Racket Boys (2021)
A charming Korean sports drama about underdogs, badminton, and the unexpected joys of starting over in the countryside.
Racket Boys - Series Information
- Original Title: 라켓소년단
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Created by: Jo Young-kwang, Jung Bo-hoon
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (71 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: May 31, 2021 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: SBS
- Alternative Titles: Мальчики-ракетки (RU), Racket Sonyeondan (KR), Racket Boy Band (US)
- Production Companies: Pan Entertainment
- Production Countries: South Korea
Racket Boys - Plot
A city kid is brought to the countryside by his father's new coaching gig: reviving a ragtag middle school badminton team on the brink of extinction.
Racket Boys - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits this unlikely team of young badminton players.
Don't try to fix it by yourself. Just believe in them.
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Racket Boys - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Jo Young-kwang
- Jung Bo-hoon
Main Cast
- Tang Joon-sang
- Son Sang-yeon
- Kim Kang-hoon
- Choi Hyun-wook
- Lee Jae-in
- Lee Ji-won
- Kim Sang-kyung
- Oh Na-ra
- Ahn Se-bin
- Cha Mi-kyeong
Writers
- Jung Bo-hoon
Racket Boys - FAQs
Is Racket Boys based on a true story?
Racket Boys is a work of fiction, though it draws on the very real culture of youth badminton in South Korea. The story of a struggling rural school team fighting for survival reflects genuine challenges faced by small-town sports programs across the country, lending the drama an authentic, grounded feel.
What makes Racket Boys worth watching?
Racket Boys blends heartfelt coming-of-age storytelling with sharp comedy and genuinely exciting badminton sequences. The young ensemble cast is a revelation, and the show balances family warmth with real emotional stakes. It's the kind of feel-good drama that sneaks up on you and leaves a lasting impression.
Where can you stream Racket Boys?
Racket Boys is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. Both options give you access to all 16 episodes of the series. Availability may vary slightly by region, so check your local Netflix library for the most up-to-date information.
Who plays the main characters in Racket Boys?
Tang Joon-sang leads the cast as Yoon Hae-kang, the city boy adjusting to rural life. He's joined by Son Sang-yeon, Kim Kang-hoon, Choi Hyun-wook, and Lee Jae-in as his badminton teammates, while Kim Sang-kyung and Oh Na-ra play his parents, bringing warmth and humor to the family dynamic.
How does Racket Boys portray rural South Korean life?
The series uses its countryside setting as more than a backdrop — it's central to the story's charm. From the tight-knit village community to the humble school facilities, Racket Boys paints a vivid, affectionate portrait of rural South Korea, contrasting it gently with the city lifestyle Hae-kang leaves behind.
How was Racket Boys received by critics and audiences?
Racket Boys earned strong praise for its warm storytelling, standout young cast, and refreshing sports drama format. Audiences responded enthusiastically to its blend of comedy and emotional depth, and it developed a devoted following both in South Korea and internationally through its Netflix release.
What similar shows would fans of Racket Boys enjoy?
If Racket Boys won you over, Love All Play (2022) is a natural next watch — another Korean sports drama centered on badminton. Welcome to Waikiki (2018) shares the same comedic warmth, while Shoresy (2022) delivers a similarly spirited underdog sports story with a distinct personality of its own.
Does Racket Boys have a satisfying ending?
Racket Boys wraps up its single 16-episode season with a conclusion that feels earned and emotionally resonant. Without giving too much away, the finale honors each character's journey and delivers the kind of uplifting payoff that fans of feel-good sports dramas will find deeply satisfying.
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