5 K-Dramas To Watch If You Liked Uplifting Sports Series "Like Flowers In Sand"

Here are some K-Dramas you can watch if you liked "Like Flowers In Sand"!

Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor
4 min to read · Published : Feb 1, 2024

5 K-Dramas To Watch If You Liked Uplifting Sports Series "Like Flowers In Sand"

ENA

"Like Flowers In Sand" captivated audiences with mystery and allure, an athlete's passion, and blossoming romance. With Jang DongYoon and Lee JuMyoung as its main leads, the ENA drama helped viewers get over the middle of the week with ease and arrive at the weekend with a smile on their face.

However, like many K-Dramas, "Like Flowers In Sand" must come to an end. It was amazing to follow the journey of Oh YooKyung (Lee JuMyoung) and Kim BaekDoo (Jang DongYoon) in the world of ssireum, while also uncovering the truth of of a crime. There were bouts of laughter, nail-biting mystery, and traces of love woven in between. It will certainly be hard to replace such a drama, however, we will have to try.

So with that, here are a few series you should watch if you enjoyed "Like Flowers In Sand".

1. "Love All Play"

KBS

Cast: Park JuHyun, Chae JongHyeop, and more

Summary: Diving into the world of professional badminton, it follows Park TaeJoon, an athlete who started losing passion for the sport, and Park TaeYang, a former aspiring Olympian who took time away due to a bribing scandal. Together, they meet on team Yunis, grow as professionals, and fall for one another.

Reasons To Watch: In the same vein as "Like Flowers In Sand", "Love All Play" presents athletes who are struggling with their sport. Despite the obstacles they face, both Park TaeJoon and Park TaeYang, along with the rest of their team, train well into the night to ensure that they are at their best condition. The drama expertly portrays the cutthroat nature of sports, but also the tenacity of the athletes that play it.

2. "My Lovely Boxer"

KBS

Cast: Kim SoHye, Lee SangYeob, and more

Summary: Lee KwonSook, a once genius boxer makes the decision to run away from the sport. After earning a mountain of debt in place of his friend, Kim TaeYoung looks to bring back Lee KwonSook to the world of boxing. Despite starting off on the wrong foot, the two transform into pillars of support for one another as they chase after their respective goals.

Reasons To Watch: While on the outside it may look like a simple sports drama, you'll find a mountain of depth once unpacked. Throughout the episodes of "My Lovely Boxer" you'll discover many heartwarming moments that speak to the characters' humanness and their desire to be happy. It highlights both the physical and mental struggles athletes face and how some crumble under all the weight. While it does tackle a lot of bad moments, "My Lovely Boxer" offers an undeniable warmth that anyone will love.

3. "Hot Stove League"

SBS

Cast: NamKoong Min, Park EunBin, Oh JungSe, Cho ByeongKyu, and more

Summary: Dreams is a bottom tier team of major league baseball. Despite this, Lee SeYoung is passionate as the team manager who has shown endless resilience and support for Dreams, despite their struggles. When their newest manager, Baek SeungSoo, arrives, things start to change for the team.

Reasons To Watch: The sports aspect aside, "Hot Stove League" is an inspiring underdog story that resonates on all fronts. Despite a past riddled with failure, it provides an outpouring of hope that success is just on the horizon, providing the encouragement needed to continue moving forward, even if it's one step at a time. Following the journey of Dreams and their amazing transformation will have you cheering for the team well after the drama's conclusion.

4. "Weightlifting Fairy Kim BokJoo"

MBC

Cast: Lee SungKyoung, Nam JooHyuk, Lee JaeYoon, Kyung SooJin, and more

Summary: Kim BokJoo and Jung JoonHyung are collegiate athletes who work tirelessly to rise to the top of their sport. However, while their lives were once mainly dedicated to training and improving their craft, they develop feelings of love. They embark on a story of romance, all while juggling their obligations of being an athlete.

Reasons To Watch: "Weightlifting Fairy Kim BokJoo" is an iconic series that needs little to no introduction. There's rising passion, youthful romance, and a whole lot of laughter. It's truly a coming of age story that reaches the hearts of individuals of all backgrounds. Even if you've watched it before, you won't regret reliving the utter joy that "Weightlifting Fairy Kim BokJoo" brings.

5. "Fight For My Way"

KBS

Cast: Park SeoJun, Kim JiWon, Song HaYoon, Ahn JaeHong, and more

Summary: A story of four friends who are all chasing their dreams. Despite the various obstacles that stand before them, they choose to power ahead, forging their own path in their respective fields.

Reasons To Watch: Although released in 2017, "Fight For My Way" remains legendary as it tracks four friends' journey as they pursue their dreams. It's a drama that touches upon the strength of friendship, what makes a relationship work, and the classic trope of friends to lovers. "Fight For My Way" will have you smiling widely from ear to ear, enjoying every quirky and entertaining moment that the four friends create. The innate comedy aside, you'll also find yourself cheering for their success and utmost happiness until the very end.

Which K-Drama are you watching after "Like Flowers In Sand"?