Just like K-dramas, the world of sports is filled with nail-biting series of events and characters you just can't help but root for. True enough, we've seen a couple of shows depict athletes and how their respective fields intertwine with their lives outside the court. One can notice the different levels of passion an individual or team has when the ball (or whatever apparatus) is in their hands.
ALSO READ: 10 K-Drama Stars Who Used to Be Talented Athletes
To kick off your sports-themed K-drama marathon, here are 15 titles that just hit it out of the park:
1. Twenty-Five, Twenty-One (2022)
Watch on: Netflix
At the turn of the 20th century, Na Hee-do (Kim Tae Ri) embarks on a quest to become rivals with South Korea's best fencer. Along the way, she runs into Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo Hyuk), a 22-year-old who went from riches to rags, and is trying to restart his life. Over the course of five years, the two try to make a relationship work, facing hurdles their youthful selves didn't expect at all.
Also starring: WJSN's Bona, Choi Hyun Wook, Lee Joo Myung
ALSO READ: The Cast of "Twenty-Five Twenty-One" and Where You've Seen Them Before
2. Fight for My Way (2017)
Watch on: Netflix, Viki, Viu
Ko Dong-man (Park Seo Joon) was always at his best when he put on a dobok and competed as a taekwondo martial artist. Now at the precipice of his quarter life crises, he seeks to give his dream career another shot. As always, his childhood chum and fellow dreamer, Choi Ae-ra (Kim Ji Won) has his back. Eventually, Dong-man starts to see his best friend in a new, more romantic light.
Also starring: Ahn Jae Hong, Song Ha Yoon
3. Racket Boys (2021)
Watch on: Netflix
A famed badminton player back in his teenage years, Yoon Hyeon-jong (Kim Sang Kyung) goes back to his roots as a coach for the rookie team of Haenam Middle School. He trains Bang Yoon-dam (Son Sang Yeon), Na Woo-chan (Choi Hyun Wook), Lee Young-tae (Kim Kang Hoon), and his legacy child Yoon Hae-kang (Tang Jun Sang) to be the best team they can be despite the odds against them.
Also starring: Oh Na Ra, Lee Jae In, Lee Ji Won
4. Mr. Heart (2020)
Watch on: Viki, WeTV
Go Sang-ha (Han Se Jin) and Jin Won (Cheon Seung Ho) may be on the same track and field team, but they go down different paths when it comes to how they look at things. After their coach pairs them up for trainings, an unplanned romance starts to run its course.
Also starring: Lara, Yoo Jang Young
ALSO READ: 7 Korean Boys' Love Series You'll Want to Binge Watch Right Now
5. Prison Playbook (2017)
Watch on: Netflix, Viu
Kim Je-hyuk (Park Hae Soo) was set on becoming an internationally-renowned baseball player until he became a convict overnight. He steadily adjusts to life behind bars, meeting new peers, and unexpectedly reuniting with an old one.
Also starring: Jung Kyung Ho, Krystal Jung, Jung Hae In
6. Oh My Venus (2015)
Watch on: Netflix, Viki, Viu
After getting broken up with by her boyfriend of 15 years, Kang Joo-eun (Shin Min Ah) enlists the help of personal trainer to the stars, John Kim (So Ji Sub) to get back in shape. With every step on their journey to fitness, the two realize how their bond is more than just about breaking a sweat.
Also starring: Jung Gyo Woon, Yu In Young, Ban Hyo Jung
7. Weighlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016-2017)
Watch on: Netflix, Viu
No one can stop Kim Bok-joo (Lee Sung Kyung) from becoming the best weightlifter she can be; that is, until she gets a crush on Jung Jae-yi (Lee Jae Yoon), the older brother of her friend and fellow athlete, Jung Joon-hyung (Nam Joo Hyuk). Joon-hyung initially teases her about it, and even helps her out, but he later on starts to brew his own feelings for Bok-joo.
Also starring: Kyung Soo Jin, Cho Hye Jung, Lee Joo Young, Lee Jung Eun
8. Love All Play (2022)
Watch on: Disney+
Two badminton prodigies, Park Tae-yang (Park Ju Hyun) and Park Tae-joon (Chae Jong Hyeop) seem to have nothing in common other than their last names and athletic prowess. Tae-joon starts to grow fond of his teammate though, and starts to make attempts to woo her, on and off the court.
Also starring: Park Ji Hyun, Kim Moo Joon, Seo Ji Hye
9. Hot Stove League (2019)
Watch on: Viki
Se Young, the youngest head of management for the Dreams, a struggling baseball team, is renowned for her dedication and passion. The team’s fate changes with the arrival of Seung Su, a new general manager with a track record of leading underdog teams to success, despite their financial struggles. Together, they aim to transform Dreams into champions.
Starring: Namkoong Min, Park Eun Bin, Oh Jung Se, Joe Byeong-Gyu
10. To The Beautiful You (2012)
Watch on: Viki
Jae Hee leaves the US for Korea to help Tae Joon revive his high jump career by enrolling in an all-boys school. Tae Joon, who had retired and closed his heart, starts to open up after meeting her. Eun Gyul, confused about his feelings for Jae Hee, navigates his identity while the student-athletes train together and bond.
Starring: Sulli, Choi Min Ho, Lee Hyun Woo
11. Run On (2020)
Watch on: Netflix
Ki Sun Gyeom, a national sprinter, quits due to legal issues and meets Oh Mi Joo, a film translator thrilled by seeing her name in movie credits. Their encounter feels destined. Meanwhile, Seo Dan Ah, the CEO of a sports agency, struggles to reclaim her rightful place in her family's company due to gender bias, and meets Lee Young Hwa, an art major with a passion for movies and drawing. Romance brews for both couples.
Starring: Yim Si Wan, Shin Sae Kyeong, Choi Soo Young, Kang Tae Oh
12. Thumping Spike (2016)
Watch on: Viki
Kang Se Ra, a talented young volleyball player, faces a slump after an unfortunate incident. She begins coaching a struggling high school boys' volleyball team, where the star player, Hwang Jae Woong, stands out. Despite the team's poor performance, sparks fly between Se Ra and Jae Woong. As they grow closer, love blooms, and the team’s fortunes may just turn around.
Starring: Song Jae Rim, Hwang Seung Eon
13. Lovely Runner (2024)
Watch on: Netflix
Ryu Seon Jae, a top-tier celebrity, hides his exhaustion from the demanding entertainment industry behind his glamorous facade. Im Sol, his devoted fan, finds solace in his music after a childhood accident derailed her dreams. When Seon Jae’s tragic death is announced, Sol is miraculously transported 15 years back to meet his 19-year-old self. Seon Jae, once a high school swimming star, pivoted to stardom after injuries halted his Olympic dreams. Now, Sol must change his fate and prevent the impending tragedy.
Starring: Byeon Woo Seok, Kim Hye Yoon, Song Geon Hee, Lee Seung Hyub
14. Cheer Up (2022)
Watch on: Netflix, Viki
Do Hae Yi, a bright and diligent student at Yeonhee University, prioritizes earning money due to her family's financial struggles. She joins the university's 50-year-old cheering squad, Theia, purely for financial reasons. However, as she participates, Hae Yi discovers the joy of campus life and forms meaningful connections, including with Bae Young Woong, a former member and alumnus who supports the squad both financially and emotionally.
Starring: Han Ji Hyun, Bae In Hyuk, Kim Hyun Jin, Jang Gyu Ri
15. Just Dance/Dance Sports Girls (2018)
Based on a documentary, Just Dance follows the students of Geoje Girls' Vocational High School, who aspire to secure jobs in a shipyard undergoing restructuring. Despite their low grades, these determined girls pour their hearts into becoming exceptional dancers, showcasing their relentless efforts and diverse dreams.
Starring: Park Se Wan, Jang Dong Yoon
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