“Season 2, Please!”: Korean Drama Dominates Ratings, Fans Rally for More

Despite challenges such as the lead actor’s military enlistment—which prevented proper promotional activities like production press conferences—a Korean drama managed to secure the number one spot in paid subscription contributions for four consecutive weeks right after its release. It also generated heated responses from viewers who are eagerly demanding Season 2. That drama is TVING’s original series, Study Group.

Not only did Study Group excel in paid subscription numbers, but it also ranked highly in terms of buzz. According to analysis by Good Data Corporation’s Fundex, Study Group started at 8th place in the TV-OTT drama buzz rankings in the fourth week of January and consistently stayed within the top 10. Meanwhile, data from WatchaPedia showed it reached as high as 4th place, maintaining a top-10 presence throughout its run and showcasing strong popularity across various channels.

Global viewer reactions were equally enthusiastic. On the global OTT platform Rakuten Viki, the series earned an almost perfect score of 9.8. Within just one week of its release, Study Group ranked in the weekly top 5 in 143 countries—including major markets such as the United States, Brazil, France, and the United Kingdom—and even reached 2nd place in its third week.

Aside from lead actor Hwang Min-hyun, who was unable to promote the drama properly due to his immediate enlistment after filming, most of the cast consisted of rookie actors who hadn’t attracted much attention before the broadcast. Despite these hurdles, the drama achieved outstanding results and wrapped up on a high note, surprising many viewers. Hwang Min-hyun enlisted as a public service worker on March 21 last year and is scheduled for discharge on December 20.

Released on the 23rd of last month, Study Group is a high school action comedy that tells the story of protagonist Yoon Ga-min (played by Hwang Min-hyun). Although Yoon Ga-min dreams of excelling academically, his talent lies solely in fighting. He forms a study group as he plunges headlong into the brutal world of entrance exams at his notoriously rough school. Despite being set in a school environment, the drama includes numerous violent scenes and has therefore received a rating that prohibits teenage viewership. The main cast features Hwang Min-hyun, Han Ji-eun, Cha Woo-min, Lee Jong-hyun, and Shin Soo-hyun, and the series is based on the webtoon of the same name.

The original webtoon began serialization in January 2019. It gained popularity for its fresh blend of school life and action, and it is currently in its third season of serialization. The webtoon has amassed a loyal readership not only through its domestic release but also via international serialization in Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, China, and Japan, along with the publication of collected volumes.

Key Differences from the Original

As the webtoon was adapted into a drama, certain new elements were introduced that were not present in the original work. The most notable addition is the “ranking app,” a system where students who win fights climb higher in the rankings, earning special benefits based on their school’s hierarchy. Additionally, the adaptation modified some characters’ academic standings and personalities, offering fresh scenes that were absent from the webtoon and further engaging the audience.

In the final episode, a scheme orchestrated by Pi Han-ul (played by Cha Woo-min) nearly led to the disbandment of the Study Group. The group members rallied together to protect Lee Han-kyung (played by Han Ji-eun), who was in danger due to an incident led by a disciplinary committee influenced by Pi Han-ul.

When Lee Han-kyung fell into a trap just one day before the disciplinary committee’s meeting, the Study Group immediately mobilized. They confronted the so-called “Yeonbaek faction” while each member shone in their respective roles. Notably, Yoon Ga-min employed a special fighting technique to subdue Pi Han-ul, escalating the dramatic tension to its peak. The final showdown against the Yeonbaek faction was rounded off with the participation of the “Aja Aja Reformation Men” from Yuseong High School. After Pi Han-ul’s departure, the students at Yuseong High School voluntarily deleted the ranking app, seeking a new order. The Study Group members were then shown in their group room, cheering each other on as they returned to their normal student lives.

After watching the final episode, viewers are fervently hoping for Season 2. Their comments include remarks such as:

“It has become one of my favorite dramas. The acting, directing, story, action, and music are all perfect.”

“Study Group is so fun. Please, I hope Season 2 comes out.”

“I really hope there will be a Season 2 of Study Groupㅠㅠ.”

“It was so entertaining—I wish it would return soon.”

“Both the webtoon and the drama are insanely good.”

“Hwang Min-hyun, let’s reunite for Study Group.”

“It might be a bit cheesy in some ways, but that’s part of the drama’s charm.”

Han Ji-eun (also known for her role in When The Stars Gossip with Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin), who portrayed the temporary teacher for Class 4 of the first grade at Yuseong High School as well as the Study Group’s advisor, told the media in an interview marking the series’ conclusion: “When we filmed the drama and saw the rough edit midway, I thought it was fun and expected it to do well, but I never anticipated it would become this popular. It’s even better received than we thought. We even talk among ourselves about hoping for Season 2.”