When it was announced that the webtoon “Study Group” would be adapted into a drama, the biggest concern was how to realistically portray its cartoon-like action scenes. The original comic featured over-the-top scenarios, such as breaking walls with a single punch and delivering fiery kicks to knock out opponents.
However, when the production team took on the project, initial concerns transformed into excitement. “Study Group” captivated viewers with even more cartoonish action than the original webtoon, successfully translating its unique visual style to the screen.
Set in a high school, “Study Group” focuses on Yoon Ga Min (played by Hwang Min Hyun), who aspires to excel academically but is more skilled in fighting. Enrolled in a notorious school dominated by bullies, he forms a study group and, alongside his friends, engages in intense battles while desperately trying to study and prepare for college.
Action director Jo Dong Hyuk emphasized that incorporating ‘real action’ wouldn’t deliver the same enjoyment, stating, “We made sure to weave in a lot of fantasy elements to maintain the webtoon’s whimsical action style.” He highlighted that notable scenes, like Yoon Ga Min’s ‘fire kick’ in episode 1, were recreated to mirror the webtoon’s artistry. The team also made it a point to capture various action cuts, including iconic techniques like ‘Uncle’s Forbidden Technique’ and ‘Ho Kwon.’
In addition to faithfully recreating scenes from the webtoon, the production team also infused new and comedic action sequences. For instance, a script merely indicated that Yoon Ga Min dodges an attack and knocks out an opponent with a mathematics book. The team expanded this scene into a humorous moment, showcasing Yoon Ga Min’s character more effectively.
Director Jo further elaborated on adapting certain action scenes to make them more engaging. In one instance, they transformed a simple dodge into a complex action sequence involving lockers, thanks to brainstorming sessions with the stunt team. He assured that every scene received their utmost effort, although some proved to be particularly challenging to film.
Jo recalled the difficulties of shooting the construction site fight between the Yeonbaek gang’s scout and the protagonists, noting that they had to reshoot the scene multiple times due to performance inconsistencies. He also shared the strenuous experience of filming the rooftop body drop scene with Lee Ji Woo (Shin Su Hyun) and Kim Gyu Jin (Jin Woo Jin). Filming from the rooftop of a five-story building introduced significant risks, as the crane wobbled during crucial scenes.
He praised the actors’ commitment, highlighting that Hwang Min Hyun trained rigorously for about seven months, balancing workouts, rehearsals, and filming. Despite his efforts, Jo humorously noted that Hwang’s idol background contributed to some gracefulness in his movements, which needed to be adjusted for the role.
Jo, an experienced action choreographer with credits across various dramas and films, remarked, “I’ve worked on many projects, but no action drama has been as much fun to shoot as ‘Study Group.’” He reflected on Yoon Ga Min’s character growth, illustrating how his transformation from a non-violent individual to a heroic figure produced thrilling action sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
“Study Group” is now available for streaming on Viki, offering fans a unique blend of action and comedy.