoon Ga-min, is such a fascinating guy. He’s incredibly hardworking and determined to succeed academically, yet somehow, he keeps failing at school. What’s even crazier is that despite his struggles with studying, he’s insanely good at fighting. I found it so entertaining how everyone underestimates him because he looks like a nerd, only for him to completely wreck his opponents. Watching him turn the tables on bullies was incredibly satisfying.

But Study Group isn’t just about fighting. Ga-min and his friends are fighting for something bigger—they want to change their lives and the corrupt system around them. What starts as just a group of struggling students trying to pass their exams turns into a movement that inspires their schoolmates, their teacher, and even some of their enemies.

The fight scenes are hands down some of the best I’ve seen in a drama. They’re intense, creative, and sometimes even funny. I was seriously on the edge of my seat during every fight. And the villains? I have to admit; they stole the show. They’re so well-written and charismatic that I found myself enjoying their scenes just as much as the heroes’. Some of them even made me question if I should be rooting for them!

And let’s talk about the bromance—it’s bromantic! Ga-min and his friends don’t just support each other in fights; they grow together, trust each other, and become like family. Their friendship is one of my favorite parts of the drama because it feels so real and meaningful.

What really hit me was the deeper message behind the story. It’s easy to take education for granted, but Study Group highlights how some students have to fight—both literally and figuratively—just to get a chance at a better future. It really made me appreciate how hard it can be for students in difficult situations.

I also loved how the drama shows that while violence isn’t the answer, sometimes standing up for what’s right takes real strength. Ga-min never fights just to show off—he fights to protect his friends, to defend the weak, and to challenge a broken system. His determination, despite constantly failing, was incredibly inspiring to me.

This drama has everything—action, humor, emotional depth, and an amazing cast. The acting is top-notch, the fight scenes are mind-blowing, and the rap-based OSTs fit the vibe perfectly. I genuinely laughed, gasped, and even got emotional at times. And with that cliffhanger ending, I need Season 2 ASAP!

If you love action-packed dramas with a powerful message, Study Group is 100% worth watching. I highly recommend it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommendation

If you like this drama you would also love dramas like Weak Hero Class and Pyramid Game.