Fans of the hit Korean drama can celebrate. Hwang Min-hyun will officially return as the lead in Study Group Season 2. The production company, YLAB, confirmed the news on January 27, 2026, announcing that filming for the new season is scheduled to begin soon. This marks Hwang Min-hyun’s first acting project since completing his mandatory military service last December.
Official Confirmation and Production Details
The production team behind the TVING original series made the announcement official. They confirmed that Hwang Min-hyun has been set to reprise his lead role as Yoon Ga-min. The actor filmed the first season but enlisted in the military shortly after, which meant he could not participate in any promotional activities at the time.
The team expressed strong confidence in his return, stating:
โHwang Min-hyun already has a perfect understanding of the character. You can look forward to new sides of Ga-min that we didnโt get to see in Season 1 โ such as the reason he wanted so badly to be good at studying and the dilemmas he faces โ as well as action sequences that are even more spectacular.โ
Hwang Min-hyun’s Comeback After Military Service
Hwang Min-hyun was discharged from his military service as a social service agent in December 2025. He completed his mandatory duty after enlisting in March 2024. In his first live stream after returning, he thanked fans for waiting and hinted at upcoming projects.
The actor, who debuted as a member of NU’EST and later gained fame in Wanna One, has chosen Study Group Season 2 as his official comeback project. This decision highlights the show’s significance to his career and his connection to the character of Yoon Ga-min.
What to Expect in Study Group Season 2: Plot Teasers
The new season promises to raise the stakes significantly. The story will follow Yoon Ga-min and the now even more tightly bonded study group members. They will face a massive evil force that threatens not only their own Yuseong Technical High School but also students across the entire nation.
This plot moves the action beyond the school’s walls, aiming to deliver what producers describe as “cathartic” and “exhilarating” action scenes. The season will also delve deeper into Ga-min’s personal motivations and the hidden pasts of the group members.
Season 1 Success and Awards
The confirmation of a second season comes as no surprise given the immense success of the first. Study Group more than doubled its number of paid subscribers on TVING after its release. It achieved global reach, ranking in the Top 5 most-watched shows in 147 regions, including the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and France on platforms like Rakuten Viki.
The series was also recognized critically. It was named one of Time magazine’s Top 10 Best K-Dramas of 2025 and won the Best Work in the Streaming Original Feature category at the 2025 Asian Academy Creative Awards.
Filming Schedule and Expected Release Date
According to multiple reports, filming for Study Group Season 2 is slated to begin in late February 2026. This timeline aligns with Hwang Min-hyun’s recent discharge and the production team’s preparation work.
While TVING has not announced an official premiere date, industry reports and fan communities suggest a potential global release in April 2026. The series is expected to follow a similar release pattern as the first season, which premiered on TVING in Korea and was subsequently made available worldwide on streaming platforms.
Where to Watch Study Group Season 2 Globally
For international audiences, the streaming details are anticipated to mirror Season 1. The drama is expected to premiere first on TVING in South Korea. Shortly after, it is likely to be available for global audiences on Netflix as a Netflix Original series, similar to many other popular K-dramas.
Fans in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and India should be able to watch the series with subtitles on Netflix shortly after its Korean broadcast begins.
Cast and Returning Members
Alongside Hwang Min-hyun, the core cast from the first season is expected to return. This includes:
- Han Ji-eun as teacher Lee Han-kyung
- Cha Woo-min as model student Pi Han-wool
- Lee Jong-hyun as Kim Se-hyun
- Shin Su-hyun as Lee Ji-woo
- Yoon Sang-jeong as Choi Hee-won
- Gong Do-yu as Lee Jun
Their characters’ strengthened friendships will be central to the new season’s story.
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Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The confirmation news was met with immediate excitement online. Fans flooded social media with messages welcoming Hwang Min-hyun back to his iconic role. One fan posted, “Welcome back, Ga-min! This is the best news after his discharge.” Another wrote, “The study group is reuniting! Can’t wait for the new season.”
Official fan pages and K-drama communities have been sharing the announcement widely, with many expressing eagerness for the “more spectacular action” promised by the production team.
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