Study Group has taken the K-drama world by storm — not just for its intense fight scenes, but for its emotional depth and powerful message: no matter how rough your surroundings are, you can still rise if you put your mind to it.
Set in a violent vocational school where books are the last thing on anyone’s mind, Study Group follows Yoon Ga-min, a boy who desperately wants to study — in a place where fighting rules everything. His journey of survival, forming unlikely friendships, and refusing to give up is exactly the kind of story that stays with you long after the credits roll.
If you’re looking for more Korean dramas that bring the same high-stakes energy, emotional growth, and underdog triumph, you’re in for a treat. Below are 10 K-dramas like Study Group that will leave you cheering for every student who dared to dream bigger.
1. Master of Study
One of the grittiest school dramas in recent years. Yeon Si-eun looks like a weakling, but he uses strategy and brains to fight back against brutal bullies. It’s raw, realistic, and shows that true strength doesn’t always come from fists — but from resilience.
2. Weak Hero Class 1 & 2
One of the grittiest school dramas in recent years. Yeon Si-eun looks like a weakling, but he uses strategy and brains to fight back against brutal bullies. It’s raw, realistic, and shows that true strength doesn’t always come from fists — but from resilience. Watch full episode on Netflix
3. Dream High
This classic drama takes a different route — following teens chasing their dreams of stardom in a performing arts school. But behind the glitter is real pressure, competition, and tough lessons about rejection and perseverance. It’s a coming-of-age story with rhythm and heart.
4. Crash Course in Romance
Though less physical, this drama highlights the emotional battle within Korea’s intense education system. A star math tutor and a student from a humble background cross paths, showing us the price of success in a world that doesn’t always play fair. Emotional, heartfelt, and quietly powerful.
5. School 2013 / 2015 / 2017 / 2021
The School series is basically the backbone of school-based K-dramas. Each season has different characters and stories, but they all focus on what it really means to grow up — dealing with pressure, family, friendships, bullying, and finding your own path. It’s real, relatable, and packed with moments that hit home.
6. Class of Lies
Think of this as a mystery-thriller twist to the school drama genre. A lawyer goes undercover as a teacher to solve a murder at an elite school. But what he finds is a toxic system driven by corruption, privilege, and secrets. Suspenseful with a powerful social message.
7. Extracurricular
Not your usual school story. This dark and gripping drama follows a model student who runs an illegal business on the side to fund his college dream. Things spiral out of control, revealing the harsh realities behind ambition and desperation. If Study Group’s edge pulled you in, you’ll love this one.
8. Moments of 18
A softer, slice-of-life drama that takes a deep look into the inner world of 18-year-olds. It’s about small wins, quiet courage, and how even introverted teens can change their lives when they decide to speak up. Beautifully paced with genuine heart.
9. Solomon’s Perjury
A student dies under suspicious circumstances, and instead of waiting for adults to act, the students take justice into their own hands — through a courtroom trial held in school. Bold, intense, and thought-provoking.
10. All of Us Are Dead
Yes, it’s a zombie apocalypse. But strip away the horror, and you have a powerful story about students banding together in a crisis. From outcasts to heroes, it shows how ordinary teens become extraordinary when survival is on the line. Watch on Netflix
What makes these Korean dramas stand out is their raw portrayal of youth. They don’t shy away from the pressure, the isolation, or the struggles students face. But more importantly, they show that there’s always hope — even in the darkest corners of a classroom.
Whether it’s through actual punches or emotional breakthroughs, these underdogs remind us of something we all need to hear: you don’t need to be perfect — you just need to keep trying.
If Study Group lit a fire in you, these dramas will keep it burning. From thrilling plots to heartwarming lessons, these K-dramas prove that success isn’t about where you start — it’s about how hard you’re willing to fight for your future.