If You Thought Ju Ji-hoon’s The Trauma Code Was the Global No. 1, Think Again

Studio Dragon’s latest hit, Study Group, is making waves internationally, with viewers hailing it as a fresh and exhilarating take on K-dramas.

The TVING original series follows Yoon Ga-min (Hwang Min-hyun), a student who dreams of excelling academically but has a natural talent for fighting. Set in one of the worst-ranked schools, he forms a "study group" with his classmates, launching an action-packed, school survival battle filled with humor and grit.

Currently streaming on TVING in Korea and major global platforms like Rakuten Viki and Viu, Study Group has quickly climbed the international charts. According to Rakuten Viki, as of its third week, the series has secured a Top 2 ranking in 74 countries, including the United States, the UK, Brazil, Mexico, France, and the UAE, while also landing in the Top 5 across 147 countries. Additionally, in Viu’s February Week 1 (Feb. 3-9) rankings, Study Group claimed the #1 spot in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. With this global demand, the series has also been acquired by Japanese OTT platform ABEMA, where it will be available starting February 21.

A Rakuten Viki representative commented, "Study Group is introducing a fresh and exciting shift in K-drama trends. Its unique approach has captured the attention of global fans."

Critical Acclaim and High Viewer Ratings

International media outlets have also taken notice. Forbes recently published an article titled “An Ordinary Hero Fights Back Against Bullies in K-Drama Study Group”, praising it as "a well-crafted series enjoyable across age groups."

The drama has also been met with overwhelmingly positive audience reviews, achieving:

9.8/10 on Rakuten Viki (near-perfect score)

8.5/10 on IMDb

8.9/10 on MyDramaList

Final Episodes and Rising Suspense

With only two episodes left, the drama is racing toward its climactic showdown. In the latest developments:

Yoon Ga-min and his team successfully rescued Kim Soon-chul (Joo Yeon-woo) from danger.

The "study group" students showed remarkable academic improvement, leading to an upcoming disciplinary committee meeting led by Pi Han-ul (Cha Woo-min).

Tensions at Yuseong High are at an all-time high, setting the stage for the final confrontation between Ga-min and Han-ul.

Yoon Ga-min’s dominance in combat has sparked massive viewer reactions, with TVING reporting that Study Group has held the #1 spot for new subscriber sign-ups for three consecutive weeks.

Behind-the-Scenes & Character Spotlight

The production team has released exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, revealing the intense action sequences and the camaraderie among cast members.

Hwang Min-hyun has been praised for his duality—perfectly embodying both a bookish, kind-hearted student and a hidden martial arts powerhouse. His character’s transformation into a fighter for justice has provided some of the most cathartic moments in the drama. Having trained in nunchaku, high kicks, and wire stunts for over eight months, Hwang’s meticulous execution of high-speed action sequences has impressed audiences and critics alike.

Supporting characters have also left a lasting impact:

Han Ji-eun, playing substitute teacher Lee Han-kyung, delivers a powerful performance as she fights against the school’s corrupt system.

Cha Woo-min, as the menacing Pi Han-ul, exudes an intense presence, reinforcing his status as Yuseong High’s untouchable ruler.

Joo Yeon-woo, Hong Min-ki, and Baek Seo-hoo play key figures in Yuseong High’s ruthless hierarchy, adding layers of tension to the unfolding battle.

The Study Group members have also stolen the spotlight:

Lee Jong-hyun (Kim Se-hyun) portrays a student breaking out of his once-hopeless reality.

Shin Soo-hyun (Lee Ji-woo) delivers a mix of grit and charisma, frequently rescuing the group from peril.

Yoon Sang-jung (Choi Hee-won) and Gong Do-yu (Lee Joon) bring humor and heart to the series, balancing its intense action with their unique personalities.

The Study Group production team teased a high-stakes climax, stating:

"Episodes 9 and 10 will showcase an unavoidable final battle between Yoon Ga-min and Pi Han-ul. As Han-ul and the Yeonbaek gang intensify their attacks, viewers should stay tuned to see what ultimate move Ga-min will unleash."

The final two episodes of Study Group will be released on February 20, with fans eagerly anticipating how this high school survival saga will end.