Korean films and dramas with youth themes never fail to capture the audience’s hearts every year. These stories not only entertain but also bring a sense of nostalgia to those who have graduated from school or college. Among the various youth themes, cheerleading club activities have been a popular choice, often showcasing the team’s struggles and enthusiastic performances. Here are three notable Korean films and dramas that center around cheerleading clubs.
1. Cheer Up! (2015)
Korean drama Cheer Up! poster (doc. SBS/Cheer Up!)
Cheer Up! features a stellar cast including Eunji APINK, Lee Won Geun, Ji Soo, Chae Soo Bin, and Cha Hak Yeon or N from VIXX. The drama is set in Sevit High School, where students from different social standings are suddenly united in the cheerleading club. The high-ranking students belong to the White Tiger club, while the lower-ranking ones are part of the Real King dance club. Despite their initial rivalry, an incident forces the two clubs to work together for a cheerleading competition. This unexpected collaboration lasts for two months, during which they strive to achieve their individual and collective goals.
This drama beautifully portrays how teamwork and determination can bridge gaps between different social groups. The characters’ journey from rivalry to cooperation is both inspiring and heartwarming, making Cheer Up! a must-watch for fans of high school dramas.
2. Cheer Up (2022)
Korean drama Cheer Up poster (doc. SBS/Cheer Up)
Sharing the same title as the 2015 drama, the 2022 version of Cheer Up is set at Yeonhee University. The story focuses on the students of a cheerleading club called Theia. The protagonist, Do Hae Yi (played by Han Ji Hyun), is a new student struggling with financial difficulties. She joins the Theia club after receiving a monetary offer. Initially driven by necessity, Hae Yi soon discovers the joy of youth and camaraderie within the club.
Cheer Up (2022) highlights the challenges and triumphs of balancing personal struggles with the pursuit of passion. The drama emphasizes the importance of finding joy and support in unexpected places, making it a relatable and uplifting watch.
3. Victory (2024)
Victory movie poster (instagram.com/mindmark.movie)
The film Victory is a fresh addition to the lineup of cheerleading-themed stories from South Korea. Set in 1999 at Geoje High School, it follows the story of two best friends, Pil Sun (played by Hyeri from Girl’s Day) and Mi Na (played by Park Se Wan), who share a great passion for dancing. They dream of having a dedicated dance room in their school and, with the help of transfer student Se Hyun (Jo Aram), they form a cheerleading club called Millennium Girls.
With nine members, the club faces the challenge of preparing a performance to support the school’s soccer team, which is at its lowest point. The journey of the Millennium Girls is filled with conflicts of friendship and love, adding depth and intrigue to the storyline. The film promises an engaging narrative and is set to premiere on August 14th.
Victory captures the essence of youthful ambition and the power of friendship. The film’s nostalgic setting and relatable characters make it a highly anticipated release for fans of Korean cinema.
In conclusion, Korean films and dramas about cheerleading clubs offer a unique blend of excitement, teamwork, and personal growth. These stories not only entertain but also inspire viewers to pursue their passions and overcome challenges. Whether it’s the high school rivalry in Cheer Up!, the university struggles in Cheer Up (2022), or the nostalgic journey in Victory, these narratives continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
