Episode 1 of "Study Group" kicks off with a vivid scene of slumbering students immersed in their dreams, as the mathematics teacher drones on monotonously in the background. Among this sea of inactivity, Yu Ga-min stands out like a sore thumb, meticulously attentive and diligently scribbling notes. One might assume, at first glance, that he reigns supreme as the class's valedictorian; however, the irony is stark as his academic achievements pale in comparison to his relentless efforts.
Ga-min's life has been an unwavering quest for the title of a model student. He has poured his heart and soul into his studies, engaging in online courses, independent learning, and even hiring a personal tutor. Yet, despite his unyielding dedication, his grades remain stubbornly unimpressive. One fateful day, Ga-min overhears a snippet of conversation about Yusung Technical High School, rumored to be the ultimate gateway to college exam success. Without a moment's hesitation, he transfers to this esteemed institution, only to find himself enveloped in a stark reality far removed from his expectations.
Yusung Technical High School proves to be more akin to a dystopian nightmare, with bullies lurking in every shadow. Discipline is a distant memory, and even the teachers seem to have resigned themselves to the students' fate. The corridors teem with students barely adhering to the dress code, smoking brazenly, and causing general mayhem. Amidst this chaotic backdrop, Ga-min's resolve remains unshaken. He approaches Kim Se-hyeon, a student whose demeanor suggests a semblance of sanity amidst the madness, and extends an invitation to join his nascent study group. Before Se-hyeon can utter a word in response, the tranquil moment is shattered by an eruption of violence as a fight breaks out around them.
In this revamped narrative, the scene is imbued with greater vividness and emotional depth, painting a clearer picture of Ga-min's unyielding spirit amidst adversity.
Amidst the chaotic atmosphere, one student unilaterally initiates a fierce confrontation with Se-hyeon, reducing him to a sorry state while his peers stand by, indifferent spectators. Within this student body, an online hierarchy thrives, where combat serves as the sole means of ascending the ranks. The discipline chief eventually steps in to halt the brawl and introduces Miss Han-gyeong, the new temporary educator. As anticipated, the students remain indifferent and disrespectful towards her presence.
The tranquility is short-lived, as another altercation erupts right under Han-gyeong's nose during attendance roll call. This time, the instigator is the notorious class bully, whose actions leave Han-gyeong utterly astounded.
Later, during a respite from the turmoil, Ga-min seizes the opportunity to catch up with Han-gyeong. To his surprise, he learns that she was once his tutor. However, circumstances forced her to discontinue their sessions. Ga-min expresses his concern that she might abandon her post due to the school's disciplinary issues, but she reassuringly vows to stay put. He then confides in her his plan to excel academically.
For the majority of the week, Ga-min shadows Se-hyeon incessantly, like a puppy seeking attention. Se-hyeon's patience wears thin, and eventually, he relents, agreeing to assist Ga-min with some mathematical problems. As they converse, Se-hyeon voices his doubts about Ga-min's academic prowess, but Ga-min remains undeterred and hopeful for success.
Se-hyeon is taken aback by Ga-min's naivety and his obliviousness to the school's true hierarchy. He clarifies that the school is run by Pi Han-ui, the son of a mafia boss, who also happens to be the school's top student and the originator of the ranking system. Fearing the repercussions of crossing Pi Han-ui, Se-hyeon refuses to join Ga-min's study group. Meanwhile, Han-gyeong endeavors to address the pervasive smoking culture with the principal, but her pleas fall on deaf ears.The very next day, disaster struck when the class bully savagely beat Se-hyeon to a pulp, a brutal retaliation sparked by a mere accidental bump into him. Han-gyeong, a bystander to this grim spectacle, instinctively stepped forward to lend a hand, only to be halted by Ga-min, who volunteering to take her place. Donning a mask, Ga-min ingeniously utilized a fire extinguisher to create a diversion, successfully rescuing Se-hyeon from the clutches of the bullies. However, to Ga-min's dismay, Se-hyeon was far from grateful; instead, he believed Ga-min had only escalated the situation, making him a prime target for the bullies' vengeful wrath.
As if on cue, Se-hyeon's words proved prophetic as the bully swiftly set his sights on Ga-min. This time, his demand was clear: to unmask the mysterious figure who had dared to intervene. Ga-min, ever the protector, once again stepped in, rendering the bully unconscious with a forceful blow. As the bully lay slumped, Se-hyeon confronted Ga-min anew, refused to join his study group and questioned why he would hide his face if he was really confident.
Sadly, beneath Se-hyeon's defiant exterior lay a life marked by unhappiness. His father, a helplessly addicted alcoholic, urged him to abandon his studies in favor of welding training. The man's abusive nature and indifference to Se-hyeon's aspirations for education and a prestigious college even drove him to force his son to discard all his notebooks.
On the other hand, Ga-min, though supported by a loving mother, found himself discouraged by his academic performance. Despite his utmost efforts, nothing seemed to change; he was even shunned by others seeking study partners. This study group, therefore, held immense significance for Ga-min. He had been rigorously training both mentally and physically, aspiring for a strength that matched his intellectual prowess.
The following school day brought an unexpected twist for Han-gyeong. She was astounded to witness the discipline chief attempting to conceal smoking drums amidst whispers of an inspector's visit. Her disappointment deepened upon learning that the principal was merely trying to save face. The discipline chief, desperate for assistance, begged Han-gyeong to hide the drums, a task she was aided in by Geon Yeop, a new student. Geon Yeop questioned why they couldn't present the school's true condition to the inspector, but Han-gyeong, realizing her own limitations, sadly concluded that she wasn't in a position to make such a stand just yet.
Back in the classroom, Ga-min's heart is deeply moved when Se-hyeon presents him with one of his meticulously detailed notebooks. Concurrently, Hyeon-wu realizes with a start that Ga-min is indeed the masked individual he's been searching for, and a brawl ensues almost instantly. The conflict rapidly escalates, with Hyeon-wu kicking everyone else out of the room and proceeding to torch the notebook, almost igniting a full-blown fire. Witnessing his cherished notebook going up in flames fills Ga-min with fury, causing him to pummel Hyeon-wu relentlessly until he's a mere shadow of his former self.
Ga-min attempts to force Hyeon-wu, now barely conscious, to apologize to Se-hyeon for his actions. However, the sight of Ga-min becoming so incensed over a mere book leaves Se-hyeon utterly astounded. Touched by Ga-min's passion and dedication, Se-hyeon readily agrees to join his study group.
(Note: The revised text retains the original meaning while enhancing the narrative flow and vividness of the scene.)
