Fans of the action-packed high school drama “Study Group” have reason to celebrate as it was officially confirmed on January 27, 2026, that Hwang Minhyun will be returning for a second season.
The TVING original series, which gained significant traction both domestically and internationally during its first installment, has locked in its charismatic lead to continue the story of Youn Ga Min.
This announcement is particularly meaningful as it marks Hwang Minhyun’s official comeback project following his discharge from mandatory military service in December 2025.
His return to the screen in a familiar and beloved role is expected to generate high viewership and further solidify the drama’s status as a top-tier action-comedy.
Reprising the Role of Youn Ga Min
In “Study Group,” Hwang Minhyun portrays Youn Ga Min, a student at Yuseong Technical High School—an institution widely regarded as one of the worst and most dangerous schools in the world.
Despite his fierce fighting skills, Ga Min’s ultimate goal is ironically academic: he desperately wants to be good at studying and excel in his college entrance exams.
To achieve this, he forms a “study group,” though he frequently finds himself having to use his fists to protect his friends and their right to learn.
The production team expressed immense confidence in Hwang Minhyun’s return, noting that he already possesses a “perfect understanding” of the character.
For the upcoming season, the creators have promised to delve deeper into Ga Min’s psyche.
Viewers can expect to explore previously unanswered questions, such as the specific motivations behind his obsession with academic success and the internal dilemmas he faces while balancing his violent environment with his scholarly aspirations.
Additionally, the team hinted that the action sequences in Season 2 will be even more “spectacular” than before, pushing the boundaries of the high school action genre.
Expanding the “Study Group” Universe
The second season, based on the popular YLAB webtoon of the same name, will see an expansion of the stakes.
According to YLAB, Season 2 will focus on Youn Ga Min and his fellow study group members as their bond grows even stronger through shared adversity.
The narrative will shift from local school conflicts to a larger-scale battle against a “massive force of evil” that threatens not only their specific technical high school but students across the entire nation.
This shift suggests a broader scope for the series, moving beyond the confines of a single campus into a more complex socio-political landscape within the drama’s world.
Global Success and Anticipation
The confirmation of a second season comes on the heels of the first season’s impressive performance on global streaming platforms.
On Viki, the series ranked in the Top 5 in over 140 regions, proving that its unique blend of underdog academic struggles and high-octane martial arts resonates with an international audience.
With Hwang Minhyun’s return serving as his post-military comeback, the anticipation is at an all-time high.
Fans are eager to see how the character of Youn Ga Min has evolved and how the production will deliver on the promise of “cathartic action” and deeper emotional storytelling.
As the project enters production, “Study Group” Season 2 is already positioning itself as one of the most highly anticipated K-dramas of the year.
In a recent and revealing interview with Rolling Stone Japan, BTS’s youngest member, Jungkook , shared profound insights into his mindset as a world-class performer.
The short interview video, released on January 19, 2026, via the magazine’s official Instagram, captures a more mature and grounded artist who has learned to navigate the immense pressure of global stardom.
Jungkook’s central message—that enjoying the stage matters more than perfection—offers a rare glimpse into the internal philosophy of an artist known for his seemingly flawless execution and “Golden Maknae” status.
The Mindset of a Performer
Jungkook admitted that even after years of performing on the world’s biggest stages, he still experiences natural pre-show nerves.
BTS’s Jungkook (Credit: YouTube)
However, he has developed a mental strategy to manage these feelings. He emphasizes that immersion in the moment is his highest priority.
“Whether I make a mistake, trip on stage, or miss a note, I try to set all that aside and think, ‘Let’s just enjoy this,’” he explained.
For Jungkook, the fear of technical errors is secondary to the authentic joy of the performance, a mindset that likely contributes to the infectious energy he brings to every show.
A Focus on Singularity and Quality
Interestingly, Jungkook revealed that he intentionally simplifies his focus when on stage.
While many performers meticulously monitor their external appearance, facial expressions, or even their scent, Jungkook prefers to block out these distractions.
“I’m not very good at multitasking, so the only two things I personally care about are singing and dancing,” he shared with refreshing honesty.
He believes that as long as the core quality of the music and movement is high, minor “awkward” expressions or external details do not detract from the experience.
This focus on “performance quality” is what he values most, as he feels a deep responsibility to deliver a meaningful show to the fans who come to watch him.
Reflecting on Global Fan Culture
The interview also touched upon his relationship with his international audience, specifically Japanese ARMY.
Jungkook recalled his early impressions of Japanese fans, describing their unique rhythm of cheering as “very precise” and characterized by a blend of intense passion and respectful restraint.
This cultural nuance left a lasting impression on him, highlighting his appreciation for the diverse ways fans express their support worldwide.
Life Beyond the Stage: Sapporo and Beyond
Outside of his professional life, Jungkook shared a few personal highlights from his recent travels. He expressed a love for cold weather and Japanese cuisine, specifically mentioning a recent trip to Sapporo for a shoot.
He fondly recalled enjoying draft beer and soup curry, moments of relaxation that contrast with his high-intensity career.
A Historic Achievement
This interview was part of a major collaborative project by Rolling Stone, featuring simultaneous covers across Korea, the UK, and Japan.
This project also marked a historic milestone: Jungkook became the first Korean solo artist to grace the cover of Rolling Stone UK.
Accompanied by a pictorial shot in New York where he showcased a relaxed, effortless charm in Calvin Klein, the feature reaffirms Jungkook’s status as a global icon.
As BTS fans look forward to the group’s long-awaited full-group comeback, this interview serves as a reminder of the individual growth and artistic integrity that each member continues to bring to the group’s collective legacy.
