The high-octane K-drama Study Group took the world by storm in early 2025, blending pulse-pounding action, laugh-out-loud comedy, and heartfelt tales of academic ambition in one of Korea’s most notorious high schools. Starring breakout star Hwang Min-hyun as the unlikely scholar-fighter Yoon Ga-min, the series quickly became a global hit, topping charts on TVING and ranking in the top 5 on Viki in over 140 countries. Fans are already clamoring for more, and good news: Season 2 is officially confirmed. But with production just kicking off and lead actor Hwang Min-hyun wrapping up his military service, questions abound. Will Ga-min’s study squad conquer the college entrance exams? What’s next for the chaotic halls of Yusung Technical High School?
In this comprehensive update, we dive into Study Group Season 2 release date speculation, expected cast returns, potential plot twists.
A Quick Recap: What Made Season 1 a Must-Watch Hit?
Before we speculate on the future, let’s rewind. Study Group, adapted from Shin Hyung-wook’s wildly popular Naver Webtoon illustrated by Ryu Seung-yeon, follows Yoon Ga-min, a first-year student at Yusung Technical High School – a place so rough it’s nicknamed the “school for future criminals.” Ga-min’s got fists of steel and a dream bigger than his grades: getting into university. Rejected by every existing study group, he forms his own ragtag crew of misfits, all while dodging bullies, gang ties, and the cutthroat world of Korean college prep.
Under the guidance of his former tutor-turned-temporary-teacher Lee Han-gyeong, played by Han Ji-eun, Ga-min’s group battles academic woes and physical threats from the likes of the menacing Pi Han-wool, heir to the Yeonbaek Gang and portrayed by Cha Woo-min. The 10-episode run delivered epic fight scenes, hilarious study sessions, and emotional growth that resonated worldwide, earning nominations like Best OTT Original at the 2025 International Streaming Festival Global OTT Awards.
The finale wrapped with Han-wool’s expulsion and arrest, the group’s vindication, and a tantalizing cliffhanger: Han-gyeong’s resignation and Ga-min’s voiceover declaring, “Our journey towards college continues.” With the students still in 10th grade, the setup for more chaos and camaraderie is perfect.
Study Group Season 2 Release Date: When Can We Expect It?
Study Group premiered on TVING on January 23, 2025, with episodes dropping weekly until February 20. No official release date for Season 2 has been announced yet, but here’s the latest scoop.
Production company Studio Dragon first teased Season 2 in their Q1 2025 earnings report on May 8, listing it as a key project. A rep confirmed to outlets like Star News on May 12 that it’s in the early stages of planning. TVING and YLAB doubled down on August 13, officially greenlighting production and hinting at “One-Source Multi-Use” expansions like merchandise tie-ins.
Given Hwang Min-hyun’s military discharge on December 20, 2025, filming could start in early 2026. K-dramas like this often take 6-9 months from script to screen, pointing to a late 2026 or early 2027 premiere on TVING.
Cast Breakdown: Who’s Returning for Study Group Season 2?
The original ensemble was pitch-perfect, and most are expected to reprise their roles, though nothing’s locked in yet. Hwang Min-hyun returns as Yoon Ga-min, the brawny brainiac leading the charge in his post-discharge comeback project. Han Ji-eun is highly likely to return as Lee Han-gyeong, the no-nonsense tutor whose resignation cliffhanger screams sequel setup.
The core study group members are all anticipated to come back: Lee Jong-hyun as the cool-headed strategist Kim Se-hyun, Shin Su-hyun as the fiery, loyal fighter Lee Ji-woo, Yoon Sang-jeong as the group’s muscle and heart Choi Hee-won, and Gong Do-yu as the tech-savvy underdog Lee Jun. Cha Woo-min could return as the villainous Pi Han-wool, whose arrest leaves room for revenge arcs, especially after earning a Baeksang nomination for his breakout performance.
Supporting players like Ju Yeon-u and Hong Min-ki, who portray key allies with ties to the gang drama, are expected to feature prominently. New faces could join to adapt webtoon arcs skipped in Season 1, like the “Chinatown” saga or rival school showdowns. Hwang’s return is the biggest win – fans are already buzzing about his “career-defining” turn.
Study Group Season 2 Potential Plot Details
Keepers of the source material, beware – mild spoilers ahead from the webtoon. Season 1 covered roughly the webtoon’s first season, leaving tons of runway. Official plot details are under wraps, but hints from the finale and creators point to escalation.
The study group pushes deeper into exam prep, facing fiercer rivals and internal drama. Ga-min’s voiceover teases the “college journey continues,” with the squad still two years from graduation. Expect more brutal brawls, cram sessions gone wrong, and growth as they tackle the ruthless world of college entrance exams.
Key teasers from the Season 1 ending include Han-gyeong’s shock resignation – will she return, or introduce a new mentor? Pi Han-wool’s arrest and cryptic line, “Try changing the school,” hint at transfers or external threats. Geon-yeop’s internship text from the Yeonbaek Group could pull the group into bigger conspiracies.
Webtoon-inspired speculation suggests Season 2 dives into arena matches, rival high schools like Hwil High, and the “Chinatown” arc skipped in the drama for pacing. New characters like Si-wan might debut, testing loyalties. Romance remains light per the webtoon’s touch, but subtle tensions could brew. The interquel idea might flashback to Han-wool’s backstory or side stories from YLAB’s shared universe.
