You know that feeling when you're watching a show and you can't decide if you're there for the romance or the genuine fear that someone is about to get pushed off a roof? That’s the Korean drama Cheer Up in a nutshell. It is a weird, chaotic, and oddly comforting blend of campus life and actual slasher-flick mystery. Released in late 2022 on SBS, it didn't necessarily break the internet like Squid Game, but it carved out this specific niche for people who missed the old-school vibes of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo but wanted a side of "who is the killer?"
Honestly, the show is a bit of a gamble. You’ve got Do Hae-yi, played by the incredibly charismatic Han Ji-hyun, who is basically a human energy drink fueled entirely by her need to make money. She joins Theia, the university cheer squad at Yonhee University, not because she has some deep-seated passion for school spirit, but because she’s getting paid. It’s a relatable motivation. In a world of K-drama protagonists who do things for "destiny," Hae-yi does it for the cold, hard cash.
But here’s where it gets complicated. The squad is cursed. Or at least, people think it is. Between the high-octane dance routines and the blooming love triangles, there’s a genuine sense of dread hanging over the characters.
The Reality of the Korean Drama Cheer Up and Its Mystery
Most campus dramas stick to the "will they, won't they" trope. The Korean drama Cheer Up decides to throw a wrench in that by adding a three-part prophecy. The legend goes that one member of the squad will die. It sounds cheesy when you write it down, but the execution is surprisingly tense. Director Han Tae-seob balances the bright, saturated colors of the stadium with dark, claustrophobic hallways.
The mystery isn't just a background plot. It drives the character development. Park Jung-woo (Bae In-hyuk), the captain of the squad, is a stickler for rules because he’s terrified of history repeating itself. He’s the "Old Man" of the group, and his chemistry with Hae-yi is all about that slow-burn tension. Then you have Jin Sun-ho (Kim Hyun-jin), the wealthy, popular freshman who falls first and falls hard.
It's a classic Second Lead Syndrome trap.
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Seriously, the internet was in a full-blown civil war over who Hae-yi should end up with while the show was airing. Sun-ho is the guy who looks at her like she’s the only person in the room, while Jung-woo is the guy who makes sure she’s wearing a coat when it’s cold. It’s a tough call. But the show isn't just a romance. It’s a love letter to being young and incredibly tired.
Why the Cheerleading Scenes Look So Real
If you’ve watched the show, you’ve noticed the routines aren't just a few hand waves. The cast actually trained with the real Yonsei University cheer squad, Aka-rakui. This isn't American-style "Bring It On" cheerleading with backflips and human pyramids. It’s "Cheer" in the Korean university sense: high energy, heavy costumes, and orchestral music that sounds like it’s meant for a battle.
The actors spent months learning the choreography. Han Ji-hyun mentioned in an interview that the training was so intense she felt like she was becoming a professional athlete. You can see the sweat. It adds a layer of authenticity that a lot of idol-driven dramas lack. When they say they’re exhausted, they probably aren't acting.
The Problem With the Pacing (Let’s Be Real)
No show is perfect. The Korean drama Cheer Up suffered from some broadcast delays during its original run due to baseball games and the World Cup, which kind of killed the momentum for some viewers. Sometimes the mystery feels like it’s from a completely different show. One minute you’re watching a cute date at a convenience store, and the next, someone is being stalked in a dark alleyway with ominous music.
It’s jarring.
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But maybe that’s the point. Being in your early 20s feels like that—extreme highs of friendship and the looming, terrifying pressure of the future. Or, in this case, a literal stalker. The show tackles the socioeconomic divide without being too preachy. Hae-yi’s poverty isn't just a character trait; it’s a constant weight. She has to choose between practice and her part-time jobs. That’s a reality for a lot of students that dramas often gloss over in favor of shiny lockers and expensive outfits.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Ending
Without spoiling the identity of the culprit, the ending of the Korean drama Cheer Up often gets flak for being too "neat." People wanted more stakes. But if you look at the themes of the show, it was never really about the "who." It was about the "why." It was an exploration of how obsession can ruin something beautiful, like a team.
The resolution of the love triangle also sparked heated debates. Some felt the choice was made too late in the game, leaving little time for the actual couple to just be a couple. However, the final episodes emphasize that these characters are just starting their lives. It’s not a "happily ever after" so much as a "we survived this, so we can survive whatever is next."
The Supporting Cast Is the Secret Weapon
While the leads get the glory, the supporting members of Theia are the heart of the show.
- Joo Sun-ja: The best friend we all need. Her loyalty to Hae-yi is the show's most stable relationship.
- Ki Woon-chan: The vice-captain who brings the humor when things get too dark.
- Tae Cho-hee: A total boss. She’s the representation of "girl power" without the clichés.
The camaraderie feels genuine because the actors were stuck in those heavy costumes together for hours. You can’t fake that kind of bond.
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How to Actually Enjoy the Show in 2026
If you’re diving into this now, don’t expect a fast-paced thriller. It’s a slow burn. It’s a "vibe" show. Watch it when you’re feeling a bit nostalgic for school or when you need a reminder that it's okay to be a bit of a mess.
- Ignore the "Cursed" Hype: Don't go in expecting a horror movie. It's a drama with suspenseful elements.
- Pay Attention to the Lyrics: The OST is top-tier. Songs like "Shine" by Peppertones basically define the energy of the show.
- Look for the Cameos: Keep an eye out for Jang Na-ra, who makes a brilliant appearance as a former squad member.
The Korean drama Cheer Up reminds us that the best parts of life are often the ones we didn't plan for. Hae-yi didn't plan to love cheering. She didn't plan to fall in love. She just showed up for the money and ended up finding a family.
To get the most out of your viewing experience, try to find the "Making Of" clips on YouTube. Seeing the actors struggle with the dance moves makes the actual performances in the show feel even more triumphant. Also, if you’re interested in the real-life culture, look up the "Yonsei vs. Korea University" cheering matches. The scale of those events is mind-blowing and shows exactly why this drama exists.
Final thought: If you're looking for a show that captures the specific, frantic energy of being twenty, this is it. It’s loud, it’s emotional, and it’s a little bit dangerous. Just like real life.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Watch the OST music videos first: Specifically "Shine" and "Enjoy It." They set the tone better than any trailer.
- Check the trigger warnings: The mystery plot involves some themes of stalking and physical endangerment that might be heavy for some.
- Don't skip the epilogues: Like many K-dramas, some of the best character moments in Cheer Up happen right as the credits start to roll.