The changes brought by Hwang Min-hyun and the 'Study Group' have provided an emotional experience beyond mere catharsis.
Tving's original series 'Study Group' (directed by Lee Jang-hoon and Yoo Beom-sang, written by Eom Seon-ho and Oh Bo-hyun, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Y Lab Plex, provided by Tving) released episodes 9 and 10 on the 20th to enthusiastic responses. The heartfelt growth of Yoon Ga-min (played by Hwang Min-hyun) and the Study Group members Kim Se-hyun (Lee Jong-hyun), Lee Ji-woo (Shin Soo-hyun), Choi Hee-won (Yoon Sang-jung), and Lee Joon (Gong Do-yu), who became stronger amidst crises, and the winds of change they brought to Yuseong High School left a lasting impression and garnered praise.
'Study Group' proved its popularity by ranking first in Tving's paid subscriber count for four consecutive weeks, making its popularity felt until the end. Various social media and online communities have been flooded with enthusiastic reactions such as, "Hwang Min-hyun seems to have truly updated his life character as Yoon Ga-min," "It was so thrilling to see Kim Se-hyun defeat Ma Min-hwan," "The excitement when Hee-won appeared like a final boss was explosive," "I was moved by Ga-min's words that nothing remains unchanged," "The friendship in 'Study Group' is really heartwarming," "Even the brief appearances of students were perfectly cast. I was glad to see the 'Aja Aja Rebirth Men' come out," "When the Study Group appeared to save Teacher Han Kyung, the OST playing gave me chills," "I need to see the Study Group go to college, but is there no season 2?" and more.
In episodes 9 and 10, the Study Group faced a disbandment crisis due to the schemes of Pi Han-ul (Cha Woo-min). What solidified them again, after hitting the wall of reality, were the memories they built while studying together. They decided to protect Lee Han-kyung (Han Ji-eun), who was in danger due to the student council incident. The Study Group stepped in to save Lee Han-kyung, who was trapped in a trap the day before the student council meeting, and led the victory by performing well in their respective roles against the Yeonbaek faction. In particular, the scene where Yoon Ga-min unlocked the forbidden technique No. 10 'Jinbeon' to defeat the final boss Pi Han-ul brought the catharsis to its peak. Additionally, the 'Aja Aja Rebirth Men' from Yuseong High School joined in, concluding the fierce final round against the Yeonbaek faction.
With Pi Han-ul gone, Yuseong High School students voluntarily deleted the ranking app and sought a new order. In the peaceful group room, the Study Group members supported each other's dreams and were also frustrated by news of the final exams. Yoon Ga-min's narration, "Our entrance exam story continues," left a pleasant aftertaste.
'Study Group' delivered an emotional experience beyond mere excitement, combining thrilling action typical of a munchkin high school action drama with the 'sweet and salty' growth of the Study Group members. Yoon Ga-min led the change at Yuseong High School, where the darkness of ranking battles prevailed, by discovering the joy of studying together and sharing true friendship with the Study Group members. Kim Se-hyun, Lee Ji-woo, Choi Hee-won, and Lee Joon joined the Study Group and grew by overcoming numerous crises, breaking through their limits and the walls of reality. The power that made viewers root for their imperfect but gradually progressing growth was the passionate performances of the actors. In particular, Hwang Min-hyun, who created a new 'life character' as Yoon Ga-min, Han Ji-eun, who solidly held the center of the drama, and Cha Woo-min, whose compelling performance added tension, enhanced the immersion. Additionally, the performances of newcomers like Lee Jong-hyun, Shin Soo-hyun, Yoon Sang-jung, Gong Do-yu, and Joo Yeon-woo, who perfectly blended into their characters, shone until the end under the direction of Lee Jang-hoon.
Tving's original 'Study Group' is available to watch in full on Tving.
