7 Sports-Themed K-Dramas That Will Get Your Heartrate Pumping

Here is a list of 7 sports-themed K-Dramas that will get your heartrate pumping.

Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor
5 min to read · Published : Jul 14, 2022

MBC

There's no time better than the summer to get outside and participate in a sport of your choice. Whether it's indoors or outdoors, there's an extracurricular activity for everyone. Whichever sport that you choose, it is sure to get you moving in no time.

But let's face it—sometimes the summer heat can get a little too intense, causing us to seek shelter in the coolness of our room. Luckily, just as there is a large variety of sports to choose from, the same can be said about sports-themed K-Dramas. Alongside the usual romantic fluff, there are moments of intense competition that fuels a person's desire to win.

So if you're looking to enjoy sports without the heat and sweat then you've come to the right place! Here are some sports-themed K-Dramas that will get your heart pumping.

1. "Weightlifting Fairy Kim BokJoo"

MBC

From showing the fierceness of competition to going on romantic dates after a tiring day of training, "Weightlifting Fairy Kim BokJoo" is a solid definition of range and versatility. This drama follows titular Kim BokJoo (played by Lee SungKyoung) and Jung JoonHyung (played by Nam JooHyuk) as they chase after their dreams of becoming more than just a collegiate athlete.

While this drama does showcase the difficult and harsh world of college sports, "Weightlifting Fairy Kim BokJoo" is no stranger in making its viewers burst into bouts of laughter. It does well to showcase all these different elements to create a drama loved and adored by many.

2. "Run On"

JTBC

"Run On" is not your typical sports drama. For starters, it graces us with a magnificent lineup which includes Yim SiWan, Shin SaeKyeong, Girls' Generation's SooYoung, and Kang TaeOh. The characters that they play are filled with an unforgettable quirkiness that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Not everything is a walk in the park, however, as this drama tackles hard topics like bullying and the familial pressure to succeed. Although these obstacles are present, Ki SunKyum (Yim SiWan) and company don't dare to run away, and instead faces theses problems head on. "Run On" has the perfect mix of silly and sincere that your heart is bound to be racing from every episode.

3. "Just Dance"

KBS

"Just Dance" is a heartwarming story that covers a wide array of topics. These topics include the struggles within the family household, the reality of chasing your dream, and budding high school love.

Set in the city of Geoje, known for its shipbuilding industry, this drama follows six girls that attend the same high school. They are part of their school's dance sports club and strive to win the dance sports competition. The cast of "Just Dance" is filled with fresh, youthful faces in Park SeWan, Jang DongYoon, Lee JooYoung, Joo HaeEun, Shin DoHyun, Lee YouMi, and Billlie's Kim SuHyeon. As the drama progresses, you will definitely begin to look toward the future with passion and hope.

4. "Racket Boys"

SBS

"Racket Boys" is a wholesome sports drama that fills its viewers with an undeniable warmth. The drama follows city boy, Yoon HaeKang (Tang JoonSang), as he follows his father, Yoon HyeonJong (Kim SangKyung), to the countryside in Haenam. There, Yoon HyeonJong accepts a coaching position for a failing middle school badminton team and HaeKang begins to play with them.

Despite their many flaws and disagreements, the team eventually rallies together and become pillars of support for one another. The vibrant team of Yoon HaeKang, Bang YoonDam (Son SangYeon), Na WooChan (Choi HyunWook), and Lee YoungTae (Kim KangHoon) really shines throughout the drama in their earnestness and drive to become the best, individually and as a team. Seeing their hard work and determination makes you want to cheer for them from beginning to end!

5. "Hot Stove League"

SBS

"Hot Stove League" follows baseball team Dreams which has placed last in the league for four consecutive years. But everything changes when new general manager Baek SeungSoo (Namgoong Min) comes in. With the never-ending belief and aid of Lee SeYoung (Park EunBin), SeungSoo sets to turn Dreams around and make them into a championship winning team.

Although baseball is at the core of "Hot Stove League", this drama tackles the importance of teamwork, the courage to continue moving forward, and the camaraderie found in between. There's just something awe-inspiring about an underdog story and the joy that comes when you see them finally succeed.

6. "Love All Play"

KBS

What happens when you put romance, badminton, and a passionate crew of athletes into one place? Well, you get the amazing story of "Love All Play". This drama successfully juggles the intensity of competition, lighthearted laughter, and heart fluttering romance on multiple occasions.

It does more than follow the budding relationship of Park TaeYang (Park JuHyun) and Park TaeJoon (Chae JongHyeop), but also highlights the other members on team Yunis. "Love All Play" showcases their evolution as a team and what it means to have a support system, while also teaching its viewers the importance of forgiveness, to yourself and towards others. This drama shows that slumps do not last forever, just as long as you continue moving forward and never give up.

7. "Twenty-Five Twenty-One"

tvN

This list would not be complete without "Twenty-Five Twenty-One" which released earlier this year. This series became an instant favorite among K-Drama fans across the globe, even entering Netflix's global top 10 chart. It allowed many to become acquainted with the sport of fencing, while also cheering for the relationship of Na HeeDo (Kim TaeRi) and Baek YiJin (Nam JooHyuk).

"Twenty-Five Twenty-One" is both nostalgic and relatable, giving viewers a glimpse into life during the IMF crisis and the passionate flame of youth that continued to shine despite of it. It was endearing to see how the cast grew and matured throughout the series, but at the same time heartbreaking due to the struggles they faced, whether in terms of relationship or sport. "Twenty-Five Twenty-One" serves as a reminder of the realities of growing up and the preciousness of youth.

Even if you're not a sports fan, these dramas offer something special that will surely touch your heart. Have you watched any of these dramas on the list? What's your favorite sports-themed K-Drama? Let us know in the comments!