The change brought by 'Study Group' Hwang Min-hyun and the study group has provided a cathartic experience beyond emotion.

The TVing original 'Study Group' (written by Um Seon-ho and Oh Bo-hyun, directed by Lee Jang-hoon and Yoo Beom-sang) released episodes 9 and 10 on the 20th amid enthusiastic responses. The poignant growth of Yoon Ga-min (played by Hwang Min-hyun) and the study group members Kim Se-hyun (played by Lee Jong-hyun), Ji Woo (played by Shin Soo-hyun), Choi Hee-won (played by Yoon Sang-jung), and Lee Joon (played by Gong Do-yu) in the face of a crisis created a lasting impact and garnered positive reviews.

'Study Group' validated its popularity by recording the highest number of paid subscribers on TVing for four consecutive weeks, firmly establishing its popularity until the end. Various social media and online communities buzzed with excited comments such as, “Hwang Min-hyun seems to have truly transformed into Yoon Ga-min,” “It was exhilarating to see Kim Se-hyun defeating Ma Min-hwan,” “The excitement peaked when Hee-won appeared as the final boss,” “I was moved by Ga-min's words that nothing remains unchanged,” “Friendship in 'Study Group' is genuinely heartwarming,” “Even the minor student roles matched the casting perfectly. I was thrilled when the 'Comeback Men' appeared,” “When the study group shows up to rescue teacher Han Kyung, the OST kicking in was totally chilling,” and “I need to see the study group go to college, but will there not be a season 2?”

In episodes 9 and 10, the study group faced a crisis of disbandment due to Pi Han-ul's (played by Cha Woo-min) schemes. What made them resilient against the wall of reality was the memories built through studying together. They decided to protect Lee Han-kyung (played by Han Ji-eun), who was in danger due to the Student Council issue led by Pi Han-ul. The day before the Student Council meeting, the study group stepped in to save Lee Han-kyung, who was trapped in a trap, and they led their victory by each performing in their respective roles against the Yeon Baek faction. In particular, the scene where Yoon Ga-min unleashed his uncle's forbidden technique No. 10 'Jin-beon' to defeat the final boss Pi Han-ul reached the pinnacle of catharsis. Adding to this, the 'Comeback Men' from Yu Seong Technical High School joined, concluding the fierce final round against the Yeon Baek faction.

With Pi Han-ul gone, Yu Seong Technical High School students began to voluntarily delete the ranking app and sought a new order. In the peaceful group room, the study group members cheered for each other's dreams and were also frustrated by news of final exams. Yoon Ga-min's narration, stating, "Our entrance exam story will continue," left a pleasant aftertaste.

'Study Group' delivered an emotion beyond satisfaction with thrilling action typical of a munchkin high school action drama combined with the 'sweet and salty' growth of the study group members. Yoon Ga-min led the change at Yu Seong Technical High School, where darkness dominated the hierarchy fight, by discovering the joy of studying together and meeting study group members who shared true friendships. Kim Se-hyun, Ji Woo, Choi Hee-won, and Lee Joon grew by overcoming numerous crises after joining the study group, breaking down their limits and the walls of reality. While not perfect, it was the power of the actors' passionate performances that made audiences root for their gradual progress.

In particular, Hwang Min-hyun, who newly established his 'life role' as Yoon Ga-min, Han Ji-eun, who solidly held the center of the narrative, and Cha Woo-min, whose gripping performance added intensity with sharp conflicts, enhanced the immersion. Additionally, director Lee Jang-hoon’s casting of emerging actors like Lee Jong-hyun, Shin Soo-hyun, Yoon Sang-jung, Gong Do-yu, and Joo Yeo-woo, who perfectly embodied their characters, shone until the end.

[Photo] Provided by TVing.