Episode 8 of "Study Group" kicks off with Dae-chul and Min-chul keeping a vigilant watch over Sun-chul's ailing grandfather in the hospital's serene yet tense atmosphere. Dae-chul's anxiety is palpable as he awaits news from Ga-min and the rest of the team, who remain eerily silent. Sensing the urgency, they decide to spring into action, bolting towards headquarters to uncover what fate has in store. They realize that proactive involvement is far more productive than passive waiting.
At headquarters, Lee-joon engages in a fierce battle with a gang member, while Seon-ho and Jae-seung corner the defenseless Ji-woo. She struggles valiantly but succumbs to a cruel blow to the head, causing her to lose consciousness. Seizing the moment, Seon-ho scoops her up and his knife, retreating to his vehicle. He instructs Jae-hyung to dismiss the backup fighters, ensuring their escape remains unhindered. Meanwhile, Pi Han Ui exits the premises, blissfully unaware of the unfolding infiltration.
Elsewhere, Han-gyeong dials Ga-min's number, assuming he is diligently studying at home. She wishes to discuss an issue regarding the revision papers she entrusted to him. As Ga-min opens his backpack, a notebook spills out, catching his eye just as he notices Seon-ho loading a groggy Ji-woo into his car. Abruptly terminating the call, he frantically tries to unlock the door that bars his path. Concurrently, Min-hwan shoots down Hee-won's drone, plunging the team into a communication blackout.
In a nearby locale, Detective Na packs his car, attempting to reason with Sun-chul. Though convinced of Sun-chul's innocence, his hands are tied if the youth confesses. Sun-chul is steadfast in his resolve to uphold his promise to Pi Han Ui, seeing it as the swiftest route to securing the funds his grandfather desperately needs. Pi Han Ui promises top-notch legal representation in exchange for his compliance. However, as he converses with Detective Na, Sun-chul undergoes a change of heart, determined to embody the virtuous man his grandfather has long begged him to be.
Just as Seon-ho prepares to depart, Sun-chul launches a surprise attack, rousing Ji-woo from her slumber. She attempts to assist Sun-chul, but their combined strength proves no match for Seon-ho's might. He quickly overpowers them, leaving them helpless. At this crucial juncture, Min-chul and Dae-chul arrive on the scene, only to find Seon-ho an insurmountable adversary. Fortunately, Ga-min breaks free from his confines and arrives just in time to turn the tide. Armed with incriminating evidence, Detective Na apprehends the true culprit, Seong-wung. Simultaneously, Ga-min persuades Sun-chul to join their study group, marking a new beginning.
Days later, Sun-chul returns to school, where the study group focuses intently on preparing for their midterm exams. Post-exam, Ga-min finds himself consumed by worry, questioning whether he answered the questions correctly. In contrast, the others eagerly discuss the exam questions, their spirits high at the prospect of the ordeal being over. Meanwhile, Sun-chul enrolls in a reformatory program at the police station, marking his commitment to a better path.
The remainder of the study group, seeking respite from their studies, decides to embark on an exhilarating outing. When Ga-min fails to answer her calls, Ga-min's mother reaches out to Han-gyeong, her worries mounting that Ga-min's stress levels might spiral out of control, causing him to lose grasp of his unique abilities. After concluding his exams, Ga-min succumbs to a bout of melancholy. Yet, this time, it is Se-hyeon who lifts his spirits with heartfelt encouragement.
As they indulge in a leisurely meal, their tranquility is disrupted by a call from Dae-chul, who urgently seeks Sun-chul. The news is grim: Grandfather's health has taken a turn for the worse. They all scramble to the hospital without delay, only to find that Sun-chul is conspicuously absent. Tragically, he has been waylaid by vengeful former gang members.
While awaiting Sun-chul's arrival, Ga-min diverts Grandfather's attention by assisting him with his final test. This机智的举动 buys precious time for Sun-chul to make his heart-wrenching farewell. Miraculously, he arrives just in time to bid his grandfather adieu, who passes away peacefully soon afterward.
A few days hence, the students receive their report cards, revealing that everyone, Ga-min included, has achieved a remarkable ten-point improvement. Han-gyeong pays a visit to the Dean of Academic Affairs, reminding him of his earlier pledge to convene a disciplinary committee for Pi Han Ui. Unable to refute Han-gyeong's reminder, the dean reluctantly sanctions the papers. The subsequent day, the students are astounded to witness the announcement.
The study group confronts Pi Han Ui, curious about his next move. However, Pi Han Ui harbors a sinister plan to sow discord among the students by stirring them against each other. The episode concludes on a tense note, with the students engaged in a fracas, while Pi Han Ui watches with a malevolent grin from the sidelines.
