If you’ve been tuned in to K-dramas lately, there are some great sports-themed series capturing the hearts of viewers and critics alike! From “The Winning Try” to “Flowers In The Sand,” recent dramas have been giving sports fans some great stories— and it’s about time! Fans have been missing out on the lives and loves of athletes since hit series such as “Twenty-Five, Twenty-One,” “Racket Boys,” and “Cheer Up.”
If you’re not ready to invest in an entire series centered on sports just yet, there are moviesthat showcase a variety of sports, from skiing and table tennis to running and wrestling, providing a diverse range of stories and themes within the sports genre. Korean cinema has a unique talent for blending heartfelt drama with real-life triumphs, and nowhere is that more evident than in its sports films.
From true stories of underdogs to heartwarming comedies about teamwork, these movies go beyond the playing field to explore resilience, unity, and hope. Here are eight standout Korean sports films that deserve a spot on your watchlist.
1. As One (2012)
Based on the true story of the first-ever unified Korean sports team, As One follows North and South Korean athletes who join forces for the 1991 World Table Tennis Championships. Despite cultural clashes and political tension, the team finds common ground through the game. It’s a moving story of unity and perseverance, directed by Moon Hyun Sung.
2. My Annoying Brother (2016)
This comedy-drama stars EXO’s Do Kyungsoo as a promising judo athlete who loses his sight, and Jo Jung Suk as his estranged older brother who suddenly reappears in his life. While the setup leans comedic, the film develops into a touching story about brotherhood, healing, and learning to rely on one another.
3. Road to Boston (2023)
Set in the aftermath of World War II, this film tells the inspiring story of Korean marathon runners who face discrimination while chasing their Olympic dreams. Starring Im Siwan, who also loves running in real life, the film highlights the determination of athletes running not just for themselves, but for a country fighting for recognition on the world stage.
4. Dream (2023)
Starring Park Seo Joon and IU, this feel-good comedy based on true events follows a disgraced soccer player who reluctantly coaches a team of homeless men for the Homeless World Cup. What starts as an obligation turns into a journey of growth, laughter, and second chances—for both the coach and his players.
5. Champion (2018)
Starring the beloved Ma Dong Seok, this film blends a lot of comedy with heart! It explores the story of a former arm-wrestling champion from Korea who was raised in the U.S. When given a chance to return to Korea for a tournament, it seems his glory days may not be behind him after all, but suddenly his biological family shows up and puts a damper on his plans. Will he find a prize he wasn’t even looking for all this time?
6. Run Off (2016)
A sequel to Take Off, this film follows South Korea’s first women’s ice hockey team as they prepare for the 2003 Asian Winter Games. With players from diverse backgrounds—including a North Korean defector and a former figure skater—the team embodies the spirit of perseverance and unity.
7. Brave Citizen (2023)
Based on a popular webtoon, Brave Citizen is less a sports movie than just a movie about a former athlete using her sports skills. Starring Shin Hye Sun as a once-promising boxer turned part-time teacher, when she witnesses injustice and bullying, the teacher decides to take action as an everyday hero. Mixing action and social commentary, the film is both thrilling and empowering.
8. Lifting King Kong (2009)
Inspired by real events, this heartfelt drama tells the story of a weightlifting coach who trains a group of misfit girls to compete nationally. Despite poverty and prejudice, the girls find strength in both sport and sisterhood, while their coach reclaims his own sense of purpose. Although it’s the oldest film on the list, there’s a reason I saved this one for last. This is a film that starts lighthearted, but the true story factor means it lingers in the mind far after the film is done. I watched it years ago, and I’ve never been able to forget it!
Whether rooted in true stories or fictionalized tales of power, these films show that sports are never just about winning—they’re about unity, identity, and the courage to keep moving forward. Perhaps that is why Korea makes such great sports movies— those themes have echoed in their own story as a nation time and time again.
Have you watched any of the movies on this list? Which one is your favorite? What other movie would you add? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting us at @whatthekpop1 or leaving a comment on Facebook and Instagram!
leigh1086 is a K-drama addict, a movieholic, and an absolute sucker for an underdog story. Perhaps that’s the real reason why she has never been able to resist a sports movie! In fact, the first time she can ever remember crying over a movie is when she watched “Rudy” as a kid, and the second time was when she watched “Brian’s Song” (both are football movies). In fact, she cried so hard at the second movie that her mom had to threaten to turn it off.
Media: CJ E&M Entertainment