Who doesn’t love sports?! Sports give us that adrenaline rush and pure satisfaction, especially when we watch our favorite team or player compete. Mixing sports with K-dramas creates one of the most exciting genres out there — it brings more depth to the storyline, makes the characters more compelling, and even teaches us cool details about sports we never knew!
There are so many sports-themed K-dramas and films to enjoy, so let’s check out some of the best ones that deserve a spot on your watchlist, which are all available for streaming on KOCOWA+!
“Stove League“

If you asked me to name my No. 1 sports K-drama, I’d immediately say “Stove League!” This drama isn’t just amazing in terms of story — it’s also one of my all-time favorite K-dramas. Starring Namkoong Min and Park Eun Bin, this baseball-themed series follows a struggling professional team that’s ranked last in the league for four years straight. Everything changes when a new general manager, Baek Seung Soo, joins the team and helps turn their fortunes around.
Don’t worry if you don’t know much about baseball — the drama does a great job explaining the sport simply and interestingly. Plus, Baek Seung Soo is such a memorable character with a unique personality and a heartfelt backstory. “Stove League” proves that the most exciting part of sports isn’t always the games — sometimes, it’s what happens behind the scenes that really grabs your heart.
“A Head Coach’s Turnover“

If you love second chances and redemption arcs, “A Head Coach’s Turnover” should be your next pick. This 2025 mini-drama stars Park Sung Woong as a former basketball legend who becomes the coach of a professional team that hasn’t made the playoffs in years. To save the team, he unexpectedly teams up with his biggest online hater — a high school student who’s a genius at analyzing basketball tactics!
Even though it’s only two episodes long, the drama made waves with its classic underdog theme and emotional storytelling. The unlikely partnership between the veteran coach and his young critic adds humor, warmth, and tension. “A Head Coach’s Turnover” is a short but meaningful watch about trust, teamwork, and fighting for what you love.
“Road To Boston“


Now for a truly inspiring story based on real events — “Road to Boston” stars Ha Jung Woo and Yim Si Wan and takes us back to post-war Korea in the 1940s. It tells the incredible true story of Korean marathoners who competed in the 1947 Boston Marathon. At the center of it all is Sohn Kee Chung, a legendary Olympic gold medalist who trains a new generation of runners representing Korea on the international stage for the first time after independence.
This movie is both powerful and emotional. While it showcases the thrill of marathon running, it also highlights deeper themes like perseverance, national pride, and the human spirit. Knowing it’s based on a true story makes it even more moving — you’ll find yourself rooting for every runner every step of the way.
“My Lovely Boxer“

Let’s now dive into a sports melodrama centered around the boxing world! “My Lovely Boxer” tells the story of Kim Tae Young (played by Lee Sang Yeob), a cold and strategic sports agent known for using athletes for quick success. He sets his sights on Lee Kwon Sook (Kim So Hye), a boxing prodigy who mysteriously vanished from the ring at the peak of her career. As Tae Young tries to bring her back into the spotlight, the two must confront their own emotional scars — and along the way, find the healing they deserve.
What makes “My Lovely Boxer” stand out is how it explores the idea of fighting — not just in the ring, but in life. The drama offers powerful boxing scenes, but its strength lies in its emotional depth and relatable characters. The surprising emotional chemistry between the two leads also adds a comforting layer to the story, making it more than just a sports drama.
“Weightlifting Fairy, Kim Bok-joo“

Ever wondered what it’s like to blend sports with campus life and first love? “Weightlifting Fairy, Kim Bok-joo” nails it! This coming-of-age K-drama follows Kim Bok Joo (Lee Sung Kyung), a determined young weightlifter with a big heart and even bigger dreams. Her life changes when she reunites with her childhood friend, Jung Joon Hyung (Nam Joo Hyuk), a swimmer dealing with his own struggles — and whose love language is playfully teasing her. As they grow closer, their sweet romance blooms while they juggle university life and personal challenges.
“Weightlifting Fairy, Kim Bok-joo” is a campus rom-com gem that’s funny, feel-good, and full of heart. The chemistry between the leads will make you giggle, while the story hits home with themes of finding yourself, chasing your dreams, and supporting the people you love. It’s inspiring, light, and perfect for anyone who enjoys a heartwarming story.
“Cheer Up“

“Cheer Up” takes us into the high-energy, high-pressure world of university cheerleading — but with a twist of mystery! The story follows Do Hae Yi (Han Ji Hyun), a hardworking student who joins the cheerleading team in hopes of earning scholarship money. There, she finds unexpected friendships, a second family, and a kind-hearted team captain who supports her through her toughest times — all while a chilling secret about the team’s past slowly comes to light.
This drama seamlessly blends youthful romance, campus life, and suspense in the most effective way possible. The cheerleading scenes are fun, energetic, and surprisingly emotional, showing the passion and effort behind every performance. And as the mystery unfolds, you’ll be drawn into the hidden layers behind the team’s cheerful image. “Cheer Up” is a rollercoaster of emotions — and absolutely worth watching.
“Rebound“

Let’s wrap up with another inspiring underdog story — this time based on real events! “Rebound” tells the incredible true story of basketball coach Kang Yang Hyun (played by Ahn Jae Hong) and the Busan Jungang High School basketball team’s unbelievable journey to the 2012 national championships. Despite having only six players on the roster — yes, just six — the team pushes through adversity and rises all the way to the finals.
This movie is the very definition of feel-good. It’s full of heart, determination, and that classic “teamwork makes the dream work” energy. You’ll find yourself smiling, tearing up, and passionately rooting for the team as they defy all odds. If you love a solid underdog story that hits all the emotional beats, “Rebound” is a must-watch.
Have you picked your next favorite yet? Whether you’re in the mood for tearjerking moments, inspiring underdog stories, or fun campus romances, these sports K-dramas and films have it all. You can stream all of them now on KOCOWA+ with subtitles in multiple languages!