Study Group- Episode 1
Welcome to Yusung Technical High School
Hey, Study Group fans! The wait is finally over, and we finally get to dive into the action-packed world of Yusung Technical High School. Episode 1 kicks things off with an explosive mix of school drama, intense fights, and an underdog’s unwavering determination. Buckle up—this is not your typical high school drama!
We meet our protagonist, Yu Ga-min, a student who wants nothing more than to excel academically. Despite his best efforts, his grades always seem to fall short. Desperate for a change, he transfers to Yusung Technical High School, believing it to be the ultimate place for academic success. However, reality hits hard—this school is nothing short of a battlefield.
From the moment he arrives, Ga-min realizes that Yusung is ruled by chaos. Students barely wear their uniforms, smoke openly, and settle disputes through an underground ranking system based on brutal fights. The teachers have given up, and discipline is non-existent. But Ga-min refuses to be discouraged. He sets his sights on forming a study group, determined to beat the odds and make something of himself.
He approaches Kim Se-hyeon, one of the few students who doesn’t seem completely lost in the madness. Before Se-hyeon can even consider joining, he’s mercilessly beaten by one of the school's many bullies. The hierarchy at Yusung is dictated by strength, and stepping out of line can have brutal consequences. The new temporary teacher, Miss Han-gyeong, is introduced, but like the rest of the school staff, she struggles to command any respect from the students.
In a surprising twist, it’s revealed that Han-gyeong used to be Ga-min’s tutor. Their reunion is bittersweet—Ga-min worries she’ll quit due to the school’s overwhelming indiscipline, but she assures him she’s staying. Encouraged by this, Ga-min remains steadfast in his mission to improve his grades and find study partners.
Over the next few days, Ga-min persistently follows Se-hyeon, who eventually gives in and helps him with a few math problems. Se-hyeon, however, is baffled by Ga-min’s innocence—he doesn’t even know who truly runs the school. Enter Pi Han-ui, the son of a mafia boss and the mastermind behind the school’s ranking system. Fearing repercussions, Se-hyeon refuses to join the study group, knowing that associating with Ga-min could put a target on his back.
Meanwhile, Han-gyeong attempts to address the school’s rampant smoking problem but is ignored by the principal, who is more concerned with keeping up appearances for an upcoming inspector visit. Even the discipline chief is complicit in hiding the school’s issues rather than fixing them.
Things take a dramatic turn when Se-hyeon is beaten once again, this time for accidentally bumping into the class bully. Han-gyeong tries to intervene, but Ga-min stops her, deciding to handle things his own way. He dons a mask and uses a fire extinguisher to create a diversion, successfully rescuing Se-hyeon. However, Se-hyeon is less than grateful—Ga-min’s interference only means worse retaliation.
And retaliation comes fast. The bully hunts for the masked vigilante, forcing Ga-min to step in again. This time, he knocks the bully unconscious, shocking Se-hyeon, who starts questioning Ga-min’s hidden strength and motives. Meanwhile, Se-hyeon’s home life is revealed to be heartbreaking. His abusive father forces him to abandon his academic dreams, making his situation even more dire compared to Ga-min, who, despite his struggles, has a supportive mother.
As tensions rise at school, Han-gyeong sees firsthand how the administration covers up the school's issues. She hesitates to expose them, knowing she’s not in a position to make a real change yet. A new student, Geon Yeop, helps her hide evidence of smoking barrels, hinting that he may become an ally.
The episode ends with a fiery confrontation—literally. Se-hyeon, touched by Ga-min’s persistence, gifts him a detailed notebook filled with his notes. However, Hyeon-wu, one of the school’s top bullies, figures out Ga-min is the masked fighter and starts a brawl. In a cruel move, Hyeon-wu burns the notebook, nearly causing a fire. This pushes Ga-min over the edge, and he delivers a brutal beating to Hyeon-wu, demanding he apologize to Se-hyeon. Seeing Ga-min’s passion and determination, Se-hyeon finally agrees to join the study group. Victory!
DramaZen's Opinion
This premiere episode was everything we could have asked for—gritty, intense, and packed with character development. Ga-min’s journey from hopeful student to determined fighter is both compelling and heartbreaking. The school’s lawless environment adds a unique twist to the usual high school setting, making for an engaging and unpredictable story. The fight scenes were well-executed, and the emotional weight behind them made them even more impactful.
Se-hyeon’s tragic backstory added depth to his character, making his eventual decision to join the study group all the more meaningful. Meanwhile, Han-gyeong’s struggle to make a difference in a school that actively resists change sets up an intriguing side plot. And let’s not forget Pi Han-ui—the shadowy figure pulling the strings—whose presence looms ominously over everything.
Overall, Episode 1 set the stage for an intense and emotionally charged series. If this is just the beginning, we’re in for an unforgettable ride! What did you all think? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Rating: 9/10
