“Study Group” Representatives Share Insights And Keys To Its International Success

Feb 11, 2025

Webtoon-based drama “Study Group” is capturing global fans with a unique formula!

Produced by the leading entertainment company CJ ENM’s premium storyteller group Studio Dragon, “Study Group” follows the story of Youn Ga Min (Hwang Minhyun), a boy who aspires to study well but was only born with a talent for fighting. Landing at an infamous school, Ga Min forms a “study group” to get into college, showing his (real) bloody effort that no one ever anticipated.

“Study Group” is streaming in Korea on the No. 1 K-content streaming platform TVING and internationally via the global OTT platform Rakuten Viki, garnering meaningful results by leading the number of weekly paid subscribers on TVING and being ranked in the top five in 143 regions on Rakuten Viki.

Although the rom-com genre has been heavily considered as the “success formula” of K-dramas internationally, especially with popular tropes like “enemies to lovers” and “contract relationship,” “Study Group” has achieved success with a very different formula. Based on its strong, pre-validated storyline and solid fandom, sourced from the original webtoon, the show has been praised for its well-reflected narrative development and character presentations.

Lee Hye Young, the chief producer of Studio Dragon, mentioned, “Studio Dragon worked closely throughout the entire production process—from planning and filming to post-production—to enhance the quality of the work. We believe that discovering great original stories and producing high-quality content are the key responsibilities of our producer group. ‘Study Group,’ which has been receiving great attention, is a testament to the hard work of our producers. We will continue striving to create compelling and engaging projects in the future.”

As a response to all the producers’ efforts, dynamic action scenes provoking catharsis among viewers have also been referred to as one of the major factors for the popularity of “Study Group.” Unlike rom-com series that fulfill the romantic fantasies of audiences, the energetic scenes in “Study Group” suggest stress-relieving moments, specifically under the theme of “poetic justice” that everyone craves.

Regarding the success of “Study Group,” Hong Jae Hee, Senior Vice President of Rakuten Viki’s Content Business, said, “’Study Group’ has brought a fresh and exciting twist to the K-drama trend, captivating global fans with its unique approach. Along with the best-selling romantic comedy series on Rakuten Viki, the key genre that K-Dramas are known for, Study Group has sparked positive feedback from viewers, showcasing its wide appeal. ‘Funniest underdog action show you’ll ever watch’ highlights the show’s impressive reception.”

TVING’s Chief Content Officer Min Sun Hong mentioned that “TVING, known as a ‘hotspot for school-themed dramas,’ is creating a new trend with ‘Study Group,’ based on fresh material and a solid storyline. Moving forward, TVING plans to continue striving to grow as a platform that represents K-content by discovering fresh new talent.”

Seo Jang Ho, the Executive Vice President of CJ ENM’s Content Business Division, additionally stated, “As a global IP powerhouse, CJ ENM’s fundamental agenda is to ‘define and introduce’ fresh yet captivating K-content trends. Since staying in our comfort zone will not only limit the improvement of K-content but also obstruct various viewing experiences of global fans, we will strive to produce and deliver K-content that everyone can fully enjoy, laugh, and sympathize with.”