Study Group (스터디그룹) Gains International Popularity
The original series 'Study Group' (스터디그룹), produced by Studio Dragon, is receiving an enthusiastic response overseas. This comedy-action high school drama, available on domestic streaming service 티빙 and various global platforms like Rakuten Viki and Viu, follows the story of Yoon Ga-min (윤가민), played by Hwang Min-hyun (황민현), who, despite his talent for fighting, aspires to excel academically. As he navigates the challenges of a notoriously difficult school, he forms a study group to tackle the fierce competition of entrance exams.
According to Rakuten Viki, in its third week of airing, 'Study Group' ranked in the top two in 74 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, France, and the UAE, and made it to the top five in 147 countries. Additionally, it topped the weekly charts in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia during the first week of February, as reported by Viu. The show's global success has led to its acquisition by Japan's OTT platform ABEMA, where it will premiere on February 21.
A representative from Rakuten Viki stated, 'Study Group' brings a fresh and intriguing change to the K-drama trend, captivating global fans with its unique approach.'
International media attention has also been drawn to the series. Forbes published an article on February 8 titled 'An Ordinary Hero on the Surface, Standing Up to Bullying in K-Drama Study Group,' praising it as a well-written show that appeals to a wide range of viewers.
Viewer reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with 'Study Group' achieving an impressive rating of 9.8 on Rakuten Viki, nearing a perfect score. It also holds an 8.5 rating on IMDb and an 8.9 on MyDramaList, reflecting its strong reception among global audiences.