Starting as a superhero story, Tving’s original series Study Group has gained popularity both domestically and internationally, resonating with audiences through its depiction of teenage struggles. Based on a webtoon, the drama keeps its comic-inspired style while captivating viewers with the heartfelt struggles, growth, and dreams of its high school characters. Most notably, its fresh-faced cast stands out amid today’s big-budget OTT (over-the-top) productions.
“Friendly Rivalry” on U+ Mobile TV follows this approach of casting fresh faces in leading roles. Unlike global OTTs with larger budgets, domestic platforms are finding success by discovering new talent within their limited resources.
Global streaming platforms like Netflix are leaning more toward star-studded casts and high-profile production teams. The upcoming Netflix series “Show Business” (working title) brings together top-tier actors such as Song Hye-kyo, Gong Yoo, Cha Seung-won, and Lee Ha-nee in a single project. “Squid Game” season 2 has also drawn attention for featuring a larger number of established stars compared to its predecessor.
In contrast, domestic OTT platforms have shifted away from star-studded casts, becoming a launchpad for fresh and distinctive talent. While “Study Group” may not feature established stars, its well-balanced ensemble of new actors has resonated with audiences. The story follows Yoon Ga-min (played by Hwang Min-hyun), a fighting prodigy struggling academically at Yusung Technical High School, who forms a study group and grows alongside his friends. Aside from singer-turned-actor Hwang Min-hyun, the main cast members—Lee Jong-hyun as Kim Se-hyun, Gong Do-yu as Lee Jun, Shin Su-hyun as Lee Ji-woo, and Yoon Sang-jeong as Choi Hee-won—were all selected through open auditions. Director Lee Jang-hoon revealed that over three months, 1,500 hopefuls auditioned to capture the webtoon’s essence, with about 40 student roles cast through this process.
These carefully selected actors have seamlessly brought their characters to life, impressing even fans of the original webtoon. Internationally, “Study Group” reached the top five in 143 countries during its first week on global OTT Rakuten Viki.
The high school girls' crime and psychological thriller “Friendly Rivalry,” which launched on Feb. 10, also features fresh faces like Chung Su-bin and Oh Woo-ri, alongside singer-turned-actor Hye-ri. Chung’s sharp and intense performance in the lead role has drawn particular praise. Other domestic OTTs are also spotlighting newcomers, such as Lee Su-hyun in Coupang Play’s “Family Matters” and various young actors who took on student roles in “Boyhood.”
The gap in production scale and casting is clear when compared to global OTT platforms. Netflix, once known for casting rising stars like Go Min-si, Go Youn-jung, and Jung Ho-yeon in “Sweet Home” and “Squid Game,” now favors established names. This year’s lineup includes young stars Suzy, IU, and Park Bo-gum, alongside veterans like Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, and Kim Go-eun. Disney+ is also featuring stars like Jun Ji-hyun, Gang Dong-won, and Kim Soo-hyun. The struggling film industry has also contributed to many actors turning to OTT platforms.
Casting newcomers in lead roles carries risks, such as weaker visibility or narrative focus, but fresh faces bring energy to the industry and meet audiences’ growing demand for new talent. While star-studded productions provide visual appeal, some viewers express frustration that “actors who played leads 10 to 20 years ago are still in the same roles today.”
