Fans of the hit Korean drama Study Group have reason to celebrate, as reports indicate that star Hwang Minhyun is in discussions to reprise his leading role for the show’s second season. The actor’s agency has confirmed the positive negotiations, setting the stage for his highly anticipated return to television after completing his mandatory military service.
Official Response from the Agency
On October 23, 2025, an industry report sparked excitement by revealing that the TVING original series Study Group will return for a second season, with Hwang Minhyun scheduled to begin filming after his military discharge. In response to this report, PLEDIS Entertainment, Hwang Minhyun’s agency, provided an official statement.
The agency clarified the actor’s current position, simply stating that he is “in talks” to star in the second season. Another update from the agency confirmed that the actor is “currently reviewing the offer to return to the second season of the K-drama.” This confirmation has set a positive outlook for the production, which is tentatively planning to start filming in the first half of 2026.
A Highly Anticipated Comeback
Hwang Minhyun’s potential return to Study Group is shaping up to be his first major project following the completion of his military service. The actor began his duty as a public service worker in March 2024 and is scheduled for discharge on December 20, 2025.
The industry is already buzzing with his planned comeback activities. In addition to the drama offer, reports suggest Hwang Minhyun is also slated to take on an MC position for the year-end MBC “Gayo Daejejeon” music festival shortly after his discharge. This combination of a leading drama role and a prominent hosting gig indicates a busy and impactful return for the popular star.
Success of the First Season
The first season of Study Group premiered in January 2025 and quickly became a global success. The series is based on a popular webtoon of the same name and tells the story of Yoon Ga-min, a high school student who dreams of academic excellence but is naturally gifted only in fighting. He attends Yusung Technical High School, a notorious institution for delinquents, where he forms a study group to pursue his college dreams, inevitably leading him to confront the school’s worst bullies.
The drama was a major hit for the streaming service TVING, ranking first in the number of new paid subscribers for five consecutive weeks. Its popularity extended far beyond South Korea, achieving Top 5 rankings in 143 countries on the platform Viki and securing the number one spot in several Asian countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Taiwan.
Looking Back at Study Group
The production company behind the series, Studio Dragon, had previously confirmed in May 2025 that Study Group was in the early development stages for a second season. The show’s blend of high school drama and action-comedy, anchored by Hwang Minhyun’s performance as the deceptively tough Yoon Ga-min, resonated strongly with audiences.
The first season concluded with the study group becoming more powerful and united after facing significant challenges. The finale teased the students’ upcoming college entrance journey, providing a clear pathway for the story to continue in the second season and explore the next chapter of their academic lives.
Also Read: Cha Woo Min: The Rising K-Drama Star Winning Hearts in Study Group, Melo Movie, and More
