There’s no such thing as a school for superheroes, but if there were, it definitely wouldn’t be Yusung Technical High School. This infamous school is the last place any teenager wants to be enrolled in, but that is not the case for Youn Ga Min (Hwang Minhyun), whose only desire is to improve his grades in order to attend college. However, he finds so much more about life, justice, and himself on his way to becoming a better student. Here is everything we loved and hated about this new K-drama!
Warning: spoilers from episodes 1-2 ahead!
LOVED: The nice and naive main lead
Youn Ga Min looks like a picture-perfect model student—handsome, good-natured, and smart—but that’s far from reality. Despite his efforts to improve his ability to study, he always faces the same result: being the last in his class. Since this jeopardizes his opportunity to enter university, he enrolls in a technical high school in hopes of having better chances, but it is a huge mistake. This is essentially the type of K-drama where the main lead is a dark horse who will try to defeat the ultimate villain.
In this show, Hwang Minhyun displays his charisma and charming looks. He perfectly portrays Ga Min’s genuine and sweet yet naive nature. His character has a simple mindset, focused mainly on his desire to make his mother proud. However, that doesn’t mean he can’t see past his own situation or be empathetic towards others. Also, despite being physically gifted, he doesn’t take advantage of it at any moment. Though it is clear he isn’t a hero in his mind, he definitely has the perfect spirit to be one.
LOVED: The perfect balance between comedy, action, and drama
Based on a webtoon, it could be pretty easy for any show to be either too overboard or go astray from the original story. But right now, this K-drama is managing to perfectly mix every element of humor, suspense, and action. These first two episodes are fairly fast-paced but are still intriguing in regards to the upcoming plot. Every side character has a moment to shine and highlight both the main plot and their subplot.
The story might seem pretty simple since it is about a young man who wants to create a study group, but the plot thickens rather quickly. Several mysteries have to be resolved—for example, the reasons behind Lee Han Kyeong (Han Ji Eun) missing her chance to properly take her place as a teacher. There is also Kim Se Hyun’s (Lee Jong Hyun) family situation and how it affects his studies. Furthermore, there is the intriguing presence of Park Geon Yeop (Hong Min Ki). All of these mix just right to give us an interesting yet fresh show.
LOVED: The steady build-up of friendship between the characters
Friendship is clearly one of the main elements in this K-drama. With Ga Min’s simple mentality, it is not a surprise that once he finds a person who can be part of his study group, he doesn’t let go of them easily. But his plan doesn’t go as he expects. Due to his own circumstances, Se Hyun isn’t really interested in studying, let alone being part of a group that defies the status quo of the most wrecked school and could potentially threaten his life.
However, Ga Min’s persistence and sincerity at every moment ultimately win Se Hyun’s trust. Ga Min, who had been cluelessly spending his days at school, steps forward to protect his friend, even if that means giving up on his peaceful life. Admittedly, their journey is barely beginning and they have a lot to pass through before seeing their dreams come true. For example, they need to find the rest of the members of their group before the time is up, which most likely will happen in the upcoming episodes.
HATED: The depiction of school violence
Every story needs a villain, and though it was expected to see them very early on, this type of villain is rather hateful to watch. School violence isn’t something to be taken lightly, and though it is a work of fiction, it is still shocking. The fact that Pi Han Ul (Cha Woo Min) can manipulate, intimidate, and threaten the lives of not only the other students but also of the teachers goes beyond what a high schooler should be allowed to do.
This is the type of villain who has no other motivation other than causing pain and hurting people around him. To prove his power and how untouchable he is, he is determined to go as far as to crush Ga Min’s study group. However, Ga Min won’t stop on his intent to continue studying, even if that means turning into a superhero himself. This story is already giving us so much to unpack, so we better get ready for what’s next for Ga Min in “Study Group”!
Start watching “Study Group”:
Hey Soompiers! Have you watched the first episodes of “Study Group”? What did you think? Let us know all about it in the comments below!
Andy zar is an avid drama watcher, from K-dramas to C-dramas, she believes any weekend is a good weekend to enjoy 12 hours of binge-watching dramas. She loves romance, web comics, and K-pop. She is a declared “Subeom” and “Hyeppyending.” Her favorite groups are EXO, TWICE, and BOL4.
Currently watching: “Study Group” and “Love Scout”
Plans to watch: “My Dearest Nemesis”
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