There is no denying the fact that the Korean industry has become trendier among the present generation. Thanks to all the Korean entertainment, especially Korean dramas. These dramas or television series have made people interested via their well-centric plot and well-structured season pattern.
And when it comes to genres, one can explore all types of Kdramas. Romance, Melo, Comedy, Drama, musicals, and all the different types of themes have stirred up the desire within the viewers to search for more. One of these genres has accomplished this goal, and it is sports!
There are some of the most inspiring and outstanding dramas with the cast so talented and a well-described plot. These dramas have succeeded in explaining what kind of role sports play in an individual’s life. So here are some of the recommendations that are a must to explore when it comes to this particular field of Kdramas.
1. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
If one has kept tabs on the kdrama releases of this year, then Twenty-Five Twenty-One would be one of the popular recommendations among the rest. A story of a bunch of young adults trying to enter mundane adulthood with a lot of huddling in front of them.
Na Hui Do is one of them, a young fencing player. Being discouraged so many times, Hui Do practices to become the best fencing player to reach her goal of defeating her fencing role model, Ko Yurim. She steps towards a world of friendship, desires, and their future along with Baek Yi Jin.
- Star Cast: Kim Tae Ri, Nam Joo Hyuk, Bona, Choi Hyun Wook, Lee Joo Myung
- No of Episodes: 16
2. Hot Stove League (2019)
Baseball is a must for all Koreans, and that is how Hot Stove League comes to this league. Bae Seung Soo, a very well-experienced sports management expert, finds his way to a star baseball team, The Dream. Under the bad condition, the team was drowning under the weight of bad management, poor funding, and weak teamwork.
Taking matters into his hands, Bae Seung Soo, along with Lee Se Young and Han Jae Hee, work on bringing the team back to its original fame. The thriller and the drama in this drama are the main factors that churn up the interest within the viewers.
- Star Cast: Namkoong Min, Park Eun Bin, Jo Byeong Kyu, Oh Jung Se
- No of Episodes: 16
3. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (2016)
Nothing is ever so interesting than a sport-themed drama with rom-com as their companion genre. This lighthearted Kdrama brings us to the world of sports and the sweet little world of Kim Bok Joo, our weightlifting fairy.
Kim Bok Joo is a normal girl who was groomed to become a weightlifting athlete ever since she was just a child. Groomed, refined, and polished, away from all the normal distractions, she finally succeeds in achieving her goals.
Yet when her life takes a sudden turn, Bok Joo gets stuck in the absolute chaos of feelings and emotions. Along with her childhood sweetheart, Jung Joon Hyung, she continues her path as a professional weightlifting athlete. But also, she brings out the girl within her that was once lost under the training all these years. Not to mention what kind of fun and chaos it brings along with it.
- Star Cast: Lee Sung Kyung, Nam Joo Hyuk, Lee Jae Yoon, Kwang Soo Jin
- No of Episode: 16
4. Racket Boys (2021)
Racket Boys became part of the most hyped dramas of the year 2021. Coming down to the countryside becomes the most intriguing thing that ever happened to Yoon Hyun Jong and his son, Yoon Hae Kang. As he was not able to hold on to his family because of many reasons, Yoon Hyun Jong came to choose to start his coaching gig of badminton in Haenam.
But when he comes to know about the team that is almost at the brim of its disbandment, Hyun Jong gathers the remaining three players along with his son and Jung In Sol. The team starts rising, and the journey of their struggles and hard work continues to show throughout the series. After this maybe, you might be interested in badminton too!
- Star Cast: Kim Sang Kyung, Oh Na Ra, Tang Jun Sang
- No of Episodes: 16
5. Fight For My Way (2017)
While we talk about sports and how one gets through several hurdles to reach their goal, this drama stands as a perfect example of it. Fight For My Way becomes the story of four individuals or also called “The Crazy Fantastic Four,” who were trying their best to fit in the society along with their yet-to-achieve dream lingering behind them.
As four of our protagonists try their best to get through their hard times, we see our main protagonist Ko Dong Man going through a little extra rough time. Once a famous Taekwondo fighter, Ko Dong Man dropped his career and struggled to achieve his lost goals. The growth in the character becomes immense and inspires the audience as he grows up from his burdensome past.
- Star Cast: Park Seo Jun, Kim Ji Won, Ahn Jae Hong, Song Ha Yoon
- No of Episodes: 16
Also Read: Revenge Of Others Ending Explained: Is It Farewell?
6. Just Dance (2018)
Well, Dance is another form of sport if the range is a bit widened. And here, the six amazing ladies show how relevant Dance becomes to them. Starting this from what was once a high school dance club, Kim Shi Eun leads the group to follow their dreams to become the greatest dancer. However, when all their hopes are crushed by reality, the six friends stick together with their dream to achieve something bigger than normal life.
- Star Cast: Park Se Wan, Jang Dong Yoon, Lee Joo Young, Shin Do Hyun
- No of Episodes: 16
7. Love all play (2022)
Once again, coming back to the amazing hits of this year, Love All Play has brought this genre a lot of attention. The love story blooms between two people from two different worlds. Park Tae Joon becomes one of the star players on the team while his thoughts about the game were not so favorable.
While Tae Joon hates the game, we see Park Tae Yang, an excellent player, was forced to leave the sport for a false scandal. The story continues with an indulging plot as the two protagonists fall in love while they continue their fierce game of badminton. Watch this drama to their chemistry as they play in the mixed doubles and prove their worth in the game and challenge their love.
- Star Cast: Park Ju Hyun, Chae Jae Hyeop, Park Ji Hyun, Kim Moo Joon
- No of episodes: 16
8. High School King of Savvy (2014)
Joining the life of adults, that too in disguise?! High School King of Savvy comes down to this list for its amazing involvement in sports. The famous high school ice skater Lee Min Suk, merely the age of 18, comes to live two different lives at once.
After his brother’s request, Min Suk was forced to join a huge cooperation, living among the adults, living the same as theirs. He is accompanied by Jung Soo Young, who soon helps him out with the mess, which ends up leaving some sparks to start the beginning of their love story.
- Star Cast: Seo In Guk, Lee Ha Na, Lee Soo Hyuk, Lee Yul Eum
- No of episodes: 17 + 1 (Special)
9. Thumping Spike (2016)
How about a love-hate relationship with a twist of sports involved? This is what Thumping Spike has brought to this list. When the Daehan High School Volleyball Team becomes the worst team among all others, our team desires to outstand with their improving skills.
However, the constant conflict between the team coach, Se Ra, and the star player of the team, Jae Woong, creates a comical theme in the plot. To work hard and win each match, they work together, and inevitably, we see them falling in love with each other.
- Star Cast: Song Jae Rim, Hwang Seung Eon, Lee Tae Hwan, Shin Hyun Soo
- No of Episodes: 20
10. To The Beautiful You (2012)
A girl in a whole boys’ school?! It might not be a unique concept in dramas, but one thing can be promised it is something you will not forget! Inspired by a Japanese television series, this drama tells about how a girl, Go Jae Hee, in her disguise as a boy, comes into the all-boys school to meet her role model, Tae Joon, the high Jump player.
Destiny is designed in such a way they come across each other’s path in every circumstance. So, falling in love is the only option left. The drama also talks about friendships, different kinds of sports, and the inspiration that sports give to these characters. How about keeping this drama on your watchlist?
- Star Cast: Sulli, Choi Minho, Lee Hyun Woo
- No. of episodes: 16
Also Read: 40 Children’s Korean Drama To Watch in A Lighter Mood
11. Run On (2020)
Another heartwarming and inspiring kdrama has been made to this list! Run On tells us about the life of a sprinter, Ki Seon Gyeom, who lived his life doing various kinds of sports but eventually ended his career for several reasons. While Seon Gyeom faces a tough time, he encounters Oh Mi Joo, a humble subtitle translator who has her own set of problems and hurdles to overcome.
With them being together, they find a way to fight through their difficulties more easily. Watch them fall in love with each other as the story proceeds in the softest way possible. This kdrama will make the viewer fall in love with it.
- Star Cast: Im Si Wan, Shin Se Kyung, Choi Soo Young, Kang Tae Oh
- No. of Episodes: 16
12. Prison Playbook (2017)
Prison Playbook will probably become the most heart-touching drama in the entire list. Kim Je Hyuk, the famous Baseball player, gets caught up in a misunderstanding. He gets arrested as he tries to chase the man who tried to sexually assault his sister. After being arrested, he was asked to serve a year in prison, where he met his old friend, Lee Joon Ho.
Life in prison brings back the two best friends together who were once separated due to their change in paths. The story portrays all types of emotions and gives its audience a blast of emotions in each episode. Watch the drama to see how they go through their old bonding and clear all the allegations led against Je Hyuk.
- Star Cast: Park Hae Soo, Jung Kyung Ho, Krystal Jung, Im Hwa Young
- No of Episodes: 16
13. Short (2018)
When it comes to the competition between two friends, whether it is sports or a love interest, it creates the perfect plot. Not knowing about professional speed skating, Kang Ho Young was scouted into the biggest skating university, Kangbaek University.
Upon his arrival, Ho Young got to know about the prodigy ace speed skater, Park Eun Ho. Park Eun Ho, who goes through a slump, finds himself competing with the newbie through which they became friends.
Now, this relationship gets heated when they both fall in love with the same girl. This miniseries gives us a slice of friendship, competition, and passion for speed skating. Watch this drama to see the intense growth of friendship and competition between Ho Young and Eun Ho.
- Star Cast: Kang Tae Ho, Yeo Hoe Hyun, Kim Do Yeon, Noh Jong Hyun
- No of Episode: 4
- 14. Heading To The Ground (2009)
Oh, is it that dream-inspired kdrama I see here? That’s right. Another sport-themed kdrama makes it to this list! The story is about a boy named Cha Bong Gun, who lived his life dreaming of becoming a great soccer player, but he was never able to fulfill his dreams under certain circumstances.
But we do not see him giving up on his dreams, yet he tries to achieve them anyhow. That’s when we see him stumble upon Kang Hae Bin’s steps. Kang Hae Bin, a sports agent, tries her best to get Bong Gun what he wants so she can escape from the prestigious life she is living in.
- Star Cast: Yunho, Go Ara, Lee Yoon Ji, Lee Sang Yoon
- No of Episodes: 16
15. Sassy, Go Go (2015)
Also popularly known as Cheer Up, this kdrama speaks of a group of students who come together while studying at the prestigious Sevit High School in Seoul. Kang Yeon Doo, the leader of a street dance club, and Kim Yeol, the president of the elite club, are brought together to form a cheerleading squad for the school.
When this encounter brings in all the misfortunes and chaos in their life, they also learn to give up on their difference to bring out the best performance they have ever produced. Along with these two, their club members fully support and help them to make this squad a perfect one. Sassy, Go Go is one drama that is focused on the meaning of emotions, hard work, and friendship that is portrayed by a group of wonderful actors.
- Star Cast: Jung Eun Ji, Lee Won Keun, Chae Soo Bin, Chan Hak Yeon, Ji Soo
- No of Episodes: 12
Also Read: How To Watch Summer Strike? Streaming Guide
16. Mental Coach Jegal (2022)
As we speak of sports, a player’s health is very important, and that’s what this kdrama brings us to. Brought down from a fabulous life as a Taekwondo player, Jegal Gil becomes a mental coach. His role becomes important for the athlete who is going through slumps and having a hard time chasing after their sports dream.
Jegal Gil comes to treat all the young players and tries to fight the evil for them. While he fights through all the negative thoughts, he struggles with his past tangled in the false scandal. This series is not only focused on one sport but many, like Taekwondo, speed skating, and swimming.
- Star Cast: Jung Woo, Lee Yoo Mi, Kwon Yul, Park Se Young, Moon Yoo Kang
- No of Episodes: 16
17. Two Hearts (2019)
Two Hearts is a miniseries that maybe everyone, especially those who love sports, would like it. The plot speaks of four individuals who love K-League and Soccer. Their passion for the sport is well visible, and their expressions for the sport are well appreciated.
This miniseries becomes the place where we get to see their day-to-day life as they go come under the path of companionship, friendship, youth, and love life. This drama also centers on all types of genres like misfortune, first love, bromance, and many more.
- Star Cast: Baro, Park Yoo Na, Kim Wook, Yuna
- No of Episodes: 6
18. Our Baseball (2019)
If sports bring people together, then just believe it is a good sport. Our Baseball is something similar to this. This story tells us how a very normal group of people working together in a working office form a baseball team to enjoy their life.
This group of people focuses on their happiness which they share with us – a perfect definition of a slice of life. Sung Shi Eun, who tries to search for a job, comes to take part in the team, becoming the only female member of the baseball team. Watch this series to find out how their happiness brings a sweet smile to their audiences’ faces.
- Star Cast: Park Jeong Hwa, Lee Jong Won. Park Chul Min, Gong Jung Hwan
- No of Episodes: 10
19. Bad Papa (2018)
Some heartbreaking dramas are a must to keep on the watchlist, and this drama is highly recommended to do so. When he fails both his wife and daughter for being incompetent, Ji Cheol is a mixed martial arts expert who is a cop. But being tangled in a false accusation, Ji Cheol was kicked out of the police force for taking bribes.
Now with no financial and living expenses, Ji Cheol’s family loses all their hope in him. Yet when his daughter, Yoo Young Sun’s life comes into danger, he chooses the path of boxing as his career to save his family from the misery he brought on them. Boxing brings a new hope in him, which then later brings him friends who are there to support him.
- Star Cast: Jang Hyuk, Son Yeo Eun, Shin Eun Soo, Ha Jun
- No of Episode: 32
20. Holy Land (2012)
The bond between sports and the person who chooses that particular sport is considered so special. This bond brings that person to what they were meant to be. Not only do they define the purpose in their life, but they also get those special people into their life.
Holy Land is this miniseries that speaks of this very highly. Once lost and find himself distant from everyone else, Kang Yu becomes an outcast among his peers. Kang Yu chose his way of coping by spending his nights on the streets, going rebellious against the society that set the norms.
That’s when boxing came to him as a second chance in life. Boxing gave him the passion that he lost along the way and brought new friends and love which he never received. Watch Kang Yu as he blooms into his worth along with the sport he chose as his companion in life.
- Star Cast: Shin Dong Ho, Yoo Bong Gil, Joo Ah Reum, Hoon
- No of Episodes: 4
Also Read: Where To Watch The Forbidden Marriage? Streaming Guide
21. Matching! Boys Archery (2016)
This time this story starts with a wannabe Webtoon artist, Hong Shi Ah. Hardworking and ever-talented, looking for inspiration for her characters in her new work. To make attractive characters, our artist turns into a sports manager and becomes the manager of an archery club.
A club full of handsome athletes is what she has been looking for for her purpose. Now the chaos comes in the form of comedy, bromance, and lots of fun! Now maybe we can make a rough estimation of how the webtoon writers come up with such good-looking characters.
- Star Cast: Baek Chul Min, Seo Ji Hoon, Kei, Kim Chang Hwan
- No of Episodes: 8
22. Dr. Champ (2010)
Moving to the countryside in the name of transfer, Kim Yeon Woo, an orthopedic doctor, was fired from her post in Seoul. She moves to Taereung National Village, which is a training center for professional Olympic players.
There, she comes across a young Judo player, Park Ji Heon, and they get caught up romantically. And when Lee Do Wook comes into the picture, they get into a love triangle, and the fun begins. Won’t it be interesting to see where our doctor would go for? Watch this kdrama to know more!
- Star Cast: Kim So Yeon, Jung Gyu Woon, Uhm Tae Woong, Cha Ye Ryun
23. Birdie Buddy (2011)
Potential and passion in a person for sports is very important. It is what keeps them going. And that’s what John Lee sees in the two ladies who try to make their future in golf. Once named to be star player and owner of the PGA title, John Lee is a golf course tester who tries to find someone who can earn the PGA title.
Min Hae Ryung, an elite golf prodigy, is ready to play her game with the deepest passion. While Sung Mi Soo, a girl from the countryside, had nothing but her passion for golf which kept her going on her path to becoming the best golf player. John Lee trains them to perfection, and it’s one of them who will earn the PGA title. Who do you think it will be?
- Star Cast: Uee, Lee Da Hee, Lee Yong Woo
- No. of Episodes: 24
24. Puck! (2016)
It was traumatizing for him when Jo Jun Man realized his ex-wife had left her debts on him. To get it all off his burden, Jun Man had no choice but to start working under a gang boss. But when he comes across an ice hockey coach, Jun Man gets into the team to pay back his debts.
Joining the team came as a blessing to Jun Man, and his life never remains the same again. This mini-drama tells about the joy that Jun Man gets after learning the sport. Watch this two-episode-long kdrama to know what happens to Jun Man!
- Star Cast: Lee Kwang Soo, Jung Hae Kyun, Son Soo Hyun, Kwak Dong Yeon
- No. of Episode: 2
25. Triple (2009)
And, lastly, how about a full dramatic kdrama to end this list? Triple tells us the story of a girl named Lee Haru, an aspiring young figure skater. She works hard on her dreams and tries to make them bigger with the help of her coach Choi Soo In. But along the path, she finds herself stumbling in front of her stepbrother, Shin Hwal.
The long reunion brings a lot of complications in Haru’s life. As her desire to become a famous figure skater runs along, her sudden feelings for Hwal develops after so many encounters. But one thing she didn’t see coming was her coach, and her stepbrother was already in a love interest. Isn’t it dramatic already!! How about watching this drama to know what happens to Haru’s dreams and her love life?
- Star Cast: Min Hyo Rin, Lee Jung Jae, Lee Ha Na, Yoon Kye Sang
- No. of Episodes: 16
Also Read: Alchemy Of Souls Ending Explained
