If there’s one thing that we can all learn through quotes from sports Kdramas, it’s that sports are but a microcosmic metaphor for the world we live in and the lives we lead. From companionship to family values, morals and self-love, various sports leave us with life lessons related to these notions that may not be ostensibly visible from the top. However, if you look close enough and grasp the message underneath, there’s a lot to learn about the ways of life.
All the 6 sports K-dramas listed below don’t merely depict their cast in action at tournaments; rather, they reflect how the same blood, sweat and tears that go into making one’s life worth living foreground our daily routines and realities as well. Even if you’re not a sports enthusiast, these Korean TV series have something to make you feel warm while consoling you through painful day-to-day situations.
On this World Athletics Day 2023, instead of racing ahead, we’re slowing down to imbibe these quotes/lessons in our hearts and find some support as we struggle to grapple with the mundane, harsh reality we have to face every day. Here are some of the best quotes featured in each of these shows that we love dearly.
Some Quotes From Sports Kdramas That One Should Swear By
Run On
Cast: Im Si-wan, Shin Se-kyung, Choi Soo-young, Kang Tae-oh
Streaming On: Netflix
1. “No one is born being able to endure pain from the start. So don’t try to seem okay if that’s what you’re doing”.
2. “Of all the things I’ve loved, why have I never loved myself?”
3. “Try it first. If it doesn’t work, you can give up then”.
4. “Do not try to force your feet into a pair of shoes that don’t fit”.
Racket Boys
Cast: Kim Sang-kyung, Oh Na-ra, Tang Jun-sang, Son Sang-yeon, Choi Hyun-wook, Lee Jae-in, Lee Ji-won, Kim Kang-hoon
Streaming On: Netflix
1. “Don’t think money can buy everything”
2. “You think people end their lives for some grand reasons like ailed businesses or so. No. these words you speak can kill people”.
3. “The way of life is bound to change”.
4. “They say top players lead games, but it could be ordinary players who turns the tide”.
5. “Of course, it would be nice to win. But people don’t always win, you know. That doesn’t mean they didn’t work hard.”
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo
Cast: Nam Joo-hyuk, Lee Sung-kyung, Lee Jae-yoon, Kyung Soo-jin
Streaming On: Netflix
1. “We can’t do anything about the people we hate. You’re pretty and popular, but that’s not everything. You should be a decent human being first.”
2. “No matter how high the mountain is, it will not be as grand as your dreams. This is nothing hard! We get back up no matter how harshly we’re trampled upon.”
3. “Relationship isn’t like sports, effort (alone) doesn’t guarantee success.”
4. “Learn to stand on your own two feet. Everyone lives their own lives. You can’t expect anyone to solve your problem.”
5. “In order to make a lie true, you need seven lies. A lie produces another lie and that lie bears another lie again, I became a lying machine.”
6. “One good thing about having a crush on someone is that I get to decide when to end it.”
Hot Stove League
Cast: Namkoong Min, Park Eun-bin, Jo Byeong-kyu, Oh Jung-se
Streaming On: Netflix
1. “Everyone’s situation is different. We all fight with the resources that are available to us. If we start listing excuses, we’ll lose again in the same situation.”
2. “There are people who can’t do things moderately. And… I don’t believe that working hard always brings good results.”
3. “I didn’t make you a team leader to suddenly do a good job. I made you a team leader to continue what you were doing.”
4. “Why should a seniority system remain in the professional world?”
Twenty Five Twenty One
Cast: Nam Joo-hyuk, Kim Tae-ri, Choi Hyun-wook, Bona
Streaming On: Netflix
1. “My diary from those days is filled with just love and friendship. A time when friendship and love were all that mattered in life. A time like that lasts only for a moment.”
2. “Don’t ever forget how you earned a new opportunity. Whenever you’re having a hard time, remind yourself how difficult it was to start.”
3. “Your skills don’t improve consistently but in steps.”
4. “I can’t right now. But I’m going to make it someday.
5. “It’ll probably hurt if you lose it all. But what matters is that you’ve had it at one point.”
6. “Sometimes, saying that we can do something can be more discouraging. We haven’t learned about a world in which you don’t have to do well and can fail. Still, let’s do the most we can. Let’s do our best. But I still hope that even if we fail, we’ll be strong enough to get back up again.”
7. “Nothing lasts forever. Everything is momentary. They all flow away. And that’s not always a bad thing.”
8. “We have the strength to get back up again. So let’s be as frustrated as we want when things are tough. Let’s be sad as we want. And let’s get back up together.”
9. “If you think about it, there’s no such thing as a pure tragedy or comedy. Still, I hope the road ahead of us is filled with more comedy.”
Fight for My Way
Cast: Park Seo-joon, Kim Ji-won, Song Ha-yoon
Streaming On: Netflix
1. “It isn’t cool to act tough when you want to cry. It’s cool to cry when you want to.”
2. “Even though we woke up earlier than others, even though we went to bed later than others, we never had time. We lived harder than anyone, but our resumés that doesn’t show anything pretends to reflect who I am. I’m angry, I’m frustrated.”
3. “Even if we can’t win, let’s play anyway. Living our way is winning. Who cares what others say?”
4. “Isn’t where you are right now the major leagues for you? What I’m saying is, isn’t where you’re happy the majors for you? Just go with the thing that makes your heart beat faster.”
5. “I’m fine with my life. Why do you look down on me?
Which of these quotes has become a part of your life? Are there any other sports Kdramas that have left a heart-warming impression on you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.