Racket Boys
{{Short description|2021 South Korean sports drama}}
{{Expand Korean|topic=cult|라켓소년단|date=May 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox television
| alt_name =
| image = Racket Boys.jpg
| caption = Promotional poster
| native_name = {{Infobox Korean television name|hangul=라켓소년단|hanja=라켓少年團|rr=Raketsonyeondan}}
| genre = {{ubl|Drama|Sports}}
| developer =
| writer = Jung Bo-hun
| director = Jo Young-kwang
Ahn Jong-yeon
| creator = StudioS (SBS)
| creative_director =
| starring = {{ubl|Kim Sang-kyung|Oh Na-ra|Tang Jun-sang|Kim Kang-hoon|Lee Jae-in}}
| narrated =
| theme_music_composer =
| opentheme =
| endtheme =
| composer = Park Se-joon (MD)
| country = South Korea
| language = Korean
| num_episodes = 16
| executive_producer = Park Young-soo (SBS)
Lee Joo-hoo
| producer = Kim Hee-yeol
Park Sang-hyeon
Jeong Sang-yang
| location =
| cinematography =
| animator =
| editor =
| camera =
| runtime = 60–86 minutes
| company = {{ubl|Studio S (SBS)|Pan Entertainment}}
| network = SBS TV
| first_aired = {{start date|2021|5|31}}
| last_aired = {{end date|2021|8|9}}
| related =
}}
Racket Boys ({{Korean|라켓소년단}}) is a 2021 South Korean television drama. The series, directed by Cho Young-kwang and written by Jung Bo-hun, stars Kim Sang-kyung, Oh Na-ra, Tang Jun-sang, Son Sang-yeon, Choi Hyun-wook, Kim Kang-hoon, Lee Jae-in, and Lee Ji-won.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hancinema.net/korean_drama_Racket_Boy_Band.php|title=Racket Boy Band Drama - 2021|website=HanCinema|access-date=March 17, 2021|archive-date=March 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316052331/https://www.hancinema.net/korean_drama_Racket_Boy_Band.php|url-status=live}} The series follows the growth of sixteen-year-old boys and girls, and the challenges faced by the badminton club at their school.{{Cite web|url=http://m.inews24.com/v/1338111#_DYAD|title=장동윤, 악령이 삼킨 조선·백성 구하는 충녕대군..첫 스틸 공개(조선구마사)|trans-title=J[Exclusive] SBS'Racquet Boys', first filming begins on the 30th... First broadcast in May|first=Kim|last=Yang-soo|date=January 26, 2021|access-date=March 17, 2021|website=Joy News|archive-date=June 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611054455/http://m.inews24.com/v/1338111#_DYAD|url-status=live}} It premiered on SBS TV on May 31, 2021 and aired every Monday and Tuesday at 22:00 (KST).{{Cite news|url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20210504047800005|title=[방송소식] SBS 새 월화드라마 '라켓소년단' 31일 첫 방송|trans-title=[Broadcasting News] SBS new Monday and Tuesday drama 'Racquet Boys' first broadcast on the 31st|author=Jeong-jin Kim, Park So-yeon|website=Yonhap News Agency|date=May 4, 2021|access-date=May 4, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=May 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504040445/https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20210504047800005|url-status=live}} The series is available worldwide on Netflix for streaming.{{Cite web|url=https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/netflix-k-drama-racket-boys-season-1-plot-cast-episode-release-schedule/amp/|title=Netflix K-Drama 'Racket Boys' Season 1: Plot, Cast & Episode Release Schedule|first=Jacob|last=Robinson|website=What's on Netflix|date=May 6, 2021|access-date=May 8, 2021|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430140605/https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/netflix-k-drama-racket-boys-season-1-plot-cast-episode-release-schedule/amp/|url-status=live}}
Synopsis
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. A story of a boys' badminton team at a middle school in Haenam as they grow, both as people and as players.
Yoon Hyun Jong was once a very good badminton player, but now he struggles to make ends meet for his family. Therefore, he jumps at a chance to coach a middle school team, only to find it on the verge of disbandment with only three players: Bang Yoon Dam, Na Woo Chan, and Lee Yong Tae. The three boys struggle along, improving as Yoon Hae Kang, Yoon Hyun Jong's son, joins the team along with Jung In Sol. Now having enough players to enter competitions, they try to soar to new heights.
Meanwhile, Ra Young Ja, former top badminton player and Yoon Hyun Jong's wife, is the coach of the girls’ badminton team at a girl's middle school in Haenam. On her team are Han Se Yoon, the #1 ranked junior female player in Korea and Lee Han Sol, Se Yoon's best friend, allowing them to be one of the best teams among their peers.
Cast
=Main=
- Kim Sang-kyung as Yoon Hyun Jong: Father of Hae-kang, and a badminton coach who moves to the countryside to earn more money.{{Cite news|author=Lee Min-ji|title=라켓소년단' 김상경-오나라 출연확정, 배드민턴 아이돌 만든다(공식)|trans-title='Racquet Boys' Kim Sang-kyung and Onara confirmed to appear, making badminton idols (official)|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/609/0000413158|work=Newsen|publisher=Naver|date=March 15, 2021|access-date=March 17, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213144/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/609/0000413158|url-status=live}}
- Oh Na-ra as Ra Yeong-ja: Mother of Yoon Hae-kang and Yoon Hae-in, a living legend in the badminton world, and a junior high school coach. She is also known as "Ranos" for her go-by-the-book attitude.{{Cite news|url=https://ent.sbs.co.kr/m/article.do?article_id=E10010195590|title=김상경-오나라, '라켓소년단' 출연 확정…국내 최초 배드민턴 소재 드라마|trans-title=Kim Sang-kyung and Onara confirmed to appear in 'Racquet Boys'… The first badminton drama in Korea|author=Kang Seon-ae|work=Seoul Broadcasting System|date=March 15, 2021|access-date=March 17, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=July 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703130621/https://ent.sbs.co.kr/news/article.do?article_id=E10010195590&utm_medium=referral|url-status=live}}
- Tang Jun-sang as Yoon Hae-kang: An ex-badminton prodigy and baseball enthusiast, who starts playing badminton again after moving to the countryside.{{Cite news|author=Seok Jae-hyun|title=탕준상 측 "SBS '라켓소년단' 출연 검토중"(공식)|trans-title=Tang Jun-sang's "SBS' Racquet Boys' appearance under review" (official)|publisher=HanCinema|url=https://m.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=202011300852046510&r=1|work=Newsen|date=November 30, 2020|access-date=March 17, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214933/https://m.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=202011300852046510&r=1|url-status=live}}
- Son Sang-yeon as Bang Yoon-dam: The captain of the badminton club and their ace player. He wants to have 100,000 followers on Instagram. He is quite handsome.{{Cite news|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/609/0000437098|author=Lee Min-ji|title='라켓소년단' 탕준상-손상연-최현욱-김강훈, 4인4색 인싸 중딩|trans-title='Racquet Boys' Tang Jun-sang-Son Sang-yeon-Choi Hyun-wook-Kim Kang-hoon, 4 people and 4 colors insa middle schooling|publisher=Naver|work=Newsen|date=May 5, 2021|access-date=May 24, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=May 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524074043/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/609/0000437098|url-status=live}}
- Choi Hyun-wook as Na Woo-chan: A mediator who mediates conflicts between congregations with a caring personality and excellent empathy.{{Cite news|author=Kim Ji-won|date=March 25, 2021|title=신예 최현욱, SBS '라켓소년단' 주연|language=ko|trans-title=Rookie Choi Hyun-wook, starring in SBS 'Racquet Boys'|work=Ten Asia|url=https://tenasia.hankyung.com/drama/article/2021032528834|access-date=March 25, 2021|archive-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413095429/https://tenasia.hankyung.com/drama/article/2021032528834|url-status=live}}
- Kim Kang-hoon as Lee Yong-tae: The youngest member of the badminton club, and a big fan of badminton player Lee Yong-dae.{{Cite web|last=Jeong|first=Tae-Geon|date=May 25, 2021|title='라켓소년단' 김강훈 "아역 벗은 부담감? 없다면 거짓말"|trans-title='Racquet Boy Scouts' Kim Kang-hoon "Are the burden of being naked?|url=https://tenasia.hankyung.com/drama/article/2021052577304|access-date=May 25, 2021|work=Ten Asia|language=ko|archive-date=May 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525172322/https://tenasia.hankyung.com/drama/article/2021052577304|url-status=live}}
- Lee Jae-in as Han Se-yoon: A badminton player who dreams of becoming the youngest member of the national team.{{Cite news|author=Noh Gyu-min|title='사바하' 이재인, '라켓소년단' 주인공 발탁 [공식]|trans-title='Sabaha' Lee Jae-in, selected as the main character of 'Racquet Boys' [Official]|url=https://tenasia.hankyung.com/drama/article/2021022536684|work=Ten Asia|date=February 25, 2021|access-date=March 17, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225130941/https://tenasia.hankyung.com/drama/article/2021022536684|url-status=live}}
- Lee Ji-won as Lee Han-sol: A student and a talented badminton player. She has a crush on Bang Yoon-Dam.{{Cite news|author=Shin So-won|title=이지원, '라켓소년단' 출연…실력파 배드민턴 선수 역|trans-title=Lee Ji-won, appeared in 'Racquet Boys'... The role of a talented badminton player|url=https://tenasia.hankyung.com/drama/article/2021032529914|work=Ten Asia|date=March 25, 2021|access-date=March 25, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=April 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420005646/https://tenasia.hankyung.com/drama/article/2021032529914|url-status=live}}
=Supporting=
- Ahn Se-bin as Yoon Hae-in: Yoon Hae-kang's little sister, who is cute and feisty like her mother. She is also independent and outgoing, and, in addition, has asthma{{Cite news|url=https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/202105078653I|title='라켓소년단' 김상경X탕준상X안세빈, 윤家네 우당탕탕 도시 탈출기 대공개|trans-title='Racquet Boys' Kim Sang-kyung x Tang Jun-sang x Ahn Se-bin, Yunga's Udang Tang Tang to escape from the city|author=Lee Joon-Hyun|date=May 7, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2021|work=The Korea Economic Daily|language=ko|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215026/https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/202105078653I|url-status=live}}
- Jung Min-seong as Kim Tae-ho: Husband of a city couple, timid and caring.{{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=003&aid=0010526613|title=정민성 "정보훈 작가 드라마 출연 기뻐"...'라켓소년단|trans-title=Jung Min-seong, "I am delighted to appear in the drama by Jung Bo-hoon"...'Racket Boys'|author=Sung Yoo-min|date=June 1, 2021|access-date=June 1, 2021|work=Newsis|publisher=Naver|language=ko|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602215141/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=003&aid=0010526613|url-status=live}}
- Park Hyo-joo as Shin Phil-ja: Wife of a city couple.{{Cite news|url=https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20210310161135814|author=Kim No-eul|title=박효주 측 "'라켓소년단' 출연, 촬영 진행 중"(공식)|trans-title=Park Hyo-joo's "'Racquet Boys' appearance, filming in progress" (Official)|publisher=Daum|work=Newsen|date=March 10, 2021|access-date=March 17, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212923/https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20210310161135814|url-status=live}} Kim Tae-ho and Shin Phil-ja are a typical urban couple who have been married for 10 years. They move to Haenam so they could leave the busy city life.
- Shin Jung-geun as Coach Bae: A PET at Haenam Seo Middle School, and a badminton coach also known as "White Wolf".
- Kim Min-gi as Jeong In-sol: Classmate of Hae-kang, Yoon-dam and Woo-chan. He is the class president and gets excellent grades, but yearns to play badminton with his new friends.
- Woo Hyun as Hong Yi-jang: The head of the village and the youth president.
- Baek Ji-won as Shin Song-hee: A lady who claims to be a guardian of the territorial village.{{Cite news|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/tvbrand/article/416/0000269711?dssid=18115316|author=Kang Seon-ae|title="생활연기 달인 총집합"…'라켓소년단' 신정근→우현, 명품 조연 라인업|trans-title="The total collection of life acting masters"... 'Racquet Boys' Shin Jung-geun → Woohyun, luxury supporting actor lineup|work=SBS Entertainment News|publisher=Naver|date=April 7, 2021|access-date=April 7, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=April 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425071121/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/tvbrand/article/416/0000269711?dssid=18115316|url-status=live}}
- Shin Cheol-jin as Grandfather
- Cha Mi-kyung as Grandma Oh-mae{{Cite news|url=https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=02076246629014480&mediaCodeNo=258|author=Kim Bo-young|title=차미경, SBS '라켓소년단' 출연…명품 신스틸러 기대 [공식]|trans-title=Cha Mi-kyung, appearing in SBS 'Racquet Boys'.. Expecting a luxury new stealer [Official]|work=E-Daily Star|date=April 9, 2021|access-date=April 9, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=April 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409102341/https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=02076246629014480&mediaCodeNo=258|url-status=live}}
- Kim Ki-cheon as principal of Haenam Seo Middle School{{Cite news|author=Park Sang-hoo|title='라켓소년단' 탕준상→김강훈의 좌충우돌 성장기|trans-title='Racquet Boys' Tang Jun-sang → Kim Kang-hoon's growth period|publisher=Daum|url=https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20210430161317749|work=TV Daily|date=April 30, 2021|access-date=May 25, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=May 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524182522/https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20210430161317749|url-status=live}}
- Song Seung-hwan as Lee Seung-heon: A player in the National Spring Badminton League.{{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=076&aid=0003737821|title=신예 송승환, '라켓소년단' '마인' 동시 출연…자연스런 연기 시청자 '눈도장|trans-title=Rookie Song Seung-hwan to appear in 'Racquet Boys' and 'Mine' at the same time... Natural acting viewers 'eye painting';|author=Go Jae-wan|date=June 3, 2021|access-date=June 3, 2021|work=Sports Chosun|publisher=Naver|language=ko|archive-date=June 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603065848/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=076&aid=0003737821|url-status=live}}
- Ahn Sang-woo as Mr. No: A badminton store owner.
- Ahn Nae-sang as Fang: A national team coach.
- Yoon Hyun-soo as Park Chan: A badminton player that has a crush on Se-yoon.{{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=076&aid=0003748649|author=Moon Ji-yeon|title=찬며들었다"..'라켓소년단' 윤현수, 데뷔작으로 주목도↑|trans-title="I was blown away"..'Racquet Boys' Hyunsoo Yoon, attention as a debut work|work=Sports Chosun|publisher=Naver|date=June 30, 2021|access-date=June 30, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181344/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=076&aid=0003748649|url-status=live}}
- Hong Seo-joon as Chairman Jung: In-sol's father. {{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=609&aid=0000478081|author=Kim No-eul and Lee Jae-ha|title=라켓소년단' 홍서준 "나보고 아버지 같단 김민기, 아들처럼 교감했다"[EN:인터뷰①]|trans-title='Racquet Boys' Hong Seo-joon “Kim Min-ki, who looks like a father to me, communicated like a son”[EN: interview ①]|work=Newsen|publisher=Naver|date=August 11, 2021|access-date=August 11, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=August 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811040936/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=609&aid=0000478081|url-status=live}}
- Song Seung-hwan as Lee Seung-heon: A middle school badminton player.{{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=144&aid=0000755017|author=Kang Seok-bong|title=배우 송승환 "라켓든 마이콜로 기억해주셔서 감사합니다" 종영소감|trans-title=Actor Song Seung-hwan "Thank you for remembering me as a racquet or my call" Ending Comments|work=Sports Kyunghyang|publisher=Naver|date=August 11, 2021|access-date=August 11, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=August 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811040938/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=144&aid=0000755017|url-status=live}}
= Special appearances =
- Kim Min-seok as Hun-hoon
: Takes Grandma Oh-mae from the subway station to Father's Table restaurant in spite of his busy schedule (ep.2).{{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=117&aid=0003499331|title=김민석, '라켓소년단' 의리의 특별출연 [공식]|trans-title=Minseok Kim, special appearance of 'Racquet Boys' loyalty [Official]|author=Lee Seung-Gil|language=ko|date=May 24, 2021|access-date=May 24, 2021|work=My Daily|publisher=Naver|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112003207/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=117&aid=0003499331|url-status=live}}
- Park Ho-san as Park Sun-bae
- Jonathan Thona as Jonathan
: An exchange student and GFriend's fan (ep.1).
- Jo Jae-ryong as a restaurant owner (ep. 2)
- Park Ok-hool as Bang Yoon-dam's mother
- Kim Tae-hyang as Bang Yong-shik
: Bang Yoon-dam's father,{{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=109&aid=0004425149|author=Choi Na-young|title=라켓소년단' 김태향, '부부의 세계' 차도철 의원의 훈훈한 변신|trans-title='Racket Boys' Kim Tae-hyang, 'The World of the Married' Rep. Cha Do-cheol's warm transformation|publisher=Naver|work=Osen|date=June 16, 2021|access-date=June 16, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=July 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703130622/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=109&aid=0004425149|url-status=live}} who is very supportive of his son. It is evident that Yoon-dam is his favorite child as he makes his children eat Yoon-Dam's favorite food every single day.
- Choi Dae-hoon as a reporter for a badminton magazine
- Yoon Bong-gil as a baseball coach
- Im Chul-hyung as Woo-chan's father
: A military man and a father with an iron fist. Initially, he disapproves of his son's passion for badminton.
- Jo Ryeon as Woo-chan's mother
- Kim Sung-cheol as General Secretary Park{{Cite news|author=Kim No-eul|title=라켓소년단' 측 "박해수-김성철 특별출연"‥'슬감빵' 작가 의리(공식)|trans-title='Racquet Boys' side "Park Hae-soo and Kim Seong-cheol make a special appearance"...|publisher=Naver|work=Newsen|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=609&aid=0000452581|date=June 9, 2021|access-date=June 9, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=October 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008165612/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=609&aid=0000452581|url-status=live}}
- Ko Soo-bin as Ivana Putri
: An Indonesia's badminton player (ep. 5).
- Park Hae-soo as Lee Jae-joon
: He has been exercising with Yoon Hyeon-jong since childhood (ep. 6).{{Cite news|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0004420993|title=[단독] 의리의 박해수x김성철, '라켓소년단' 특별출연..'감빵생활' 작가 인연|trans-title=[Exclusive] Loyalty Park Hae-soo x Kim Seong-cheol, 'Racket Boys' special appearance...|author=Park So-young|publisher=Naver|work=Osen|date=June 9, 2021|access-date=June 9, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609072229/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0004420993|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=076&aid=0003742632|author=Moon Ji-yeon|title=[공식] '슬감빵' 인연..박해수, '라켓소년단' 특별출연|trans-title=[Official] 'Sorrow Bread' relationship..Park Hae-soo, special appearance on 'Racquet Boys'|work=Sports Chosun|publisher=Naver|date=June 15, 2021|access-date=June 15, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616043137/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=076&aid=0003742632|url-status=live}}
- Lee Jun-hyeok as Banjang Yu (ep. 6){{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=609&aid=0000453647|author=Lee Min-ji|title=라켓소년단' 이준혁X김성철 특별출연, 우당탕 가출 대소동|trans-title='Racket Boys' Lee Jun-hyeok X Kim Seong-cheol special appearance, Woodangtang runaway|publisher=Naver|work=Newsen|date=June 12, 2021|access-date=June 12, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612011117/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=609&aid=0000453647|url-status=live}}
- Kwon Dong-ho as college coach for Hyeon-jong and Jae-joon (ep. 6){{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=014&aid=0004657867|author=Lee Seol|title=라켓소년단' 권동호, 특별 출연으로 완성한 '신스틸러' 면모|trans-title='Racquet Boys' Dong-ho Kwon, a 'scene stealer' aspect completed with a special appearance|work=Financial News|publisher=Naver|date=June 15, 2021|access-date=June 15, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200858/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=014&aid=0004657867|url-status=live}}
- Ki Eun-se as Lee Yu-ri
: A former badminton national team player, and coach of Seoul Jeil Girls' Middle School badminton team, in rivalry with Haenam Jeil Girls' Middle School coach Ra Young-ja (Ep.7, 8).{{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=477&aid=0000305362|author=Shim Eom-kyung|title=[단독]기은세, '라켓소년단' 합류…쉴 틈 없는 '열일' 행보|trans-title=[Exclusive] Eun-se Ki joins 'Racquet Boys'... Non-stop 'working days'|work=Sports TV News|publisher=Naver|date=June 18, 2021|access-date=June 18, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201658/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=477&aid=0000305362|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=312&aid=0000485559|author=Tae Yu-na|title=기은세 '라켓소년단' 합류, 오나라와 라이벌 [공식]|trans-title=Ki Eun-se joins 'Racket Boys', rivals Oh Nara|work=Ten Asia|publisher=Naver|date=June 18, 2021|access-date=June 18, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618012824/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=312&aid=0000485559|url-status=live}}
- Jo Deok-hoe as a disciple of director Bae{{Cite news|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/112/0003445444|author=Im Lim-jeong|title='라켓소년단' 조덕회 출연 확정..신정근 제자 役으로 열연[공식]|trans-title='Racquet Boys' Jo Deok-hoe confirmed to appear.. Performed as Shin Jeong-geun's disciple [Official]|work=Herald Pop|publisher=Naver|date=June 16, 2021|access-date=June 16, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195900/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/112/0003445444|url-status=live}}
- Jo Jae-yoon as a comic performer in 'The End of the Earth Avengers' (Ep.7, 8, 14){{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=477&aid=0000305343|author=Shim Eom-kyung|title=[단독]조재윤, '라켓소년단' 특별출연... 조영광 PD와 의리 지킨다|trans-title=[Exclusive] Jaeyoon Cho to make a special appearance on 'Racquet Boys'... Stay loyal to PD Jo Young-kwang|work=Sports TV News|publisher=Naver|date=June 18, 2021|access-date=June 18, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202752/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=477&aid=0000305343|url-status=live}}
- Seo Do-jin as a comic performer in 'The End of the Earth Avengers' (Ep.7, 8){{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=311&aid=0001312263|author=Lee Seo-eun|title=조재윤·서도진, '라켓소년단' 특별 출연··· 코믹 연기 예고|trans-title=Jo Jae-yoon and Seo Do-jin to make a special appearance in 'Racquet Boys'... Comic postponement notice|work=Export News|publisher=Naver|date=June 18, 2021|access-date=June 18, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200715/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=311&aid=0001312263|url-status=live}}
- Lee Si-eon as a Busan citizen (Ep.9){{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=076&aid=0003747295|author=Moon Ji-yeon|title=[공식] 이시언, '라켓소년단' 특별출연..'찐 부산시민'役|trans-title=[Official] Si-eon Lee, 'Racquet Boys' Special Appearance... as 'Busan Citizen'|work=Sports Chosun|publisher=Naver|date=June 27, 2021|access-date=June 27, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627033939/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=076&aid=0003747295|url-status=live}}
- Heo Sung-tae as Coach Cheon (Ep.10){{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=609&aid=0000460885|author=Kim Myung-mi|title=허성태, 오늘(10일) '라켓소년단' 특별출연…김상경과 2년만 재회|trans-title=Heo Seong-tae to make a special appearance on 'Racquet Boys' today (10th)... Reunited with Kim Sang-kyung after 2 years|work=Newsen|publisher=Naver|date=June 29, 2021|access-date=June 29, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=May 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511021231/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=609&aid=0000460885|url-status=live}}
- Jung Hee-tae as Hong Jeong-hyeon
: The younger brother of Hong Yi-jang.{{cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=311&aid=0001319426|author=Choi Hee-jae|title=정희태, '라켓소년단' 특별 출연…우현과 특급 케미 기대 [공식입장]|trans-title=Jung Hee-tae, special appearance on 'Racquet Boys'... Looking forward to the express chemistry with Woohyun [Official position]|work=Export News|publisher=Naver|date=July 6, 2021|access-date=July 6, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=July 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706031128/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=311&aid=0001319426|url-status=live}}
- Lee Yong-dae as himself (Ep.15){{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=477&aid=0000308396|author=Jang Jin-ri|title=[단독]이용대, '라켓소년단' 특별출연…'꿈'이 '현실'된 특급 만남|trans-title=[Exclusive] Lee Yong-dae, special appearance on 'Racquet Boys'... A special meeting where 'dream' became 'real'|publisher=Naver|work=Sports TV News|date=July 7, 2021|access-date=July 7, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=July 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707014118/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=477&aid=0000308396|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=477&aid=0000311129|author=Jang Jin-ri|title=라켓소년단' 레전드 이용대 뜬다…"연기 리드해준 김강훈 감사|trans-title=Racquet Boys' legend Lee Yongdae is rising "Thanks to Kim Kang-hoon for leading the acting|work=Sports TV News|via=Naver|date=July 26, 2021|access-date=July 26, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726002259/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=477&aid=0000311129|url-status=live}}
- Kang Seung-yoon as Kang Tae-seon
: A former badminton youth national team player. He used to be a badminton player at Haenam Seo Middle School (Ep.12-16).{{Cite news|url=http://m.joynews24.com/v/1374193#_DYAD|author=Park Jin-young|title=[단독] 강승윤, '라켓소년단' 특별출연…'슬빵' 작가와 의리|trans-title=[Exclusive] Seungyoon Kang to make a special appearance on 'Racquet Boys'... Loyalty with the writer of 'Seulbang'|website=Joy News 24|date=June 8, 2021|access-date=June 8, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608053919/http://m.joynews24.com/v/1374193#_DYAD|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=609&aid=0000466712|author=Hwang Hye-jin|title=강승윤 '라켓소년단' 전격 합류, 돌아온 비운의 천재 강태선 役(공식)|trans-title=Kang Seung-yoon joins 'Racquet Boys' by surprise, returning as the unlucky genius Kang Tae-seon (official)|publisher=Naver|work=Newsen|date=July 12, 2021|access-date=July 12, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=July 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712041705/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=609&aid=0000466712|url-status=live}}
- Kim Jung-young as Seon-yeong
: Coach Bae's wife.{{Cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=215&aid=0000971262|author=Yoo Byung-cheol|title=김정영, '라켓소년단' 특별 출연...따뜻한 힐링 선사|publisher=Naver|work=Korean economy tv|date=July 13, 2021|access-date=July 13, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713051954/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=215&aid=0000971262|url-status=live}}
- Lee Seok-hyung as Lee Kyung-min
: A former national badminton player and a senior of Kang Tae-seon.{{Cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=311&aid=0001322523|author=Kim Ye-eun|title='라켓소년단' 이석형, 첫 등장부터 강렬…불량기 가득|trans-title='Racquet Boys' Lee Seok-hyung, intense from his first appearance... full of bad times|publisher=Naver|work=Export News|date=July 13, 2021|access-date=July 13, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713084106/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=311&aid=0001322523|url-status=live}}
- Seo Dong-won as Dong-hwi (Ep.15){{Cite news|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/468/0000780835|author=Kim Seon-woo|title=서동원, '라켓소년단' 특별출연...강렬한 존재감|trans-title=Seo Dong-won to make a special appearance on 'Racquet Boys'... strong presence|work=Sports Seoul|publisher=Naver|date=July 27, 2021|access-date=July 27, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=July 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727112126/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/468/0000780835|url-status=live}}
- Kwon Yu-ri as Im Seo-hyun (Ep.16)
: A national badminton player, the person Han Se-yoon considered as a role model.{{Cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=421&aid=0005474843|author=Yoon Hyo-jeong|title=[단독] 권유리 '라켓소년단' 마지막회 장식한다…'특급 의리' 카메오|trans-title=[Exclusive] Kwon Yuri decorates the last episode of 'Racquet Boys'... 'Excellent Loyalty' cameo|publisher=Naver|work=News 1|date=July 13, 2021|access-date=July 13, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713045430/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=421&aid=0005474843|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=312&aid=0000493823|author=Tae Yu-na|title=[공식] 소녀시대 권유리, '라켓소년단' 특별출연…국대 여신 役|trans-title=[Official] Girls' Generation Kwon Yu-ri, 'Racquet Boys' special appearance... National Goddess|work=TenAsia|publisher=Naver|date=August 9, 2021|access-date=August 9, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=August 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809023459/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=312&aid=0000493823|url-status=live}}
- Lee Kyu-hyung as Park Jung-hwan (Ep.16){{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=018&aid=0004995717|author=Kim Ga-young|title=[단독] 배우 이규형, '라켓소년단' 마지막회 빛낸다…의리의 지원군|trans-title=[Exclusive] Actor Lee Kyu-hyung shines in the last episode of 'Racquet Boys'... Loyalty's Reinforcement|work=edaily|publisher=Naver|date=July 27, 2021|access-date=July 27, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=July 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727031744/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=018&aid=0004995717|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=609&aid=0000472750|author=Seo Ji-hyun|title='라켓소년단' 측 "이규형 마지막회 특별 출연"...끝까지 빛난 '슬빵' 의리(공식)|trans-title='Racquet Boys' side "Lee Kyu-hyung's last special appearance"... 'Seulbang' loyalty to the end (official)|work=Newsen|publisher=Naver|date=July 27, 2021|access-date=July 27, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=July 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727042048/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=609&aid=0000472750|url-status=live}}
- Kim Seul-gi as Jang PD (Ep.16){{Cite news|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=312&aid=0000492531|author=Shin So-won|title=라켓소년단' 이규형X김슬기, 차도남녀 특별 출연|trans-title=Racquet Boys' Lee Kyu-hyung X Kim Seul-gi, Chado Men and Women Special Appearance|work=TenAsia|publisher=Naver|date=August 1, 2021|access-date=August 1, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=August 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801083135/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=312&aid=0000492531|url-status=live}}
- Jo Jung-shik as an SBC news anchor (Ep.16)
- Kim Ji-young as Ah-young (Ep.16)
Production
=Casting=
Tang Jun-sang was invited to star in the sports drama on November 30, 2020. The cast of the series, Tang Jun-sang, Kim Kang-hoon, Oh Na-ra and Kim Sang-kyung, was confirmed on January 26, 2021. Lee Jae-in joined the cast on February 25, 2021, while Park Hyo-joo joined in March 2021. On March 25, the production company Pan Entertainment announced that with six boys and girls; Jun-sang Tang, Sang-yeon Sang, Choi Hyun-wook, Kang-hoon Kim, Jae-in Lee, and Ji-won Lee, the lineup of players was completed.{{Cite news|url=https://www.sedaily.com/NewsVIew/22JY267FWN|title='라켓소년단' 탕준상→손상연, 6인 소년소녀 라인업 완성|trans-title='Racquet Boys' Tang Jun-sang → Son Sang-yeon, 6 boys and girls lineup completed|author=Lim Soo-bin|work=Seoul Economic Daily|date=March 25, 2021|access-date=March 25, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=October 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022184159/https://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/22JY267FWN|url-status=live}} Kim Sang-kyung and Baek Ji-won appeared together in the 2019 office themed drama, Miss Lee.
= Preparation =
Tang Jun-sang mentioned in an interview that all the cast members who play badminton all trained extensively for months prior to filming{{Cite web|date=2021-08-10|title=[INTERVIEW] Tang Joon-sang of 'Racket Boys' says months of badminton practice paid off|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2021/09/688_313640.html|access-date=2021-09-01|website=The Korea Times|language=en|archive-date=September 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901092619/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2021/09/688_313640.html|url-status=live}} in order to get the right forms and techniques. Kang Seung-yoon (Kang Tae-seon) also admitted in a behind-the-scenes video uploaded on the SBS Catch Youtube channel that he also took badminton lessons as he plays a top player in the drama. However, there was never a scene where he was seen playing the sport.
=Filming=
Principal photography began on January 30, 2021. On April 21, 2021 SBS released images of script reading.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ytn.co.kr/_ln/0117_202104211131448543|title='라켓소년단' 김상경→김강훈, 첫 대본 리딩 현장 포착|trans-title='Racquet Boys' Kim Sang-gyeong → Kim Kang-hoon captures the scene of the first script reading|author=Oh Ji-won|work=YTN|date=April 21, 2021|access-date=April 22, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=April 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422112851/https://www.ytn.co.kr/_ln/0117_202104211131448543|url-status=live}} The filming locations of the series are Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province, Miryang-si and Gyeongnam.{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbci.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=415899|title='라켓소년단' 인물관계도 속 프로필과 등장인물 필살기 공개…실제 촬영지 & 몇부작?|trans-title='Racquet Boys' character relationship also revealed the profile and special moves of the characters... Actual filming location & how many episodes?|author=Park Hyun-taek|work=CBC News|date=May 31, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602213942/http://www.cbci.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=415899|url-status=live}}
Episodes
{{Episode table |background=#87CEFA|overall=|title=|director=|writer=|airdate= |airdateR=|viewers=20 |country=South Korea |episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 1
|Title = Episode 1
|DirectedBy = Cho Young-kwang
|WrittenBy = Jung Bo-hun
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|5|31}}
|ShortSummary = Yoon Hyeon-jong (Kim Sang-kyung), a badminton coach and a devoted father is struggling to meet his family expenses. Yoon Hae-kang (Tang Jun-sang), his son a baseball enthusiast fails to go to baseball camp as they could not pay the fees. Hae-In, his daughter has asthma and allergic to dust. So in February 2021, when he gets an offer for coaching, the family relocates, from Seoul to Ttangkkeut village in Haenam. Hyeon-jong finds that the school team is in shambles, there are only three members; Bang Yoon-dam, Yong-Tae and Na Woo-chan. To enter into competitions they need a fourth player. Hae-kang, who was a badminton prodigy and juniors champion, but now plays baseball, reluctantly joins the team. They lose Sweet Potato competition, but decide to focus on the next Spring competition to win it. In Sweet Potato competition they meet Ra Yeong-ja (Oh Na-ra), world and junior high school coach, called as "Ranos", and national athlete Se-Yoon who was competing in the female badminton team. In the evening the home gets crowded, when Yeong-ja and the two girls from the badminton team arrive as Yeong-ja happens to be Hae-In's mother. As the episode ends, Racket Boys learn line up for next competition, prompting them to prepare harder to meet the competition.
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 2
|Title = Episode 2
|DirectedBy = Cho Young-kwang
|WrittenBy = Jung Bo-hun
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|6|1}}
|ShortSummary = The episode opens with boys starting new term in the school. The boys practice their badminton skills and when Hae-kang mentions the name of Jae-Seok, who used to be part of their foursome others leave. Jae-Seok has left them for Seoul without even saying bye. In Haenam, Tollgate bullies beat up Lee Yong-tae (Kim Kang-hoon). Hae-kang dashes back to the internet cafe to confront them. In an alley Hae-kang first tells them what they’ve done wrong and then lashes out at them. In village, a city couple arrives. Hyeon-jong gets wind of a legendary coach named the “white wolf”, curious he sets out to explore. He soon finds out that head coach Bae (Shin Jung-geun), in fact, is “white wolf”. Coach Bae scolds Yoon-dam, the only one who didn't go with the boys to face bullies. He reminds them that they're a team and they must act together. In Spring competition the Racket Boys face their old teammate Jae-seok. In draws Jae-seok and Hae-kang wind up facing each other on the court. The episode ends with the game coming up to a single point between them, Hae-kang ready to face a serve that could be decider of this game, certainly a cliffhanger.
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 3
|Title = Episode 3
|DirectedBy = Cho Young-kwang
|WrittenBy = Jung Bo-hun
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|6|7}}
|ShortSummary = Jae-Seok defeated by Hae-kang, explains that his mom made him transfer to Seoul. As an apology he buys noodles for all of them. Hae-kang's old baseball coach meets him and encourages him to play again. Se-Yoon is struggling with the expectation of all, before her International competition at New Zealand. The estranged relationship between mother and son is cleared, when Hyeon-jong explains to Hae-kang that at the peak of her career she gave up the Olympics and retired as she got pregnant and choose to have baby. She admitted that it was the best decision she made, even better than winning the Olympics. In New Zealand Se-yoon watches pep videos including Hae-kang's, his message feels heartfelt as he apologizes for past misunderstandings. He reminds her of their childhood conversation and tells her it's okay to lose. Se-yoon wins in New Zealand and on return to Korea have a heart to heart talk with Hae-kang. On her advice he fakes illness to patch up with his mother. Jung In-sol comes over to boarding house to help raise average score of players. Soon, they all head out and start taking pictures, Hae-kang is beaming as he is enjoying with his extended family.
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 4
|Title = Episode 4
|DirectedBy = Cho Young-kwang
|WrittenBy = Jung Bo-hun
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|6|8}}
|ShortSummary = The episode opens with Hae-kang's junior training program of 2016. The scene then merges to Hae-kang's present situation. It's tournament time, but team has no budget for it. Coach Bae arranges an advance amount against funding. On the night before the match, coach Yoon Hyeon-jong gets drunk and misses the time for the match in the morning. In-sol wants to play badminton, but his father, who is a councilor, asks Yoon Hyeon-jong to make his son quit the game and in return he will arrange for finding. Jeong In-sol joins the team. While watching TV, Hae-In gets acute seizure, as Hae-kang has gone to market, the other boys carry her to the hospital on their back and save her life. Yoon Hyeon-jong learns that Coach Bae arranged the advance amount from his salary. Hae-kang takes the other boys to Grandma Oh-mae's playroom to play games and enjoy the WiFi. Finally he has accepted them as his friends.
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 5
|Title = Episode 5
|DirectedBy = Cho Young-kwang
|WrittenBy = Jung Bo-hun
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|6|14}}
|ShortSummary = The boys begin training for doubles with boys from Hwasun Oseong and neighbouring universities. Yoon-dam and Hae-kang teamed up together but don't gel on the court. Se-Yoon continues to get training rigorously for an upcoming match in Jakarta, Indonesia. Mr Hong informs that he has a long-standing rivalry in annual sports meet with Mr Bang and wants a runner for relay race with 4 racers from 4 different age groups. In doubles match Hwasun wins the match, making Yoon-dam and Hae-kang upset over their loss. In the doubles match against university boys Yoon-dam and Hae-kang get the rhythm and gel together and finally get over their differences. In Jakarta, Se-yoon wins her match against Indonesia's Ivana Putri in spite of partisan crowd. In the relay race Se-yoon takes over the final baton and runs to victory. When Se-yoon thanks Yong-tae for giving her herbal medicine for headaches, he informs her that it was Hae-kang who is responsible for helping her out with the medicine. Mutual liking for each other is apparent as they volunteer to pick potatoes together. They continue to walk without expressing it in words.
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 6
|Title = Episode 6
|DirectedBy = Cho Young-kwang
|WrittenBy = Jung Bo-hun
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|6|15}}
|ShortSummary = To escape the intense training boys decide to run away, so pooling their resources, except Yoon-dam, other 4 boys take the bus to Gwangju. On return they find that they don't have enough money for return journey, as Yong-Tae couldn't find the money envelope. Realising that they need to get jobs to pay their way, they take jobs at a construction site. Jun-yeong advises them to not to listen to adults, and helmet wearing is not desirable. Hae-kang is saved at the last second from a falling wrench, and they learn the importance of safety helmet. At the end of the day the boys realised that they have been scammed by site foreman. Hyeon-jong meets his old buddy Jae-joon as they reminisced their training days as they watched young talent exerting themselves. Se-yoon and Hae-kang keep avoiding their true feelings. The kids put on a beautiful party for Hae-in as per her wish list, as a seven years old, but she longed for same age friend. Eventually she spends quality time with young Chae-yeon, who is vacationing in the village. The draw for the 64th National Competition is released and the boys realised that they have to train hard to advance in competition.
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 7
|Title = Episode 7
|DirectedBy = Cho Young-kwang
|WrittenBy = Jung Bo-hun
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|6|21}}
|ShortSummary = A day before the competition, Hae-kang takes up a set of grueling exercises for endurance. Han-sol is harassed during her doubles match by linesman, who incidentally was her ex-crush. This infuriates her doubles partner Yoon-dam and he knocks the man down, resulting in his disqualification from the single matches. Yong-tae wins his match despite being nervous. Hae-kang wins his match against his arch-rival Sun-gyun (the blond guy). Hae-kang loses against Park Chan and Se-yoon loses to Na-Ra. Although outwardly Hae-kang, Se-yoon and coach Ra Yeong-ja pretend that they are okay but inwardly they are disturbed. As coach Ra and Se-yoon discuss her future plans, coach Ra tells her that it is okay to lose sometime. The racket boys discuss Hae-kang's future and earlier visit of baseball coach. Whether he's going to take the offer and return to play baseball or not. Hae-kang heads up to the roof where he finds Se-Yoon holding out, but seeing Hae-kang, she start sobbing and leans on him for comfort. Finally the pent up emotions burst out.
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 8
|Title = Episode 8
|DirectedBy = Cho Young-kwang
|WrittenBy = Jung Bo-hun
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|6|22}}
|ShortSummary = In the village the wall mural is vandalised with writing “Mind your own business” over it. A fire blazes in the woods nearby as the hiker from city flicks the cigarette over pine leaves. The residents put out the fire. Coach Hyeon-jong meets coach Fang (Ahn Nae-sang) and recommends Yoon-Dam for the National Badminton Team. Hae-kang twists his ankle in practice match, much to the delight of Seung-heon. Yoon-dam wins his match while, Yong-tae loses. Na Woo-chan surrenders his doubles match due to shoulder injury. Woo-chan's father, who was first time watching his match leaves his prejudices and encourages him to keep fighting. Se-yoon destroys Na-Ra avenging her defeat of the last match. Hae-kang wins his game against Seung-Heon hands down, destroying the arrogant. Coach Fang confirms that he is going to pick Yoon-dam and Hae-kang for the National team. At hospital coach Hyeon-jong learns that Hae-kang has badly sprained his ankle and he needs plaster for three weeks. Hae-kang gets jealous when Se-yoon gets a message from Park Chan to go out with him. When Lee Han-sol asks her if she is going out with him, she casts a glance at Hae-kang, and the episode ends.
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 9
|Title = Episode 9
|DirectedBy = Cho Young-kwang
|WrittenBy = Jung Bo-hun
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|6|28}}
|ShortSummary = Racket Boys go under rigorous training in the National Juniors Athletes Camp, getting ready for playing the Japanese competitors the following day. They go for mountain training where coming down, Hae-kang retrieves Se-yoon's shoe going down the stream. Village Chief calls for a brainstorming meeting for ideas to revitalize their village. The city couple give the suggestions to cultivate regional food and use technology to market it. They can give empty houses to townfolk for staying. Back at the training camp, the boys sneak out to karaoke bar. When they are caught sneaking in they are told that they're going to be disqualified if they don't win in the morning. The Korean boys win against the Japanese. Afterwards, the girls go on date with boys. Hae-kang and Se-yoon go to the shore, where Hae-kang requests a Busan guy to take their picture. In evening, all of them gather to play a game of liar together. The coach Fang taking round, catches them and punishes them to run laps. Hae-kang and Se-yoon hiding in the closet escape being caught. Hae-kang asks her about Park Chan. He didn't ask Se-yoon out but will do when he wins the junior championship. Hae-kang tells her he's going to win, so it won't happen. She asks him to keep that promise, as the episode closes.
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 10
|Title = Episode 10
|DirectedBy = Cho Young-kwang
|WrittenBy = Jung Bo-hun
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|6|29}}
|ShortSummary = Coach Fang finds Hae-kang in the closet. Hae-kang is diagnosed with hyphema because of hit with the shuttlecock at the tournament. Hyeon-jong informs the boys in private, that Hae-kang won't be competing in the preliminaries. Hyeon-jong meets his old friend Yang-Su in the hope of getting his money back. Hae-kang chooses National badminton player as his career. Racket boys and family celebrate Hyeon-jong's 47th birthday. The villagers gather for dinner and the movie Train to Busan with Big Grandma to celebrate her 90th birthday. It is shown that White Wolf, 10 years back used violence on a promising player, Kang Tae-seon, who dropped out due to trauma.
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 11
|Title = Episode 11
|DirectedBy = Cho Young-kwang
|WrittenBy = Jung Bo-hun
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|7|5}}
|ShortSummary = The Racket Boys are trying to find the truth about the rumours concerning the White Wolf. The past of city couple and what brought them to the countryside is shown in flashbacks. They find themselves helping the villagers including senior citizens. The couple found their purpose in the village and the secret of good life, 'helping others brings happiness rather than getting help. Friendships and romance is building among Han-sol and Yoon-dam and Se-yoon and Hae-kang. Park Chan shows up to see Se-yoon, which makes Hae-kang jealous. A hilarious homework for Hae-in, where she has to express what love is, finds everyone putting hand gestures to make heart shape. Hyeon-jong is inquiring more about the White Wolf. He receives a call telling him to speak to coach Noh (Badminton goods shop owner). He's the one who was there back then. The draft matches take place and the final outcome depends on last match. Hwasung kids are grilled hard by coach Chan, and they are over exerted. Yong-tae offers Eun-ho encouraging words and ends up telling him about Hae-kang's eye. Eun-Ho gives this information to his coach, who uses this against Hae-kang in the match. As the game continues, Yong-tae gets upset by his friend's betrayal, and tears start rolling down his cheeks.
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 12
|Title = Episode 12
|DirectedBy = Cho Young-kwang
|WrittenBy = Jung Bo-hun
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|7|6}}
|ShortSummary = After the draft match, there is tensions between Yong-tae and Hae-kang. Hyeong-jong finds a cigarette outside the gym. Hae-kang tells his concerns to Big Gran and Se-yoon. Ms Shin tells him a story of her mother, which clears the confusion and Hae-kang speaks to Yong-tae under the willow truth tree and forgives him. In-sol and Hae-kang play-off match goes all the way to match point with Hae-kang winning. It turns out that coach Bae was not the one who beat the boys 10 years ago, but it actually was coach Chun. Coach Bae was forced to take the blame for Chun. Big Gran gets her power of speech back at her last moment and apologizes to Ms Shin before breathing her last. At the funeral everyone celebrates Big Gran's life. Just then, Shin's family shows up. The funeral brings back memories for Yeong-ja too, who won a gold medal for her mother, but she died before seeing her triumph. As Yeong-Ja lets her emotions out, she hugs the entire Racket boys family. Shin Phil-Ja shows up with food and admits that she helped Big Gran write out her will, which bequeath all her assets to Miss Shin. Sharing their thoughts, the pair grow closer. In the middle of night Yong-tae sneaks out, the other boys believing that he's smoking but it turns out that a goddess girl from Heanem Middle School is calling him every night and wants to go to movies with him.
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 13
|Title = Episode 13
|DirectedBy = Cho Young-kwang
|WrittenBy = Jung Bo-hun
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|7|12}}
|ShortSummary = It is vacation time for the boys and girls. But, they are not thrilled as they know there will be intense training. Coach Ra is not pleased because World Championship and NJSF are on the same day, making it difficult for Se-yoon to play in both competitions. While playing different games, Hae-kang and Park-chan compete. In evening when Se-yoon loses and is asked to go to bring fruits, Park-chan wishes to accompany her. Their evening stroll is disturbed by Hae-kang, where he tells Se-yoon his feelings for her. Se-yoon and Hae-kang both tell the scout that they will not go to Seoul. Coach Bae goes on vacation but Yoon-dam is not happy with it. The Racket Boys cheer Han-sol, as she plays her singles match. She misses Se-yoon but doesn't show it. In Bangkok, playing World Championship match against New Zealand girl, Se-yoon plays hard and wins her games in record time as she wants to rush home in time to play in the NJSF. She has invited her mother to watch her play for the first time. But, bad weather delays her flight and she is stuck at airport.
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 14
|Title = Episode 14
|DirectedBy = Cho Young-kwang
|WrittenBy = Jung Bo-hun
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|7|19}}
|ShortSummary = Se-Yoon and coach Fang are trying to reach stadium driving through heavy traffic. In the absence of Se-yoon, it falls on Han-sol to lead the team. Her game in final match with Korea number 2, Lee Na-ra is 1-1, her coach advises her to remember the person she cares most and play, the miracle happens as Han-sol wins the match! The Racket Boys have an altercation with baseball team, which ends in Hae-kang handing his new flip phone to them. The next day, in the semi-finals the stadium is half empty but the villagers show up with drums and signs, ready to cheer the boys on. Hae-kang and Yoon-dam win their doubles match, while Hae-kang wins against Seung-heon. When the villagers reach home, they learn about a big development project of a golf course on the village land. The episode ends with the coach Hyeon-jong getting the news from the hospital that the knee ligament damage of key players is worsening. And then, Hae-kang comes to tell that he is not able to see with his right eye.
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 15
|Title = Episode 15
|DirectedBy = Cho Young-kwang
|WrittenBy = Jung Bo-hun
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|7|26}}
|ShortSummary = Kang Tae-seon (Kang Seung-yoon) is nervous for his comeback. Coach Hyeon-jong is worried as his key players are in the injured list. On the day of the finals of Jeonnam Vs Seoul, coach Hyeon-jong gives his boys a pep talk. In first match Yong-tae is pitied against Jae-seok. Jae-Seok wins the first game, which makes Yong-tae nervous. Taking a short break he goes out. In the hallway he runs into Yong-dae, their talk puts confidence into him. Changing his game plan he wins the match. Next match Yoon-dam wins after giving a little scare mid-match, when he faints. In the village, the shady developers continue to convince the villagers to put their seal on deed to grab their land. Which ended in fiasco for them. At the tournament, the coaches discuss the game plan of coach Hyeon-jong, which has put Jeonnam in driving seat. Eun-ho is matched up against Park-chan while Hae-kang is part of the doubles match. Already ahead by 2-0 it gives Jeonnam outright chance to win tournament.
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 16
|Title = Episode 16
|DirectedBy = Cho Young-kwang
|WrittenBy = Jung Bo-hun
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|8|9}}
|ShortSummary = The finale episode opens with doubles match. Hae-kang and Woo-chan of Jeonnam Vs Park Chan and friend of Seoul. 3rd game of the match goes all the way to 29-29 with Racket Boys winning last point and thereby the competition. After winning, Hae-kang admits his feelings to Se-yoon. The boys reflecting on the athletes of the country remember Im Seo-hyeon, whom Se-yeon looks up as her idol. Next comes Hae-kang's draft match against Tae-seon of Jeonnam Sports Council, which Hae-kang loses. Time passes as the series takes a leap into 2022. Yong-tae grows from student to 'junior coach' helping a group of youngsters to learn discipline. In the village, demand for sweet potatoes is growing. A newman Park Jeong-Hwan, arrives from the city to stay there with his loved one. In the interview Hyeon-Jong gets emotional and thanks the boys for making him feel really good about himself. The episode and series closes with the badminton games continuing as it cuts forward to a summer competition in Seoul. In-sol's father is cheering his son as he plays a doubles match. On another court, Se-yoon and Hae-kang, with coach Hyeon-jong on their side, is beginning their doubles match against Yoon-dam and Han-sol, with coach Ra Yeong-ja siding with them.
|LineColor = #87CEFA
}}
}}
Original soundtrack
{{Infobox album
| name = Racket Boys
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = Various
| released = 2021
| recorded =
| genre = Soundtrack
| language = {{hlist|Korean|English}}
| label = {{hlist|Music & New Co., Ltd.|Pan Entertainment}}
}}
=Part 1=
{{track listing
| headline = Released on {{start date|2021|6|1}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.melon.com/album/detail.htm?albumId=10616445|title=라켓소년단 OST Part 1|trans-title=Racket Boys OST Part 1|access-date=June 1, 2021|website=Melon|archive-date=June 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601090537/https://www.melon.com/album/detail.htm?albumId=10616445|url-status=live}}
| extra_column = Artist
| title1 = Will Be
| note1 = 지금처럼; Like Now
| lyrics1 = HONEY NOISE
| music1 = HONEY NOISE
| extra1 = The Boyz
| length1 = 3:03
| title2 = Will Be
| note2 = Inst.
| lyrics2 =
| music2 = HONEY NOISE
| extra2 =
| length2 = 3:03
}}
=Part 2=
{{track listing
| headline = Released on {{start date|2021|6|15}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.melon.com/album/detail.htm?albumId=10627217|title=라켓소년단 OST Part 2|trans-title=Racket Boys OST Part 2|access-date=June 15, 2021|website=Melon|archive-date=June 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629091004/https://www.melon.com/album/detail.htm?albumId=10627217|url-status=live}}
| extra_column = Artist
| title1 = Focus on Me
| note1 = 커피소년
| lyrics1 = Coffee Boy
| music1 = Coffee Boy
| extra1 = Coffee Boy
| length1 = 3:40
| title2 = Focus on Me
| note2 = Inst.
| lyrics2 =
| music2 = Coffee Boy
| extra2 =
| length2 = 3:40
}}
=Part 3=
{{track listing
| headline = Released on {{start date|2021|6|29}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.melon.com/album/detail.htm?albumId=10639066|title=라켓소년단 OST Part 3|trans-title=Racket Boys OST Part 3|access-date=June 29, 2021|website=Melon|archive-date=June 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629090839/https://www.melon.com/album/detail.htm?albumId=10639066|url-status=live}}
| extra_column = Artist
| title1 = I Love You Teacher
| note1 = 선생님 사랑해요
| lyrics1 = Lee Do-yeon
| music1 = Choi Joon-young
| extra1 = Oh My Girl (Hyojung, Mimi, Binnie)
| length1 = 3:49
| title2 = I Love You Teacher
| note2 = Inst.
| lyrics2 =
| music2 = Choi Joon-young
| extra2 =
| length2 = 3:49
}}
=Part 4=
{{track listing
| headline = Released on {{start date|2021|7|6}}{{Cite web|url=https://m2.melon.com/album/detail.htm?albumId=10644168|title=라켓소년단 OST Part 4|trans-title=Racket Boys OST Part 4|access-date=July 8, 2021|website=Melon|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184913/https://m2.melon.com/album/detail.htm?albumId=10644168|url-status=live}}
| extra_column = Artist
| title1 = Find Me
| note1 = 나를 찾아서
| lyrics1 = {{hlist|Park Se-jun|Woo Ji-hoon}}
| music1 = {{hlist|Park Se-jun|Woo Ji-hoon}}
| extra1 = Lim Dan-woo
| length1 = 3:51
| title2 = Find Me
| note2 = Inst.
| lyrics2 =
| music2 = {{hlist|Park Se-jun|Woo Ji-hoon}}
| extra2 =
| length2 = 3:51
}}
=Part 5=
{{track listing
| headline = Released on {{start date|2021|7|13}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.melon.com/album/detail.htm?albumId=10649683|title=라켓소년단 OST Part 5|trans-title=Racket Boys OST Part 5|access-date=July 13, 2021|website=Melon|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713090547/https://www.melon.com/album/detail.htm?albumId=10649683|url-status=live}}
| extra_column = Artist
| title1 = Cloud
| note1 =
| lyrics1 = 0308
| music1 = 0308
| extra1 = Park Ji-won (fromis 9)
| length1 = 3:51
| title2 = Cloud
| note2 = Inst.
| lyrics2 =
| music2 =
| extra2 =
| length2 = 3:51
}}
Reception
Kim Hee-kyung writing for Hankyung opined that the drama is fresh in respect that it is 'bringing liveliness and tension at the same time'. Praising the directing technique, Hee-kyung wrote, "He [the director] uses his cartoon imagination to draw white wolves and bears with computer graphics." She felt that the game scenes were portrayed realistically, and to stress on the players and present a dramatic atmosphere, voices and lights were removed.{{Cite news|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/015/0004562858|author=Kim Hee-kyung|title=[리뷰] '라켓 소년단', 착한 신선함, 생생한 연출의 힘|trans-title=[Review] 'Racquet Boys', good freshness, vivid directing power|work=The Korea Economic Daily|publisher=Naver|date=June 15, 2021|access-date=June 15, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616043135/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/015/0004562858|url-status=live}}
=Controversy=
Episode 5 drew outrage from Indonesian netizens due to its negative portrayal of the country and its people as being cheaters and lacking in sportsmanship. Some of the dialogue between the main characters about the country and the wide gap in score between Han Se-yoon from Korea and Ivana Putri from Indonesia (21-7, 21-9) were also considered insulting given that, at the time of broadcast, a number of Indonesian badminton players were leading in world rankings while South Korean players were several places behind, leading to many accusing SBS of racism. In response to the backlash, SBS released an apology on their official Instagram account over the way the country had been portrayed.{{cite web|url=https://www.kpoppost.com/sbs-apologized-to-indonesian-netizens-for-racket-boys-episode-5-scenes/|title=SBS Apologized to Indonesian Netizens for Racket Boys Episode 5 Scenes|author=Kim Min-soo|website=KPO Post|date=June 17, 2021|access-date=June 17, 2021|archive-date=June 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617132917/https://www.kpoppost.com/sbs-apologized-to-indonesian-netizens-for-racket-boys-episode-5-scenes/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/468/0000774951|author=Kim Seon-woo|title='라켓소년단' 인종차별 의혹에 사과 "특정 국가 비하 의도 無"[공식]|trans-title='Racquet Boys' apologizes for racism allegations "No intention to demean a specific country" [Official]|work=Sports Seoul|publisher=Naver|date=June 18, 2021|access-date=June 19, 2021|language=ko|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200417/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/468/0000774951|url-status=live}}
Viewership
{{Television ratings graph
| title = Racket Boys
| refs = Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.{{cite web|url=https://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20210809|title=Nielsen Korea (Nationwide)|work=Nielsen Korea|language=ko|access-date=August 10, 2021|archive-date=August 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810031735/http://www.nielsenkorea.co.kr/tv_terrestrial_day.asp?menu=Tit_1&sub_menu=1_1&area=00&begin_date=20210809|url-status=live}}
| average = y
| width = 300
| height = 190
| country = South Korea
| -
|1.161
|1.007
|1.206
|1.035
|1.218
|0.960
|1.173
|1.088
|1.149
|1.036
|1.007
|1.151
|1.091
|1.059
|1.188
|1.009
|1.096
}}
Awards and nominations
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website}} {{in lang|ko}}
- {{IMDb title}}
- {{HanCinema drama}}
{{Works by Pan Entertainment}}
Category:Seoul Broadcasting System television dramas
Category:2021 South Korean television series debuts
Category:2021 South Korean television series endings
Category:South Korean teen dramas
Category:South Korean comedy-drama television series
Category:South Korean sports television series
Category:Korean-language Netflix exclusive international distribution programming
Category:South Korean television series about teenagers
Category:Television series by Studio S
Category:Television series by Pan Entertainment