One of the things that sets Korean dramas apart is their use of songs that were specifically chosen or made for each drama. Korean dramas wouldn’t be complete without the release of original soundtracks that will accompany the whole series, giving more life to K-Dramas. Take a look at some of the most iconic OSTs that were loved by both K-Drama viewers and non-viewers alike!
1) YESUNG – “It Has To Be You”
This song is a very popular OST of “Cinderella’s Stepsister” which was released in 2010 and starred Chun Jung Myung, Moon Geun Young, 2PM’s Ok Taecyeon, and Seo Woo. The song talks about losing someone you love and wanting to have them back even if it will break your heart again. It was perfectly sung by Super Junior’s Yesung, his raspy and deep voice fit the heartbreaking story of the song and captured every listener’s heart.
2) J & HowL – “Perhaps Love”
“Princess Hours (Goong)” is probably one of the most popular K-Dramas out there. It was released in 2006 and has been shown and recreated in multiple countries, definitely showing the great success of this series. Apart from that, this series’ OST entitled “Perhaps Love” has received a lot of love from K-Drama viewers. Due to its popularity in the Philippines, this song was even translated into the Filipino language and sung by famous singers Rachelle Ann Go and Christian Bautista in 2007. Eric Nam and Cheeze also released their version of this song in 2017.
3) Crush – “Beautiful”
“Goblin” is a 2016 series starring Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun, Lee Dong Wook, and Yoo In Na. This series follows an immortal goblin and his bride, a normal student. Together with this series, its original soundtracks were praised by many, especially this song by Crush. He is known for his R&B and hip-hop vibes, but unlike his upbeat songs, this ballad brought out another side of Crush’s amazingly soulful voice.
4) Ailee – “I’ll Go To You Like The First Snow”
“Goblin” is one of those K-Dramas with a really powerful line-up of original soundtracks. Ailee sang this song with so much emotion and power that it instantly became a hit upon its release. Her rendition received a lot praise, which is probably why this is one of her most popular pieces to date. It also reigned as the #1 song in Melon’s annual chart back in 2017. The song also topped Gaon’s yearly digital, streaming, and download charts in the same year. Truly, this song has made its place in the hearts of all listeners!
5) Henry – “It’s You”
As part of the original soundtracks for the K-Drama series “While You Were Sleeping,” this sweet and emotional English song by Henry has been one of his most successful songs as it was well-received even outside of Korea. He even released a live version of this song which shows him playing the piano inside his studio. Even though the series has long ended, this song still makes everyone swoon over Henry and his melodic voice.
6) Gummy – “You Are My Everything”
There is no doubt that “Descendants of the Sun” (known by fans as DOTS) is also one of the most successful K-Dramas globally. Its worldwide popularity did not stop in 2016 until now, as it is still being recreated in different countries. Likewise, the OST of Gummy for this series also became popular and was sung by almost every DOTS fan. The powerful and rich voice of Gummy made this song even more impactful and made each scene in DOTS more emotional to its viewers.
7) Kyuhyun – “Confession is Not Flashy”
One of the newest and most popular OSTs for 2020 is this song for Hospital Playlist by Super Junior’s Kyuhyun. This retro-style song was originally sung by Lee Seung Hwan in 1993 and gives a fluttering vibe to the series that highlights love and friendship. Ever since the release of Kyuhyun’s rendition of this song, it was on the Top 10 charts of Korean streaming sites for months.
8) SS501 – “Because I’m Stupid”
You will instantly be transported back in time just by hearing the first few notes of this beloved OST. The entire soundtrack of the famous series “Boys Over Flowers” became a massive hit, but it was “Because I’m Stupid” that stole the hearts of viewers. Sung by SS501, one of the most popular groups of the time, their sweet voices combined with the melody to create a track that would truly become iconic! T-MAX’s “Paradise” and SHINee’s “Stand By Me” were also popular OSTs from the series.
9) Kim Bum Soo – “I Miss You”
Is there any OST quite as iconic as this one? Perhaps the most easily recognizable K-drama soundtrack, Kim Bum Soo’s beautiful, yet heartbreaking track “I Miss You (보고싶다)” has become iconic for a reason. It comes from the 2003 series “Stairway to Heaven,” which is likely to be one of the saddest dramas you will ever encounter in your K-drama journey. Although Kim Bum Soo’s original version is stunning and perfect, we also recommend you check out this updated duo version he sang with a high school student on “Fantastic Duo.”
10) Lyn – “My Destiny”
One of the most beautiful modern soundtracks, “My Destiny” is from the series “My Love From Another Star” which proved to be a mega hit around the globe! Sung by Lyn, the soaring melody and sweet lyrics are famous to any K-Drama fans out there! Just by listening to it again, you can easily be caught up in your K-Drama feels once more as you remember this captivating love story which starred Kim Soo Hyun and Jun Ji Hyun.
There are plenty of other beautiful and iconic K-Drama OSTs, but these are a few of our favorites from both classic series and newer ones! We could also recommend legendary tracks such as Jung Seung Hwan’s “If It Is You” from the series “Another Oh Hae Young,” “That Man” by Hyun Bin from “Secret Garden,” and “Don’t Forget” by Baek Ji Young from the series “IRIS.”
What other songs would you have added to this list? Have you already listened to all of the OSTs we included above? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting to us @whatthekpop1!
Arianne is a feature writer of WTK who has recently gotten into K-pop but has been watching K-dramas for years!
Media: As Credited
Featured Image: Label SJ, Rocket3 Entertainment, Young Entertainment