“Fans of the webtoon will definitely find it enjoyable to see scenes like ‘Did they really capture this scene?’ and ‘I can’t believe I’m seeing this scene on screen.’”
Tving's original series ‘Study Group’ (written by Eom Seon-ho, directed by Lee Jang-hoon) tells the intense story of ‘Yoon Ga-min’, a boy who wants to study well but has only talent for fighting, as he forms a ‘study group’ at the worst school, Yuseong Technical High School. It is based on the popular ongoing Naver webtoon of the same name ‘Study Group’ (written by Shin Hyung-wook, illustrated by Yoo Seung-yeon, produced by Wylab). The series consists of 10 episodes, with the first two episodes set to be released on the 23rd at noon.
Director Lee Jang-hoon met with reporters on the 22nd, the day before the release, and said, “After finishing the movie ‘Miracle’, most of the projects I was offered were series. Having worked on similar projects, I wanted to do an action piece, and I also had a personal desire to incorporate hip-hop music into the opening and ending.” He continued, “When I was offered to direct ‘Study Group’ and read the webtoon, I found the story to be simple without unnecessary elements, the characters were attractive, and I could properly showcase the action. I really liked it and thought I had to do it.”
‘Study Group’ is based on the popular ongoing Naver webtoon of the same name. Various webtoon adaptations have been made into video formats, often raising concerns among original fans. The director stated, “I directed it with the mindset of preserving the charm of the webtoon as much as possible.”
The director explained, “I tried not to make too many changes. I thought it was right to keep the original charm intact. I aimed to capture the thrill I felt while reading the original webtoon as much as possible.”
‘Study Group’ is a munchkin action school drama, depicting scenes where the protagonist confronts violence with violence. This has raised concerns about the glorification of violence and bullying.
In response, the director said, “I had to be cautious from the script stage. I thought we should avoid glorifying bullying and violence as much as possible. Initially, using violence to study might seem like glorifying violence, but later I wanted to convey the message that the school can change without resorting to violence.” He added, “I also aimed to emphasize that it’s a fantasy setting and a comic, so it doesn’t feel too realistic or relatable, but rather fantastical.”
Hwang Min-hyun has been cast as the hidden powerhouse Yoon Ga-min. Yoon Ga-min appears to be a model student with a neat and innocent impression, but he reveals his hidden physical strength and extraordinary abilities whenever his study group friends are in trouble, fighting to ‘study’.
Regarding Hwang Min-hyun's casting, the director said, “I received a recommendation from the production company and saw his photo, and he looked so much like Yoon Ga-min that I asked to meet him. When I actually met him, his gaze was incredible. He was a ‘clear-eyed maniac’. His eyes were full of craziness. He had a piercing gaze that reminded me of Yoon Ga-min. He was also very pure as a person, and I found him charming.” He added, “He has a good sense of acting and great understanding, which gave me confidence. He is an actor with great potential for growth. Meeting Hwang Min-hyun was a stroke of luck for me, and I think it’s also a stroke of luck for him to be part of ‘Study Group’. I believe Yoon Ga-min will become a life-changing character for Hwang Min-hyun.”
Alongside Hwang Min-hyun, the cast includes Han Ji-eun (as Lee Han-gyeong), Cha Woo-min (as Pi Han-ul), Lee Jong-hyun (as Kim Se-hyun), Shin Soo-hyun (as Lee Ji-woo), Yoon Sang-jung (as Choi Hee-won), and Gong Do-yu (as Lee Joon), all of whom are unique rookie actors joining ‘Study Group’.
The director mentioned, “Most of the actors, except for Han Ji-eun, auditioned. We discovered gems through open auditions. It wasn’t easy to cast almost all roles through auditions, but it was an experience I really wanted to try, and it was a fun process.” He added, “When the original fans see the work, they will say the ‘sync rate is good’. The characters created by actors with a clean slate will look attractive. After filming, I had dinner with the actors and said, ‘I want to hear that the casting of ‘Study Group’ was amazing in 10 years.’ I hope it confirms that my judgment was not wrong and that it receives attention from people.”
Finally, the director expressed, “I hope viewers of ‘Study Group’ can watch it without any preconceived notions, letting their minds down a bit. If you open your heart to Yoon Ga-min, you might find that an episode has already ended without you realizing it.” He added, “I hope watching ‘Study Group’ provides a moment of healing where you can forget reality for a while. It would be great if it gives you courage in life and makes you feel good. If possible, I would appreciate it if you could spread the word that it’s fun.”
[Shin Young-eun, Star Today Reporter]
