A fighter at a notorious school tries to trade his knuckles for university books
In short: Yoon Ga-min is a student at Yusung Technical High School with a singular, unlikely ambition: to get into university. Despite his exceptional combat skills, he struggles academically. To reach his goal, he forms a study group, navigating the violent reality of his school while chasing a future beyond the streets.
The South Korean series Study Group, which debuted on the streaming platform TVING on January 23, 2025, adapts the popular webtoon created by Shin Hyung-wook. The narrative centers on Yoon Ga-min, a student who possesses a natural talent for fighting but harbors a deep, earnest desire to excel in his studies. His journey is set against the backdrop of Yusung Technical High School, an institution known for its rough environment and academic challenges.
The production is a collaborative effort involving Studio Dragon as the planner and Ylab Plex as the producer. The creative direction is led by Lee Jang-hoon and Yoo Beom-sang, with the script developed by Eom Seon-ho and Oh Bo-hyun. The show’s structure during its initial release involved a weekly rollout, with two episodes dropping every Thursday over a five-week period. The cast features Hwang Min-hyun in the lead role, supported by actors including Han Ji-eun, Cha Woo-min, and Lee Jong-hyun.
Following its successful reception, the series was renewed for a second season. Early planning for this continuation was confirmed by Studio Dragon in May 2025, with an official announcement of the renewal arriving in August 2025. By early 2026, it was confirmed that key cast members, including Hwang Min-hyun, would return for the next chapter. As of July 2026, production for the second season was actively underway, with new additions to the ensemble cast, such as Yoon Hyun-suk, joining the project.
The series explores the tension between Ga-min's violent environment and his academic aspirations. While he is surrounded by gang dynamics and school conflicts, the formation of the study group serves as his primary vehicle for change. This premise highlights the contrast between his physical prowess, honed by his uncle, and his persistent, albeit difficult, pursuit of a university education.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Study Group (TV series)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-study-group-tv-series.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in UK & Irish culture · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics