From Descendants of the Sun to Twenty-Five Twenty-One: 10 Korean Dramas with Best OSTs

In the engaging world of Korean dramas, where storytelling smoothly combines with captivating characters and exquisite cinematography, there exists a melodic world that adds an extra layer of emotion and depth to every scene – the world of Original Soundtracks, or OSTs. Korean dramas are recognised for their ability to evoke intense feelings through music in addition to their captivating narratives. These dramas are masters at choosing and creating OSTs that connect with viewers and leave a lasting impression on their hearts.

The fact that many of these OSTs are sung by some of South Korea’s most popular idol singers adds to their allure. These idols, who have won over millions of fans with their number-one singles and mesmerising live performances, bring their extraordinary vocal abilities to the realm of Korean drama. Their participation in these OSTs gives them additional star power and appeal, boosting interest in these classic soundtracks.Korean dramas are recognised for their varied spectrum of musical styles, which range from heart-wrenching ballads that accompany heartbreaking farewells to uplifting pieces that celebrate times of joy and triumph.

To strengthen the audience’s emotional connection to the characters and plot, each OST is carefully chosen. These songs gain a great synergy when these well-liked superstars contribute their voices to them, elevating the drama-watching experience to new heights.

Here are some of our favourite Korean dramas with one of the best soundtracks.

Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016)

Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’s original soundtrack is a gripping selection of songs that helped to increase the show’s popularity. Chanyeol and Punch’s Stay With Me and Crush’s Beautiful, among other outstanding songs, perfectly accentuate the story’s emotions. These songs have gained iconic status, strengthening the story and making a deep impression on listeners all across the world.

Descendants of the Sun (2016)

The OST of the Korean drama Descendants of the Sun is a musical masterpiece that has greatly enhanced the popularity of the show. This OST, which includes a variety of powerfully moving songs, has gained international renown among fans. Notable songs such as Everytime by Chen and Punch and You Are My Everything by Gummy stand out for their ability to enrich the drama’s plot and leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Sung by EXO’s Chen and Punch, Everytime became an instant hit and became the love anthem among the masses as it perfectly encapsulates Yoo Si-jin and Kang Mo-yeon’s playful romance. The balladic track You Are My Everything by Gummy beautifully conveys the enduring love and commitment that defines the central relationship in the series.

Itaewon Class (2019)

Itaewon Class has a remarkable musical collection that significantly contributed to the show’s appeal. Featuring emotive tracks, this OST has gained immense popularity among fans globally. The drama’s narrative is strengthened by memorable songs like Start Over by Gaho and Sweet Nigh by V from BTS.

Star Over by Gaho, sets the tone for the series with its energetic and anthemic sound. Park Sae-ro-yi’s journey for justice and success is captured in this song’s powerful lyrics and dynamic melody. While Sweet Night by BTS’ V captures the complex and heartfelt emotions experienced by both the leads.

Hotel Del Luna (2019)

Hotel Del Luna has a bewitching collection of songs that has significantly contributed to the show’s allure and emotional depth. The OST is an essential aspect that enhances the overall viewing experience. This drama is renowned for its original and compelling storyline, fusing supernatural elements with human emotions.

One of the standout tracks is All About You by Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, whose delicate voice and the song’s moving lyrics wonderfully capture the nuanced and melancholy feelings of the drama’s protagonists. Can You See My Heart by Heize is a haunting ballad, with its ethereal melody, mirroring the supernatural and mysterious ambience of the hotel.

Crash Landing On You (2019)

Crash Landing On You tells the captivating story of a South Korean heiress, Yoon Se-ri, who crash-lands in North Korea and falls in love with Ri Jeong-hyeok, a North Korean military officer.

One of the most iconic tracks from the series’ OST is Here I Am Again by Baek Yerin which beautifully captures the longing and emotions of Yoon Se-ri and Ri Jeong-hyeok. Give You My Heart by IU conveys a message of love and longing with her emotive vocals.

It’s Okay To Not Be Okay (2020)

It’s Okay To Not Be Okay is known for its unique exploration of mental health and emotional healing. The series revolves around the lives of Moon Gang-tae, a psychiatric nurse with a painful past, and Ko Moon-young, a children’s book author with her own scars. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. The drama’s title encourages viewers to accept vulnerabilities and address mental health openly.

It features a poignant OST which is produced by Nam Hye-seung that amplifies the emotional depth of the story. The series album contains 16 songs and 20 score pieces. Some of them are In Your Time by Lee Su-hyun, You’re Cold by Heize, In Silence, I’m Your Psycho and Lighting Up Your World–all three by Janet Suhh, Little By Little, sung by Cheeze and Breath by Sam Kim. 

Hospital Playlist (2020)

Hospital Playlist is a beloved South Korean series known for its heartwarming storytelling and portrayal of five friends who are doctors. It offers a unique glimpse into their lives, blending camaraderie, humour, and heartfelt moments amidst the challenges of their profession.

The drama’s standout soundtrack features songs like Aloha by Cho Jung-suk, Introduce Me a Good Person by Joy and the cover of Me to You, You to Me by Mido and Falasol (the main cast of the series) enhancing the emotional depth and relatability of the storyline.

The soundtrack of the series was produced by Ma Joo-hee and consists of covers of popular Korean songs released in the 1990s and 2000s. These songs charted on the Gaon Digital Chart and twelve on the K-pop Hot 100, and some received nominations and awards. 

Start-Up (2020)

Similar to its name, the Korean drama Start-Up reflects the core theme of entrepreneurship and the challenges faced by startups in the tech industry. It provides insight into the determination, risks, and uncertainties involved in pursuing one’s dreams in the competitive startup landscape.

The OST of Start-Up encapsulates the dreams and struggles of an individual. It also captures the complexities of relationships of the leads along with a touch of romance. Our notable picks are Running by Gaho, Future by Red Velvet’s Irene, Day & Night by Jung Seung-hwan, My Love by Davichi, Love Letter by BOL4, Dream by Jamie, My Dear Love by Suzy and more.

Our Beloved Summer (2021)

Produced by Nam Hye-seung, the OST of Our Beloved Summer consists of many melodic, heartwarming songs. One of the most popular soundtracks of the whole album was Christmas Tree performed by BTS’ V, which debuted at number 79 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned V his first solo entry on the chart. Some other notable songs are Drawer by 10cm, Our Beloved Summer by Kim Kyunghee, Home and Why by Janet Suhh and Maybe If by BIBI.

Twenty-Five, Twenty-One (2021)

Set in the 1990s Korea, the show’s soundtrack brings a nostalgic touch to the audience. The show was one of the most popular series of 2021 and the OST album sold 35,426 copies as of April 2022. Some of the most popular songs of the series were Starlight by Taeil of NCT, Your Existence by Wonstein and Very Slowly by BIBI. The album also peaked at number 7 on the weekly Gaon Album Chart.

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