Welcome to the world of sportsK-dramas, where the thrill of athletic competition meets the gripping narratives of Korean television. From heart-pounding matches to personal triumphs and setbacks, thesedramas immerse viewersin the captivating world of sports while showcasing the resilience anddetermination of their characters.
Some shows likeRacket BoysandTwenty-Five Twenty-Onecaptivated the audience with charm. Here are some best sports Korean dramas that took the small screens by storm, ranked.
10High School King of Savvy (2014)
Lee Min-seok is a talented ice hockey player in high school. Due to unexpected events, he takes over his older brother’s job, who looks exactly like him, at a significant corporation called Kirin Group. Despite being a high school student, Min-seok poses as his brother and becomes the youngest executive at the company.
As he assumes this new role, he must adapt quickly to his new office environment, and gain the trust of his colleagues. At the same time, he also has to maintain his high school life, keeping his other identity a secret from his classmates. With its unique plot, it makes an entertaining and engaging show.
9Short (2018)
This show revolves around Kang Ho-young, a talented short tracks speed skater. He discovers his passion for the sport at a humble countryside skating rink. His exceptional skills catch the attention of a prestigious university known for its short-track speed skating program. There, he crosses paths with Park Eun-ho, a legendary figure in the sport.
As Ho-young and Eun-ho engage in thrilling competitions, their rivalry gradually transforms into a deep friendship. Through their shared passions and challenges, they both embark on a journey of self-discovery, dreams, and pursuit of happiness in both their athletic and personal lives.
8Sassy Go Go (2015)
This show tells the story of a group of high school students who come together to form a cheerleading club. Kang Yeon-doo is a lively and outgoing girl who attends a prestigious high school known for its academic excellence. However, the school is divided into two distinct groups: the “Real King,” who are top students, and the “Baek Ho” the underachievers.
Yeon-doo finds herself caught in the middle of a conflict between the two groups when she unintentionally becomes the catalyst for the school’s academic rankings' scandal. Throughout the series, Yeon-doo and her classmates face various challenges while striving to reconcile the two groups. The drama combines heartwarming moments with humor, which keeps the audience hooked on the story.
Related:10 Sports Movies That Weren’t Really About the Sport
7Mental Coach Jegal (2022)
In this sports drama, viewers follow the journey of Je Gal-gil, a former national Taekwondo athlete known for his hard work and quirky personality. After a scandalous incident, Ga-gil is expelled and labeled as an unlucky prodigy. Overcoming his past trauma and regaining his mental health, hereturns as a mental coachto help retired athletes or those in a slump.
Cha Ga-eul is a former world-class short-track speed skating gold medalist facing a downturn in her career. Known as the “Ice Princess” with her Stoic demeanor, she falls into self-doubt. However, everything changes when she meets Gal-gil who becomes her mentor and confidant.
6Fight For My Way (2017)
The drama follows Ko Dong-man and Choi Ae-ra who have been friends since childhood. Dong-man is a former taekwondo athlete who gave up his dreams due to a traumatic incident. While Ae-ra is a fiery and ambitious woman who aspires to become an announcer. Despite facing setbacks, they bothsupport each otherin pursuing their goals.
Dong-man’s passion for martial arts never fades away. Determined to make a comeback, he starts training again and participates in amateur fighting competitions. Through his impressive performances, he eventually secures an opportunity to fight professionally.Fight For My Wayshowcases the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people pursuing their passions.
5Hot Stove League (2019)
This show centers around a struggling professional baseball team called Dreams, and their journey toovercome challengesand revitalize their organization. Baek Seung-soo is a highly competent general manager appointed to lead the Dreams team. He is determined to transform the underperforming team into a championship contender.
Upon joining Dreams, he faces numerous obstacles, but works tirelessly to improve every aspect of the team. He collaborates with passionate and diverse groups of individuals. Together, they challenge the status quo and implement innovative strategies to revamp the team’s training, tactics, and scouting methods.
Related:The 10 Most Unlikable Protagonists in Korean Dramas
4Prison Playbook (2017)
Set against the backdrop of prison, the drama revolves around Kim Je-hyuk, a talented baseball player whoends up in prisonafter an unfortunate incident. Je-hyuk, who maintains his innocence, must adjust to his new life behind bars and navigate the complex dynamics. There, he forms deep connections with his fellow inmates.
As Je Hyuk continues to train in the hopes of pursuing his baseball dreams after being released from prison, the series does a fantastic job of incorporating baseball into the overall plot. It may not seem like a typical K-drama because it is set in a prison, butPrison Playbookmanages to make viewers empathize with the prisoners and their unique stories, making it extremely moving.
3Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
This inspiring series follows the journey of Na Hee-do, a determined teenage fencer. And Baek Yi-jin, a hardworking young man seeking to rebuild his life. Hee-do is a skilled fencer and a member of her high school’s fencing team. However, when the financial crisis hits, the team is disbanded, adding another hurdle to her dreams.
Undeterred, sheperseveres through the difficultiesand manages to secure a spot on the national fencing team. With unwavering ambition, she strives to achieve greatness in the sport she loves. The drama explores the impact of financial crises on individuals' lives. It also shows each character’s personal growth as they overcome obstacles and chase their dreams.
2Racket Boys (2021)
Set against the backdrop of a rural town, the plot revolves around agroup of young badminton playersand their journey to become a competitive team. Yoon Hae-kang, who used to be a promising badminton player, lost his passion for the sport due to personal reasons.
However, everything changes when Hae-kang’s father decides to start a badminton club in their new town. Along with the guidance of coach Bang Yoon-dam, they recruit a group of young players and form the Racket Boys badminton team. The drama focuses on the growth and development of the Racket Boys. As they train together, compete in tournaments, and face various challenges both on and off the court.
1Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (2016)
Kim Bok-joo is a dedicated weightlifter who attends Hanwool College of Physical Education. Despite her athletic prowess, she struggles with her self-image and often feels insecure about her appearance. She finds solace and support in her close-knit group of friends at the weightlifting club.
Her life takes a turn when she meets Jung Joon-hyung, a talented swimmer with a playful and carefree personality. The two develop a close friendship while supporting each other infulfilling their dreams. The show explores the challenges and joys of Bok-joo’s athletic journey, including the demanding training regimen, competitions, and the pressures of being a student-athlete. This show is surely one of the most loved ones out there.
