[Press Release] K-Drama's Success Formula: Rom-com? Not Anymore!

(Courtesy of CJ ENM)

CJ ENM's "Study Group" sets an unprecedented K-Drama paradigm

Advertisement

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, leading entertainment company CJ ENM's brand-new drama series "Study Group" is enticing global fans' attention with its unforeseen narrative twists, diverse action scenes, and chemistry between the actors.

Produced by CJ ENM's premium storyteller group, Studio Dragon, "Study Group" follows the story of "Yoon Ga-min", a boy who aspires to study well but was only born with a talent for fighting. Landing at the shockingly infamous school, Ga-min forms a "study group" to get into college, showing his (real) bloody effort that no one ever anticipated.

Premiered in South Korea through the No. 1 K-Content streaming platform, TVING, and internationally via the global OTT platform, Rakuten Viki, the show has been garnering meaningful results by leading the number of weekly paid subscribers on TVING for two consecutive weeks and being ranked TOP 5 in 143 regions on Rakuten Viki's weekly chart.

(Courtesy of CJ ENM)

Until now, the rom-com genre has been heavily considered as the "success formula" of K-Drama within the entertainment industry. Especially to cater to the global fandom's expectations, concepts such as "enemies to lovers", "contract relationship/marriage", and "time travel" have been utilized as ultimate mechanisms to enhance the fantasy-like romance chemistry between the cast.

"Study Group" has delivered something different, nonetheless. 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, hindering the potential imbalance between the webtoon and the drama.

Lee Hye-young, the chief producer of Studio Dragon responsible for producing "Study Group", 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, the dynamic portrayal of action scenes provoking catharsis has also been referred to as one of the major factors for the popularity of "Study Group" among global fans. Unlike rom-com series that fulfill the audiences' romantic fantasy, "Study Group"'s energetic scenes suggest stress-relieving moments, specifically under the theme of "poetic justice" that everyone craves.

Regarding "Study Group"'s achievement, Jaehee Hong, the SVP 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".

Lastly, Jangho Seo, the EVP of CJ ENM's Content Business Division, 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".

___________

"Study Group" is directed by Lee Jang-hoon-I, Yoon Bum-sang, written by Oh Bo-hyeon, Uhm Sun-ho, and features Hwang Minhyun, Han Ji-eun, Cha Woo-min, Lee Jong-hyun-I, Shin Soo-hyun, Yun Sang-jeong. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2025/01/23~Now airing, Thu 12:00 PM on TVING.