Over the past couple of years, K-dramas have evolved to include a variety of genres. These include romance, comedy, thrillers, and more. One of the more interesting concepts is when these dramas include the lead actors playing or majoring in a sport. This trope has a significant audience that gets inspired by the storyline involving the sport and the actor’s ability to seamlessly fit into the role of playing the sport.
The most recent K-drama added to the list is Like Flowers in Sand, which premiered on December 20, 2023. The series, available to stream on Netflix, follows the story of a ssireum fighter Kim Baek-Doo (Jang Dong-Yoon). He was born as the youngest son of a traditional ssireum family, but circumstances led him to almost quit the sport. However, one day he meets Oh Yoo-Kyung (Lee Joo-Myung), who reignites his passion for the sport.
Several more K-dramas feature traditional and popular sports. Check out some of our interesting recommendations for K-dramas below.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo is a popular South Korean drama that premiered on November 16, 2016. The series follows the story of a talented weightlifter, Kim Bok-Joo (Lee Sung-Kyung), who navigates her passion for weightlifting by balancing her personal life and struggles.
Bok-Joo gets in touch with Jung Joon-Hyung (Nam Joo-Hyuk) from the same university, who is a swimmer. Although she gets a crush on his brother first, the two eventually fall in love. The drama is popular for showcasing a sportsperson’s struggles with the added touch of romance. It is available to stream on Netflix.
Twenty-Five Twenty-One
Twenty-Five Twenty-One tells the story of a passionate fencer, Na Hee-Do (Kim Tae-Ri), pursuing her dream of becoming a national fencing champion. The story is set in the middle of the Korean financial crisis.
It is during this time that she meets Baek Yi-Jin (Nam Joo-Hyuk), whose family went bankrupt because of the crisis. The two form a unique bond and help each other achieve their dreams. The drama premiered on February 12, 2022, and is available on Netflix.
Run On
Run On features the story of a professional sprinter, Ki Seon-Gyeom (Im Si-Wan), who hopes to achieve first place. Known as the national representative of track and field, unfortunate circumstances and people led him astray from his dream.
He eventually comes in touch with translator Oh Mi-Joo (Shin Se-Kyung) most unusually. The two gradually fall in love while achieving their goals. The drama aired on December 16, 2020, and is available on Netflix.
Hot Stove League
Hot Stove League is a popular K-drama that premiered on December 13, 2019. The series revolves around a major league baseball team, that struggles at the bottom of the lineup. However, the entry of a new manager Baek Seung-Soo (Min Nam-Koong) shakes things up.
With the support of Lee Se-Young (Park Eun-Bin), the management head of the team, Seung-Soo brings the baseball team back to the forefront. Despite multiple challenges, the two uplift the spirit of baseball. The drama is available to stream on Netflix.
Racket Boys
Racket Boys follows the story of a boys’ badminton team at a middle school in Haenam. Yoon Hyeon-Jong (Kim Sang-Kyung) was a famous badminton player who now takes the job of coaching a team in the school. The players include Na Woo-Chan (Choi Hyun-Wook), Yoon Hae-Kang (Tang Joon-Sang), Lee Yong-Tae (Kim Kang-Hoon) and Bang Yoon-Dam (Son Sang-Yeon). Throughout the series, the team players as well as the coach learn more about the game and life. The drama premiered on May 31, 2021, and is available on Netflix.
These K-dramas centered around sports provide a gripping storyline, interesting characters and a lot of motivation for viewers. Many other dramas include sports as their central plotline and are available on a variety of streaming platforms. These include My Lovely Boxer, Cheer Up, Fight For My Way, To The Beautiful You, Prison Playbook, and more.
