Korean dramas are celebrated for their rich storytelling, and sports-themed series are a prime example. If you’re seeking a mix of motivation and heartfelt moments, Korean sports dramas have a lot to offer. These shows combine athletic prowess with compelling personal narratives, making them highly engaging.
Sports dramas in Korea go beyond just the action on the field. They tackle the struggles, achievements, and personal growth of athletes, offering a narrative that resonates deeply. From overcoming challenges to reaching personal milestones, these series provide inspiring stories that keep viewers invested.
Whether you’re passionate about sports or simply enjoy a good drama, these top 13 sports Korean dramas will impress. They cover a range of sports, from weightlifting to figure skating, each with its own unique set of challenges and emotional depth. These shows highlight not only the physical demands of sports but also the emotional and mental journeys of the characters.
Get ready to be moved by stories of perseverance, teamwork, and triumph. These dramas emphasize the dedication and spirit needed to succeed in sports while delivering heartwarming and entertaining stories. Experience the impactful blend of sports and drama that Korean television excels in.
1. Reply 1994
In the nostalgic series set in 1994, six university students from various South Korean provinces find themselves living together at a boarding house in Sinchon, Seoul. The house is managed by a couple and their daughter, Sung Na-Jung, portrayed by Go Ara. The students, each with their unique backgrounds, handle their live in the bustling city.
Echoing the style of Reply 1997, the narrative shifts between 1994 and 2013, creating a mystery about which of the male characters will ultimately become Na-jung’s husband. This nonlinear storytelling adds a layer of intrigue as viewers piece together clues from both timelines.
The series interweaves pivotal historical and cultural events from 1994, such as the emergence of the iconic K-pop group Seo Taiji and Boys, the devastating Sampoong Department Store collapse, and the founding of the Korean Basketball League. These events provide a rich backdrop for the characters’ stories.
To preserve the suspense, the male characters are initially introduced only by their nicknames. Their true identities and roles become clear over time, keeping viewers engaged and curious about their connections to Na-Jung and the unfolding drama.
- Aired: Oct 18, 2013 – Dec 28, 2013
- No of Episodes: 21
- Cast: Go Ah Ra, Yoo Yeon Seok
- Streaming Platform: Viki
2. Cheer Up!
In the elite environment of Seoul’s Sevit High School, Cheer Up! follows five students from starkly different backgrounds. Kang Yeon-doo, portrayed by Jung Eun-ji, leads the “Real King” street dance club, a group of underachieving students. On the other side is Kim Yeol, played by Lee Won-Keun, who heads “Baek Ho,” a prestigious club for top performers.
The drama intensifies when the school forces these rival clubs to merge into a single cheerleading team. Initially fraught with tension and competition, this forced collaboration sparks unexpected growth as Yeon-doo and Yeol learn to work together.
As they face the pressures of cheerleading and high school life, the students compromise the premises of personal struggles, love, and heartache. Their journey through these challenges highlights their evolution and the development of deep, lasting friendships.
Cheer Up! showcases how the merging of these disparate groups leads to profound connections and personal transformation. It portrays the students’ resilience and the enduring impact of their shared experiences amidst the academic pressures of Sevit High School.
- Aired: Oct 5, 2015 – Nov 10, 2015
- No of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Jung Eun Ji, Lee Won Keun, Chae Soo Bin
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Viki
3. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
In Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, the focus is on a young weightlifter named Bok Joo, who is determined to clinch the gold medal. As she dedicates herself to the rigorous demands of weightlifting, she unexpectedly experiences romance for the first time. This new relationship introduces a different set of challenges, contrasting sharply with her intense training regimen.
Bok Joo’s struggle is balancing her passion for weightlifting with her budding romance. The drama delves into her internal conflict: pursuing love could undermine her athletic career, while focusing solely on her sport might jeopardize her chance at true affection.
The series unfolds in the competitive world of sports, featuring athletes from weightlifting, swimming, and rhythmic gymnastics. Each character works hard to achieve their goals while dealing with their own personal challenges.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo touches on the themes of youth, love, and ambition. It vividly portrays the journey of balancing professional dreams with personal relationships, highlighting the trials and triumphs of young athletes.
- Aired: Nov 16, 2016 – Jan 11, 2017
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Lee Sung Kyung, Nam Joo Hyuk
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
4. Fight For My Way
In Fight for My Way, the story revolves around Ko Dong Man, who has long aspired to make a name for himself in taekwondo. Despite his dreams, he now finds himself stuck in a routine job as a contract worker. Alongside him is his friend Choi Ae Ra, who dreams of becoming a television anchor but is currently employed at a department store’s information desk.
Their journey is complicated by their friends, Kim Joo Man and Baek Seol Hee, who have been together for six years. Their relationship is now under strain from external pressures, adding another layer of challenge to their lives.
The series portrays the struggle of these four friends as they strive to achieve their dreams despite lacking prestigious backgrounds or high-status qualifications. Their journey highlights the perseverance needed to overcome obstacles and pursue aspirations.
Fight for My Way offers a heartfelt look at the challenges faced by ordinary individuals trying to make their mark. It illustrates their determination to break through societal expectations and achieve their personal goals, demonstrating that passion and grit can sometimes outweigh formal credentials.
- Aired: May 22, 2017 – Jul 11, 2017
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Park Seo Joon, Kim Ji Won, Ahn Jae Hong, Song Ha Yoon
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
5. Rebound (Movie)
The once-proud basketball team of Jungang High School in Busan faces closure after years of lackluster performance. In a bid to revive the team, alumnus Kang Yang-hyeon, a former coach for the U-16 boys’ national team, is appointed as the new head coach. His arrival, however, causes many players to leave, unwilling to play under a relatively unknown coach.
Undeterred, Coach Kang assembles a makeshift team of six players who had been overlooked by other top basketball schools. As he prepares them for the National Basketball Championships, he instils a new mindset focused on teamwork and relentless effort. His guiding principle is clear: “There is no such thing as missed shots, only rebounds.”
Coach Kang’s approach emphasizes that every play counts and every opportunity can be reclaimed. His efforts are aimed at transforming the underdog team into a competitive force, instilling a sense of unity and resilience in his players.
The story highlights their journey through the championships, illustrating how a fresh perspective and unwavering determination can turn around their fortunes. The team’s evolution from underdogs to contenders underscores the power of perseverance and team spirit.
- Aired: Apr 5, 2023
- Director: Jang Hang Jun
- Cast: Ahn Jae Hong, Lee Shin Young, Jung Jin Woon, Kim Taek, Jung Gun Joo, Kim Min
- Streaming Platform:
6. Hot Stove League
The drama centres around the transformation of the Dreams, a struggling Major League Baseball team, as they prepare for an extraordinary season with their new general manager. Each episode focuses on different challenges the team faces in their quest to become stronger and more competitive.
Se Young, the youngest head of the management team, is celebrated for her dedication and passion for the Dreams. Despite the team’s poor performance, she is determined to turn things around. The arrival of Seung Su as the new general manager brings a mix of hope and scepticism. Known for leading teams that won championships but later faced disbandment due to financial issues, Seung Su’s track record is a mixed bag.
Seung Su’s task is to overcome the team’s poor reputation and steer them towards success, supported by Se Young’s relentless commitment. Meanwhile, the team includes Han Jae Hee, an energetic grandson of a furniture maker, Kim Young Chae, a former softball player turned sports announcer, and Yoo Min Ho, a passionate pitcher obsessed with baseball.
As the team works through various problems and strives for improvement, the series highlights their efforts to overcome obstacles and achieve their championship dreams, blending personal and professional struggles into a compelling narrative.
- Aired: Dec 13, 2019 – Feb 14, 2020
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Namkoong Min, Park Eun Bin, Cho Byeong Kyu, Oh Jung Se
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
7. Racket Boys
In a middle school in Haenam, a boys’ badminton team is on the brink of collapse when former star player Yoon Hyun Jong steps in as coach. Once a celebrated athlete, Hyun Jong is now struggling financially and has seized the opportunity to revitalize the team. However, he inherits a group of just three players: Bang Yoon Dam, Na Woo Chan, and Lee Yong Tae, who are disheartened and close to giving up.
With Hyun Jong’s guidance, the boys begin to improve, especially after Yoon Hae Kang, his son, and Jung In Sol join the squad. The addition of these new players gives the team a fresh start, enabling them to participate in competitions and aspire to greater achievements. Their journey is marked by personal growth and collective triumphs, driven by their determination to succeed.
Parallel to this, Ra Young Ja, Hyun Jong’s wife and a former top badminton player, coaches the girls’ team at a nearby middle school. Her team, which includes Han Se Yoon, Korea’s top junior female player, and her close friend Lee Han Sol, is among the strongest in their division. The rivalry and mutual support between the two teams highlight the family’s dedication to the sport.
As the boys’ and girls’ teams face their respective challenges, their stories intertwine, showcasing their development both on and off the court. The drama paints a vivid picture of perseverance, family dynamics, and the pursuit of excellence in the field of middle school badminton.
- Aired: May 31, 2021 – Aug 9, 2021
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Kim Sanf Kyung, Oh Na Ra, Tang Jun Sang, Son Sang Yeon, Choi Hyun Wook, Kim Kang Hoon
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
8. Love All Play
In this sports romance drama, Park Tae Joon’s life is transformed when he teams up with Park Tae Yang for mixed doubles badminton. Tae Joon, whose family runs a badminton equipment business, had lost his initial enthusiasm for the sport, viewing it more as a job than a passion. However, his feelings change dramatically when he meets Park Tae Yang, a former Olympic hopeful.
Park Tae Yang, who was once a rising star in badminton, had to step away from the sport for three years due to a bribery scandal. Her return to the badminton world is marked by both personal and professional challenges. Despite her turbulent past, her talent and drive remain undiminished, reigniting her love for the game.
As Tae Joon and Tae Yang join forces on the court, their relationship evolves from mere teammates to something deeper. Their shared dedication to badminton and their chemistry bring them closer, blending sports with romance.
The drama captures their journey of rediscovery and redemption, exploring how their mutual affection for badminton and each other helps them overcome obstacles and find new purpose in their lives and careers.
- Aired: Apr 20, 2022 – Jun 9, 2022
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Park Ju Hyun, Cha Jong Hyeop
- Streaming Platform: Disney+
9. Mental Coach Jegal
Je Gal Gil, a former national Taekwondo athlete known for his perseverance and endearing quirks, faces a dramatic career shift after a scandal forces his expulsion from the athlete’s village. Once labelled an unlucky prodigy, he struggles with past trauma but eventually reclaims his mental strength and returns as a mental coach. His mission is to assist former and current athletes who are struggling with psychological barriers.
Cha Ga Eul, a renowned short-track speed skating gold medalist, finds herself in a slump despite her reputation as the “Ice Princess.” Known for her stoic demeanour, she is isolated and battling internal conflicts until she encounters Je Gal Gil. His unconventional approach and empathy help her confront her issues, offering a glimmer of hope.
Gu Tae Man, the ambitious director of the Human Rights Center at the Korean Olympic Committee, plays a pivotal role in Je Gal Gil’s past troubles. His desire for power and control contributed to Je Gal Gil’s downfall, making him a significant antagonist in the narrative. Gu Tae Man’s actions underscore the corruption and manipulation in the sports world.
Park Seung Ha, a compassionate mental health support team member, faces her own challenges when Je Gal Gil becomes her first patient. After enduring personal hardships, she leaves her previous job and joins the athlete’s village, where she reunites with Je Gal Gil. Together, they form a powerful team, helping athletes overcome psychological obstacles while investigating their own complex relationships.
- Aired: Sep 12, 2022 – Nov 1, 2022
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Jung Woo, Lee You Mi
- Streaming Platform: Viki
10. Twenty-Five Twenty-One
In a challenging period marked by the South Korean financial crisis, Na Hee Do’s passion for fencing drives her through adversity. Despite her high school fencing team’s disbandment due to the economic downturn, Na Hee Do remains determined. Her perseverance eventually earns her a spot on the national fencing team, where she aims to make her mark.
Parallel to Na Hee Do’s journey, Baek Yi Jin experiences a dramatic shift in his life. Once enjoying the privileges of wealth, he faces financial ruin after his father’s business collapses. The crisis forces Baek Yi Jin to adapt, juggling part-time jobs like newspaper delivery while pursuing his studies.
As Baek Yi Jin transitions from a struggling student to a sports reporter, his path intersects with Na Hee Do’s. His new role allows him to cover stories that include her achievements, providing a unique perspective on her rise in fencing.
Together, their stories reflect a journey of resilience and transformation. While Na Hee Do fights to achieve her dreams despite the setbacks, Baek Yi Jin rebuilds his life and career from the ground up, highlighting their shared struggle and triumph amidst the financial chaos.
- Aired: Feb 12, 2022 – Apr 3, 2022
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Kim Tae Ri, Nam Joo Hyuk, Bona, Choi Hyun Wook
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
11. Run On
Ki Sun Gyeom, a once-promising sprinter, faces a career setback due to legal troubles, leading him to leave the national team. As he faces life outside of sports, he crosses paths with Oh Mi Joo, a translator who takes pride in her work on movie subtitles. Oh Mi Joo believes their meeting is a twist of fate and is excited about the new connection.
Meanwhile, Seo Dan Ah, the CEO of a sports agency and heir to the Seomyung Group, battles against gender biases that hinder her advancement in the company. Determined to break through these barriers and claim her rightful place, she dedicates herself to overcoming the obstacles in her path.
Into Seo Dan Ah’s world enters Lee Young Hwa, a university student studying art which has a passion for movies and drawing. His presence brings a new dynamic to Seo Dan Ah’s life, offering fresh perspectives and support as she strives to achieve her professional goals.
Together, their lives intertwine in a story of ambition, resilience, and the search for one’s place in a challenging world. Each character faces their own battles, finding strength and hope in unexpected connections and newfound relationships.
- Aired: Dec 16, 2020 – Feb 4, 2021
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Yim Si Wan, Shin Sae Kyeong, Choi Soo Young, Kang Tae Oh
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
12. Like Flower in Sand
Kim Baek Doo, once celebrated as a rising star in the traditional Korean sport of ssireum, now faces a pivotal moment in his career. As a member of the Geosan County Office ssireum team and the youngest son of a prominent ssireum family, Baek Doo considers retiring due to his declining performance.
His old passion for the sport is rekindled when he reconnects with his childhood friend, Oh Yoo Kyung, who returns to Geosan County to manage the faltering ssireum team, which is on the verge of disbanding.
The scene in Geosan County is further complicated by Min Hyun Wook, who quickly integrates into the community, and Joo Mi Ran, a mysterious café owner with her own secrets. Baek Doo and Yoo Kyung face the task of reviving the ssireum team, dealing with the hurdles of restoring its former glory.
New vitality is brought by Kwak Jin Soo, the team’s new coach, who offers innovative ideas and strategies for training. Baek Doo’s loyal friend, Cho Seok Hee, a police constable, provides unwavering support. Together, these characters tackle personal and professional challenges, working to bring the ssireum team back to its former prominence.
- Aired: Dec 20, 2023 – Jan 31, 2024
- No of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Jang Dong Yoon, Lee Joo Myung
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
13. My Lovely Boxer
Kim Tae Young is a ruthless sports agent who capitalizes on athletes’ talents, quickly profiting from their success before they inevitably burn out. Among his clients is Kim Hee Won, a talented baseball pitcher who holds particular significance for Tae Young. When Hee Won encounters a critical problem, Tae Young is given the challenging task of convincing Lee Kwon Sook to return to boxing.
Three years earlier, Lee Kwon Sook was a standout boxer, gaining fame and dominating her matches at just 17. Suddenly, she disappeared from the sport, leaving many questions unanswered. Now, living a peaceful life far from the boxing ring, her comeback becomes essential for Kim Hee Won.
Determined to help Hee Won, Tae Young seeks out Kwon Sook, aiming to persuade her to return to the sport she once excelled in. This task proves to be arduous, as Tae Young must overcome the challenges of her new life and convince her to reclaim her place in the boxing world.
- Aired: Aug 21, 2023 – Oct 2, 2023
- No of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Lee Sang Yeob, Kim So Hye
- Streaming Platform: Prime Video, Viki
