Pledis Entertainment / "Study Group" by Shin HyungWuk on Naver Webtoon
The prolific adaptation of webtoons into K-Dramas continues, with the latest addition to the lineup being "Study Group" by author Shin HyungWuk and artist Ryu SeungYeon. This high-rated and beloved youth action webtoon is getting a K-Drama adaptation starring Hwang MinHyun in the leading role alongside Han JiEun. The production will be helmed by TVING, and the drama will be directed by Lee JangHoon. It is slated for release in 2023.
Keep reading for a brief introduction to the original webtoon "Study Group"!
"Study Group" tells the story of Youn GaMin, an average student who wants to do well at school, but he can never improve his grades despite studying hard. His parents support him with a private tutor, Lee HanKyeong, but in spite of her efforts, he is unable to make progress, which lands him in Yusung Technical High School, a school for delinquents.
As his entrance exams approach, GaMin's only goal is to get into college through special admissions. As he is surrounded by "future criminals", he believes it will be easy to rank high since no one is interested in studying anyway. With the motto of "I make opportunities even in the most hellish of situations", inspired by Bruce Lee, Youn GaMin had his plan chalked out and his eye set on the prize. However, when a variable walks in, things start to fall out of place.
"Study Group" by Shin HyungWuk on Naver Webtoon
GaMin's former tutor, Lee HanKyeong, who encouraged him and dreamed of becoming an ideal teacher helping her students grow in the right direction, is appointed as his new homeroom teacher and almost immediately starts facing abuse from the students.
"Study Group" by Shin HyungWuk on Naver Webtoon
To protect her, GaMin realizes that he can't just sit back and blend in. Instead, he will have to stand up against the systemic school violence. Soon, we find out that instead of studying, he has an outstanding knack for fighting. Youn GaMin will be played by Hwang MinHyun, and Lee HanKyeong will be played by Han JiEun.
"Study Group" by Shin HyungWuk on Naver Webtoon
In exchange for helping Lee HanKyeong continue working at his school and earn her teacher certification, Youn GaMin asks her to help him study. Slowly, he starts to form a study group with like-minded students who also want to get into college. However, that becomes nearly impossible because no one wants to stand out in this school.
"Study Group" by Shin HyungWuk on Naver Webtoon
You see, from a very young age, GaMin has dreamt of being in a study group. However, no one would ever take him in because of his poor grades. So, to take matters into his own hands, he decided to make his own study group. However, when the potential members of this study group start to face bullying, GaMin realizes that he can't let them transfer out because that would mean losing his one chance at having a study group.
Naturally, he comes to their defense, but as Lee HanKyeong would rather he didn't use his fists at school, GaMin uses his strategic intelligence to fight the bullies...unless they really need a beating.
"Study Group" by Shin HyungWuk on Naver Webtoon
Youn GaMin is a thoroughly interesting character. He is bright-eyed but rational, is determined to achieve his academic goals but is also dedicated to his passion. He is honest about his self-serving intentions without putting up a noble front but is a hero at the end of the day.
Similarly, Lee HanKyeong is a braveheart with a sincere spirit. She is genuinely motivated towards her purpose, which is to be a meaningful teacher for her students, and sticks by it no matter what.
With themes of growing pains, friendship, education and power, "Study Group" is a thrilling read and it will be interesting to see the pages of the webtoon come to life on screen. Both Hwang MinHyun and Han JiEun are wonderfully suited to their characters in "Study Group", raising anticipation about the K-Drama adaptation even more. If you enjoyed "Weak Hero Class 1", "Study Group" is going to be right up your alley.
In addition, for those who might not know, "Study Group" is a part of YLAB's Blue String Universe. It is a shared manhwa universe which consists of other webtoons, namely "Friendly Competition", "Get Schooled", "Hanlim Gym", "King Game", "My Bad Boyfriend", "Student Peace Council", "The Age of the Barbarous", "The World is Money and Power" and "To Not Die". So, if you enjoyed any of these manhwas, you're definitely going to love "Study Group" too!
YLAB
You can read the webtoon in English and Korean.
Are you excited for Hwang MinHyun and Han JiEun in "Study Group"? Tell us in the comments section down below!
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