Why watching Korean dramas can become addicting. Firstly, each episode is easy to follow and uncomplicated, so you never have to worry about getting lost or finding it hard to interpret a particular scene. This also makes K-dramas a great weekend marathon kind of thing to watch with friends – it’ll help you stay connected through fun dialogue and jokes shared during each episode!
But you know what makes a K-Drama stand out among its peers? An incredible soundtrack. That’s right, no matter how well crafted or intricately plotted the storylines are in these dramas, none of that works without the OST resonating with you on an emotional level.
Never underestimate the power of K-drama soundtracks. Not only are they super catchy, but they sometimes even provide a glimpse into the character’s mindset. And while it’s true that all dramas have their own individual themes which are very much tailored to what’s happening in the show at any given moment – music is still an essential part of how each scene is portrayed!
Here are 10 K-dramas that are made even better by their fantastic soundtracks.
1. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (“Stay With Me”)
If we’re talking about great soundtracks, then we have to start with Goblin. This soundtrack is iconic for a reason: the music speaks for itself! The melodies are unique and beautifully curated, from its beginning track up to its last song.
Soundtracks from Goblin: “Stay With Me” by Chanyeol and Punch, “Beautiful” by Crush, “I Will Go to You Like the First Snow” by Ailee, “Beautiful” by Eddy Kim, “Who Are You” by Sam Kim, and “I Miss You” by Soyou, but honestly, the entire soundtrack is hit after hit.
2. Descendants of the Sun (“This Love”)
If you enjoyed the romance between Song Hye-Kyo and Song Joong-Ki in Descendants of the Sun or wanted to live vicariously through them, then you’ll love this soundtrack! Davichi, Yoon Mirae, and Gummy performed a variety of ballads that tug on your heartstrings. These soft melodies will have you dreaming you’re in a South Korean romantic comedy in no time! With such gentle beats, you’ll quickly fall for these tracks.
Soundtracks from Descendants of the Sun: “This Love” by Davichi, “Always” by Yoon Mi-rae, “Everytime” by Chen and Punch, “You Are My Everything” by Gummy, and “Talk Love” by K.Will.
3. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (“For You”)
This album is filled with so much passion and emotion – I know you’ll be kept on the edge of your seat without even realizing it! This long drama (20 episodes) will fill your heart and leave you wanting more. And because EXO’s Chen sings one of the songs in here, I guess you can say it’s a great soundtrack.
Soundtracks from Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo: Exo-CBX’s “For You,” Loco and Punch’s “Say Yes,” Epik High’s “Can You Hear My Heart (feat. Lee Hi),” Davichi’s “Forgetting You,” Jung Seung-hwan’s “Wind“.
4. Start-Up (“Future”)
Startup is all about a group of adults living life to the most regardless of how hard things get, and its soundtrack helps bring out their passions through its diverse collection of uplifting songs.
From Red Velvet’s perfect “Future” to Gaho’s uplifting “Running,” this album helps listeners relate with the show’s protagonists as they continue toward their dreams. Run towards your dream with the help of these songs!
Soundtracks from Start-Up: The entire soundtracks from the drama are flawless, some of my favourites are “Future” by Red Velvet, “Day & Night” by Jung Seung-hwan, “One Day” by Kim Feel, “Where Is Dream” by 10cm, and “Love Letter” by BOL4.
5. Itaewon Class (“Sweet Night”)
The addictive soundtracks featured in Itaewon Class add something extra to the drama’s many unfolding plotlines by hinting at a lot of just what one can expect from Park Seo Joon’s character, who is undoubtedly the star of the show.
Soundtracks from Itaewon Class: “Sweet Night” by V, “Start Over” by Gaho, “No Words” by Crush, “Someday, the Boy” by Kim Feel, and “Say” by Yoon Mi-rae.
6. Hotel del Luna (“All About You”)
The Hotel del Luna soundtrack was a treasure trove of talent fit for royalty. With Taeyeon, Heize, and Paul Kim (and many, many others), you will never run out of entertainment when it comes to music! The songs on this album will give a sense of calm and/or comfort after listening to them for the first time, and those feelings may well remain with you long after. In other words, the melodies are truly exceptional.
Soundtracks from Hotel Del Luna: Taeyeon’s “All About You,” Monday Kiz and Punch’s “Another Day,” 10cm’s “Lean on Me,” Heize’s “Can You See My Heart,” and Paul Kim’s “So Long.”
7. The King: Eternal Monarch (“Orbit”)
This is one of the best soundtracks we’ve ever heard. If you’re looking for a soundtrack that’ll take you to another world, then look no further.
The King: Eternal Monarch is a fun show that can be both royal and elegant at the same time. The soundtrack is very atmospheric and complements the story well, which is excellent news for fun-loving viewers who need something to play in the background while studying or tutoring!
8. Dream High (“Someday”)
Both the first and second seasons of this hit musical drama were loaded with so many songs! Packed in between plotlines gave audiences a look into what was going on in the character’s minds.
Whether it was IU’s somber ballad for the track “Someday” or the many cast members of Dream High such as Park Jin-young, Ji-Su, and Kang So-ra singing about their determination to rise to the top in “B Class Life,” the music offered listeners an enticing blend of heartfelt emotions and sweet beats they can sing and dance along with.
Soundtracks from Dream High: “Dream High,” IU’s “Someday,” “Hello to Myself,” Ji-Yeon and JB’s “Together,” and Jeong Jin-Woon, Park Jin-young, Ji-Su, and Kang So-ra’s “B Class Life.”
9. What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim? (“It’s You”)
While the music is an absolute bop. However, Jeong Sewoon’s sweeping ballad “It’s You” and Kihyun and SeolA’s bubbly “Love Virus” both come close to being memorable! Listening through this album makes perfect sense if you plan on watching the show soon.
Soundtracks from What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?: “It’s You” by Jeong Sewoon, “Love Virus” by Kihyun and SeolA, “Wannabe” by Gfriend, “A Little More” by Jinho and Rothy, and “Because I Only See You” by Kim Na-young.
10. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo (“From Now On”)
This album has a whole lot of fun to offer for anyone who loves listening to indie music from the comfort of their own home. Just as it happens in the show, just as there are tons of fun things going on in the lives of those main characters – those being Kim Bok-Joo and Jung Joon Hyung, who happen to be dating at this point as well! If you’re into indie music, then this is a fantastic gift.
Soundtracks from Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo: “From Now On” by Kim Min-Seung, “I’ll Pick You Up” by Standing Egg, “You & I” by Kim Jong-wan, “Dream,” by Han Hae-Jung, and “Again and Again” by Lee Jin-ah.
Do we have any of the same favourites? Let me know about your favourite soundtracks in the comments below!
