You can only pick one: Drama with the best OST
by DB Staff
You can only pick one, and boy the pressure is on. The DB team will answer a new prompt in each post, and you’re invited to do the same in the comments. Ready to play?
You can only pick one drama with the best OST
missvictrix: No hesitation in my response: Happiness! For someone who admittedly only pays attention to OSTs long enough to cringe (sorry guys), Happiness’s OST was amazing from opening credits to ending credits to everything in between. You know the music is good when you simply cannot separate a drama’s story from the music it was set to, and vice versa: you can’t hear the music without all the emotions of the drama. Happiness is a drama that breaks all my rules: I don’t like OSTs, I don’t like creepy neighbors, and I definitely don’t like zombies. But this drama somehow made it all work in a way that was amazing. It’s become one of my favorites.
quirkycase: I find more often than not that when it comes to OSTs, a song or two from a drama will make an impression, but not the soundtrack as a whole. However, there’s one soundtrack that has always stuck with me and remains one of the most memorable, unique OSTs I’ve come across. The 2011 drama Me Too Flower may have been pretty meh, but its soundtrack is anything but. It’s the rare OST that I’ve listened to all the way through multiple times. It’s surprisingly eclectic and indie in its vibe, ranging from jazzy to punky to funky to pop-y. I’m convinced the great soundtrack is the main reason I finished that drama – well, that and Yoon Shi-yoon.
Unit: This was one tough pick because there were a number of dramas popping up in my head for this prompt. But after many permutations and substitutions, the last two standing were Dal-li and Gamjatang and It’s Okay to Not Be Okay. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay wins by a small margin because… I think we all know why. *wink* Oppa aside, “Breathe” and “Lighting Up Your World” from the It’s Okay OST are two of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.
Dramaddictally: I’m really picky about music and while many OSTs have a song here or there that I like, it’s rare that I find an entire soundtrack that I want to listen to. For whatever reason, the Just Between Lovers OST is still the one I can play on repeat from start to finish and — if I have to pick only one — there’s no contest. Part of it, I’m sure, has to do with how I connect the music to the drama, but there’s something about the melancholic mood it sets too. It feels like rainy day music, in the best kind of way, but also gives an uplifting feeling as well. When I think about it, it’s a little like the drama itself in that sense.
alathe: Have I picked this one before? Yes indeed. Do I nonetheless maintain that Hwayugi (A Korean Odyssey) has an absolutely flawless soundtrack? The likes of which no other soundtrack besides one (see below) can compare? Absolutely. Every bar of “If We Were Destined” is a precisely-tuned kick to the heart; those gorgeous, tinkly piano notes in the intro were all I could hum in my head for weeks. Never has there been a greater character song than “Let Me Out” — it’s defiant and satisfying as hell. As for “When I Saw You”? Be still my heart! That said, my favorite had to be “If You Were Me,” because it’s just so musically interesting: fast-paced but mournful, and haunting beyond words. The best moment of the entire show is when our heroine meets our hero’s eyes from across the street, holding the bell charm that signifies their doomed romance, as “If You Were Me” peals out… iconic! That said, for those of you who rightfully judge that having my One Pick be a drama I’ve selected for another category goes against the spirit of Only Picking One, I have an honorable mention… Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People. I defy you to hear “Spring in Ikhwari” without loudly joining in! Not only is it a brilliant song — it also wins for being a perfect symbol of resistance and solidarity. There’s a common thread here: every song I’ve mentioned was used deftly, in a way that harmonized perfectly with the action onscreen.
RELATED POSTS
Tags: Dal-li and Gamjatang, Happiness, Hwayugi, It's Okay to Not Be Okay, Just Between Lovers, Me Too Flower, Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People, You can only pick one
Required fields are marked *
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
1 Blue (@mayhemf)
April 24, 2023 at 11:09 AM
It’s usually one or two songs from a drama. But in terms of complete OST I will go with My Mister/My Ajhushi given how often I have listened to it and how long it has lasted in my playlist. I still listen to all the songs.
Required fields are marked *
pickleddragon
April 24, 2023 at 10:02 PM
I saw the post title and came here to say My Mister, and saw you'd beaten me to it 😂 I could upvote this comment a billion times and not be done. That drama was perfect in every way, including the complete OST. Every aspect of that drama fed into the story.
Required fields are marked *
Mooose
April 27, 2023 at 10:20 AM
Yes!! My Ajusshi and Jealousy Incarnate..
Required fields are marked *
2 mmmmm
April 24, 2023 at 11:30 AM
If we are talking about the whole playlist, that’d be Goblin hands down for me.
Required fields are marked *
OldLawyer
April 24, 2023 at 11:42 AM
That is the one that sprang to my mind also.
Required fields are marked *
redwingkdrama
April 24, 2023 at 4:45 PM
#1 for me too. Although Another Miss Oh and Fight for My Way are also favorites.
Required fields are marked *
redwingkdrama
April 26, 2023 at 3:38 PM
After a couple days of thinking about some songs that I like from Fight for My Way, I realized that 3 of the songs actually are not on the OST. I think I was thinking of something more like what a a kdrama soundtrack would be. The 3 songs were all new to me (a kdrama newbie then). These songs were already part of Korean music entertainment.
1. The music that plays as an intro to the MMA fights for Ko Dong Man is the BTS song Fire.
2. A song by the OG Kpop girl group Fin.K.L. The song is Ruby (from around 1998!).
youtube url- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_cmZySpR40
3. The last song is Young People by Goonam (I believe it is the correct song-going by memory from that time).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fl1Euj3-gg
Required fields are marked *
KAddicted
April 26, 2023 at 7:42 PM
I came here to say Goblin, saw your post and decided this was the right place to agree with you!
Required fields are marked *
3 Britney
April 24, 2023 at 11:32 AM
I'm not really an OST/music person. Like I could totally tune it and be completely confused when an OST is mentioned however there was one show that stands out to me: Gu Family Book. I really like the music in that show, particularly Only You by 4Men.
Honorably mention: I agree with @alathe about Hwayugi/A Korean Odyssey.
Required fields are marked *
4 Kafiyah Bello
April 24, 2023 at 11:39 AM
I tune out OST's for the most part. However there are some OSTs, where I have specific songs that I really like or remind me of the drama. Dream High, Healer, At Eighteen, and Our Beloved Summer.
Required fields are marked *
5 wapz
April 24, 2023 at 11:43 AM
I'm a sucker for OSTs, I'll cheat:
Jealousy Incarnate❤️❤️❤️
Nevertheless❤️❤️
Cheese in the Trap❤️❤️
(Also Just between lovers, Misaeng, My Ajusshi, IOTNBO and many more lol).
For instrumentals:
Falling for Innocence❤️❤️
My Ajusshi ❤️
Come and Hug me ❤️
Required fields are marked *
mmmmm
April 24, 2023 at 11:49 AM
Can we do this? Why didn’t anyone tell me this??? Waeee???
Required fields are marked *
6 Isa is always time travelling
April 24, 2023 at 11:45 AM
I am a fan of k-dramas OSTs. My playlist is growing as I watch more series because I always add some of my favorite songs when I finish a drama.
So picking just one is extremely difficult. The above mentioned Hwayugi and Just Between Lovers OSTs are already in my list and now I'm really curious about Me too Flower OST but first I'll have to watch the drama (it's been on my list for a long time).
I'll have to pick two, I'm sorry XD
_ One drama for the songs: The best hit (I really love all of them, but my favorite ones are "Light in the sky" by Yoon Mirae and "Beautiful" by Glabingo and Punch).
_ One drama for the background instrumental music: Queen Seon Deok (the themes called "Dreams" and "On the edge of a precipice" are so touching).
Required fields are marked *
kiara
April 24, 2023 at 12:30 PM
I still listen to QSD ost and the concert was epic. It was nice to see the faces behind the music.
Required fields are marked *
Isa is always time travelling
April 24, 2023 at 12:51 PM
An epic concert for an epic OST.
I'm watching Six Flying Dragons these days and the OST is wonderful too, but the themes for Queen Seon Deok are still my favorites.
Required fields are marked *
wonhwa
April 24, 2023 at 1:50 PM
I love both the QSD and Six Flying Dragons soundtracks - two of my absolute favorites. I kind of want Mishil's theme as my ringtone but I don't think anyone here would "get it".
Required fields are marked *
kiara
April 24, 2023 at 3:09 PM
Samsung wouldn't even allow it on their phones. 😂 You know, given their history with the actress, but it would have been cool though.
Snow Flower
April 24, 2023 at 5:12 PM
Ah, the use of Pansori in SFD soundtrack! And Byun Yo Han's singing...
wonhwa
April 24, 2023 at 5:26 PM
Byun Yo Han doing anything is always a plus!
kiara
April 24, 2023 at 7:15 PM
"Song of Green Mountain," which Byun Yo Han sang, is based on a Goryeo folk song. It is said to be written by a poor commoner who didn't leave a name for fear of being found out and punished. They were driven out unfairly from their lands, and for their voice to be heard, they wrote poems, songs, etc.
That's the most touching song in the whole soundtrack to me.
kiara
April 24, 2023 at 2:54 PM
Osts are so powerful! I'd get emotionally invested in shows with good music.
Required fields are marked *
7 kiara
April 24, 2023 at 12:04 PM
"SECRET LOVE AFFAIR" made me love classical music.
Honorable mention: Almost every epic sageuks before 2020.
Chuno
QSD
My Country
Dae Jang Geum
Six Flying Dragons
Jumong
Shin Don
Faith
Rebel
Hwang Jini
Empress Myeongseong
etc
Required fields are marked *
Isa is always time travelling
April 24, 2023 at 12:15 PM
Great choices!
There is an instrumental theme in Rookie Historian (2019) that I love too: it's called NIMA.
Required fields are marked *
kiara
April 24, 2023 at 12:31 PM
I didn’t watch it, but I will check it out. Thank you for sharing!
Required fields are marked *
jerrykuvira
April 24, 2023 at 1:19 PM
Jumong had very nice OSTs.
And SFD will always be memorable for its Bang-ji instrumentals. The soundtrack that runs whenever an iconic swordfight is going down or is going to go down is on point.
Required fields are marked *
kiara
April 24, 2023 at 4:34 PM
The battle music used to scare me to death, especially with the Han's steel army. They were so intimidating to look at, and the music made it worst for poor widdle me.😨
I had never heard of Insooni before Jumong. I loved "Dear Heaven." It made me cry like a baby at the end.
Agree! This makes me miss epic sageuks of old.
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 24, 2023 at 1:33 PM
My eternal wish is that there was a full studio recording of the Men's Choir and Orchestral version of Muiiya used in episode 3 (?) of SFD.
I have an OST saved from the drama King Geun Cho Go (2010). I know nothing about the drama at all, but the OST, especially "Dream of the King", is really nice.
Required fields are marked *
kiara
April 24, 2023 at 3:38 PM
This is the only version of Mu-Yi-Yi-Ya by the choir that I kept. The video kept disappearing, but I always found it by searching with the Korean title, 무이이야 無以異也.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KT9JIwTKcjo&ab_channel=%EC%98%A4%EB%B6%80%EC%9E%90TV
"King Geun Cho Go" is one of the more historical Baekje sageuks. He would be the equivalent of King Gwanggaeto to Goguryeo.
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 24, 2023 at 5:03 PM
🖤 Yes but I want this for the full 3:40 minutes and a clean digital recording I can save forever, you see.
Interesting! Have you seen it?
Required fields are marked *
kiara
April 24, 2023 at 5:09 PM
Comment was deleted
kiara
April 24, 2023 at 5:16 PM
Do you want to keep it forever, or do you want to use it to start a revolution?
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 24, 2023 at 6:07 PM
I haven't found it yet. I don't think there is one. :(
LOL! Well, I have a stable Queendom so I'm not sure what I'd need to start a revolution for... and would quell anyone that tried 🤭😂
wonhwa
April 24, 2023 at 1:51 PM
Emperor of the Sea also has a gorgeous orchestral score (even though the show itself is a bit of a mess).
Required fields are marked *
Firewife5
April 24, 2023 at 3:53 PM
Chino is the one that popped into my mind right away. It was the first drama where I listened to every song in the OST on repeat.
Required fields are marked *
Snow Flower
April 24, 2023 at 5:01 PM
Yes!!! Old school sageuks have the best music! And another big yes for Secret Love Affair.
Required fields are marked *
8 jerrykuvira
April 24, 2023 at 12:05 PM
Some OSTs are really great that they stick in my head for a long time.
There's this one I heard in Kingdom of the Wind. The OST is centered on love between the Moo-hyul and lady involved in the love triangle with Do-jin. I can't really remember the tone. It comes and goes. But I do remember how it made me feel at different moments in time - sometimes peaceful or close to tears, sometimes crying actually, sometimes a good memory. It kinda slaps me that I do not recall the tone again. This tune once came into my mind in the examination hall.
Moving from this, there's an OST I got from Oh! Master - My Love By My Side by Kim Hyung-shik. I had already watched ep 6 and past it but the OST stuck right in my head. I had to comb (skim) haphazardly through 10 episodes of Oh Master so as to Shazam it out. It became the first full korean soundtrack on my playlist.
If I'll single out a drama with the best OST overall in the drama, I'll go with Curtain Call.
Required fields are marked *
Minka
April 25, 2023 at 12:39 AM
Yes, I love My Love By My Side (original version by Kim Hyung-sik) from Oh! Master. So beautiful and moving.
Required fields are marked *
9 Miky
April 24, 2023 at 12:09 PM
This is so hard,as a drama hoarder it's hard to actually choose 1 when u have more than 500 OST's LOL...Over the years i've realized i'm even more in love with the background aka BGM instrumentals than with the actual songs,as hits as they get and adore,the BGM always pull me more...
So i'd choose for starters Goblin for the OST and for the BGM,especially the unreleased ones(the iconic BGM of tragedy for the King and Queen),Secret,Gu Family Book,Forest Of Secrets,Six Flying Dragons,Signal/Tunnel,Hotel Del Luna,Vincenzo for it's epic BGM's,The Guest,Chicago Typewriter,Cruel City,Law School,Itaewon Class,King 2Hearts
Required fields are marked *
ar_arguably romantic
April 29, 2023 at 1:57 PM
It sucks that it's harder to get your hands on the BGMs.
Required fields are marked *
10 Kurama
April 24, 2023 at 12:10 PM
Waow, it's hard!
I pick Goblin. I really liked the songs but the instrumental music too.
But I need to mention : Our Beloved Summer, Hotel Del Luna, Extraordinary You, She Would Never Know, Heartstring of which I listen to more than one or two songs.
Required fields are marked *
11 technicat
April 24, 2023 at 12:12 PM
This is a great thread! I was recently thinking during a rewatch of Just Between Lovers (which I'm still in the middle of), that the music there is so compelling and perfectly conveys the tone of the show, and that's why I don't rewatch some other shows as much (love Coffee Prince, but not that "la la la" song). I think My Ahjusshi has the best complete soundtrack, every song is great, from the soulful to the fun, but I'm going to pick Healer because every time I think of that show I hear "It's a beautiful feeling..."
Required fields are marked *
12 welh
April 24, 2023 at 12:14 PM
The one that immediately popped into my head was HOTEL DE LUNA.
Required fields are marked *
Unaspirated
April 24, 2023 at 12:44 PM
Strong agree. "Done for Me" gets me every time.
Required fields are marked *
books7time
April 24, 2023 at 5:54 PM
Chills every time I listen to Punch sing it.
Required fields are marked *
13 Unaspirated
April 24, 2023 at 12:43 PM
Ok, this is the hardest one of these for me so far. Immediately I'm trying to decide between Our Beloved Summer, It’s Okay to not Be Okay, Crash Landing on You, and Alchemy of Souls. This is not including the truly great individual songs on OSTs, of which there are so many. Even if I don’t love a soundtrack overall, every drama that I’ve watched has at least one song that I love somewhere in the mix. And I collect these into endless (ok, not endless, but seven so far) playlists that I listen to all the time.
BUT - this is no fun if I pick a million of them. So I’m going with It’s Okay to not Be Okay for sheer proportion of fantastic songs. When I compiled my favs out of this soundtrack, it was almost all of them. But not only does it have amazing songs that I listen to on repeat (shout out of appreciation to Janet Suhh who does so much to set the tone in the opening credits and elsewhere), but it also has themes for the main characters that it incorporates really beautifully into the drama. Kang-tae’s is mournful and tentative, Moon-young’s is mysterious and mischievous, and the brothers have one together that is sweet but sad.
If we were talking about instrumentals alone, my pick would hands down be Crash Landing on You. “Spring in My Hometown”, “The Season of Us”, “The Wind of the Day”, “The Song for My Brother”, “The Hill of Yearning”, “Time of Jeong-Hyeok for Se-ri” and so many others never fail to transport me right back to those scenes and those emotions. Nam Hye-seung and Park Sang-hee just really nailed it on this one. It feels like you're gazing out over a great and insurmountable distance, and it's just perfect.
Required fields are marked *
Isa is always time travelling
April 24, 2023 at 12:58 PM
"The hill of yearning" / "Photo of my mind" are so so beautiful. I get goosebumps when I hear them.
Required fields are marked *
Elinor, Team Glasses team co-captain
April 24, 2023 at 3:47 PM
Your top 4 are my top 4 when it comes to vocal tracks, for the wonderfulness of so many of the songs even in isolation, for how well they fit each drama, and for the sheer number of excellent songs - a real tour de force in each of these shows. The OST that’s overall the most compelling and intricately tied to the mood of the drama for me, however, is Beyond Evil.
Required fields are marked *
Unaspirated
April 24, 2023 at 7:23 PM
Ooh, another excellent choice. There are honestly so many strong contenders.
Required fields are marked *
parkchuna 🍉
April 30, 2023 at 7:12 AM
It’s Okay & Our Beloved Summer are my top picks too.. Janet Suhh has such an incredible voice.
Required fields are marked *
14 💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 24, 2023 at 1:27 PM
But what if one of your favourite drama OSTs is from a drama you've never seen... How does that work then? 🤔
"You can only pick one drama with the best OST" implies your final pick is actually for the drama over the OST, no? 😂😂
I haven't seen My Country but its probably in my top 3 kdrama OSTs I'd actually buy... 🤣
But anyway... Genuinely actually couldn't pick just one lmao, I like music too much, but hard agree @alathe on Hwayugi having a fantastic OST.
Kinda seems superfluous to just list good OSTs since I'm not picking, but also, for ones not mentioned already, and overall OSTs not just single songs I play on repeat, Lookout, Beyond Evil, Weak Hero, Adamas, Prison Playbook,.
(and also every single Jannabi OST, ofc.)
Required fields are marked *
Kurama
April 24, 2023 at 1:35 PM
How did you hear My Country OST without watching it?
But I agree, it's a good OST.
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 24, 2023 at 1:45 PM
I believe Spotify reccomended me Remember, which I became obssesed with (and still am), and then later I listened to the whole album. 🤣🤣🤣
Required fields are marked *
Kurama
April 24, 2023 at 2:22 PM
Remember is so good 😍
It really suits this drama.
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 24, 2023 at 2:37 PM
Yesssss I love it.
And I can tell it suits the show just from the music, although I've seen a couple of clips too it too.
kiara
April 24, 2023 at 4:53 PM
I fell in love with the music from 1.
Snow Flower
April 24, 2023 at 4:59 PM
My Country does have great instrumentals!
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 24, 2023 at 6:08 PM
Yes! Great everything imo! Haha
Required fields are marked *
lapislazulii
April 24, 2023 at 5:20 PM
I just did a My Country rewatch last night, what a great drama!! And what a solid OST pick too, great taste :D
Required fields are marked *
Unaspirated
April 25, 2023 at 1:31 PM
I have separate playlists for the tracks I like but which are part of OSTs for dramas that I will never watch. I like to keep the ones I have seen in chronological order of watching, but if I'm pretty confident I won't ever watch it, I just listen to the OST and pick favs for my collection. Then these get divided (mostly by tempo) so I can listen to different vibes as necessary. So I like plenty of tracks from dramas I've never seen! And better yet, they aren't ruined for me because of the terrible drama :)
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 26, 2023 at 4:34 PM
As someone who likes to be hyper organised regarding both playlists and dramalists, I approve of this system 😂😂
Yes, I also like plenty of other tracks from dramas I haven't seen.
A large part of that is because I find them through artists rather than OST or drama, (E.g. I will listen to anything released by Jannabi, Zico and Kang Seung Yoon, OST or not.), as well as just randomly.
My Country is a bit more specific here because I like the entire OST, instrumentals and songs, and have listened to it all, outside of just a few tracks. I don't do that with everything.
At the moment however I have been frightfully terrible at keeping up with even the OSTs of dramas I have been watching. If an OST doesn't grab me outright AND if I don't go find it immediately, I usually forget to follow up on listening to them outside of a drama lmao.
Required fields are marked *
15 kimchiturka
April 24, 2023 at 1:28 PM
My personal favorite and no 1, hands down: "You're Beautiful". Because it has 4 epically catchy vocal tracks. After that, the whole "It's Ok to Not Be Ok" truly is interesting and haunting, and Hotel del Luna and Scholar Who Walks the Night have my favorite BGM OSTs - the kind that I put on while I'm drawing or something. As for particular favorite songs, well, that would be a really looooong list.
Required fields are marked *
ys
April 25, 2023 at 8:30 AM
You’re Beautiful omgosh yes! Jang Geunsuk’s “Goodbye” rips my heart out.
Required fields are marked *
16 wonhwa
April 24, 2023 at 1:55 PM
For songs, I'd have to go with Oh Hae Young Again - I loved pretty much every track in that one. For instrumental music plus songs, probably Six Flying Dragons.
Required fields are marked *
technicat
April 24, 2023 at 4:13 PM
Oh, I forgot about Oh Hae Young Again. I'm making up new categories now, but I'd pick that for (appropriately) best-sounding series.
Required fields are marked *
Decraew
April 26, 2023 at 3:54 AM
‘Till the end of time is an amazing pop song!!
Required fields are marked *
17 K-BearLovesDramas
April 24, 2023 at 2:06 PM
Oh dear, only one 🤧
I have to go with It's Okay That's Love. This is the first drama whose OSTs I listened to before I watched the drama (on Dramafever (RIP) 🥲) and fell in love with them before I watched the drama.
Honourable Mentions:
The Heirs
Heartstrings
My Love from Another Star
Crash Landing on You
Goblin
Required fields are marked *
18 MikeyD signed up
April 24, 2023 at 2:19 PM
Getting beyond nostalgia favorites, the most recent drama I can think of whose mood was largely driven by it OST soundtrack was 'My Liberation Notes'. Lee Suhyun's 'My Spring', 'Deeply' by Hen, 'Laggard' by Shin Youme.
For an OST that literally drove the plot there's the drama 'When The Devil Calls Your Name'. I joked that the series was basically the 'Sondia Musical Hour' because al the songs were hers and I think the actress was lip-synching to her voice too.
Required fields are marked *
19 miso
April 24, 2023 at 2:43 PM
I haven't seen them mentioned yet so I'll add Descendants of the Sun and What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. Both have incredible ballads that stay with you for a long time.
But if I had to pick only one I'd pick Reply 1988. I can listen to Lee Juck's version of Don't Worry Dear on an endless loop.
Required fields are marked *
books7time
April 24, 2023 at 5:51 PM
Reply 1988 introduced me to Kim Feel and that was it. That OST is simply nostalgic for me now, including Lee Juck.
Required fields are marked *
Kurama
April 25, 2023 at 1:25 AM
Kim Feel has so such a beautiful voice! I really liked they invited him in Begin Again show.
Required fields are marked *
darwi
April 25, 2023 at 12:25 PM
I noticed that I also forgot to mention Descendants of the sun despite its many catchy songs.
Required fields are marked *
20 Dong Moon Loves Jung Hee
April 24, 2023 at 3:17 PM
“Girls’ Generation 1979”. There are a handful of new songs, some excellent background music, and snippets of older songs from the 1970s and earlier.
But the older songs are chosen tastefully to fit in with the aesthetic of the drama, and it avoids the trap of being a “greatest hits of the era” OST.
For me, GG79 has the best use of music in any Kdrama. The OST enhances the endless rewatchability of every episode, and imprints scenes onto your mind forever. For example, check out the BGM in the “CPR” scene towards the end of episode 2, as sunshine sparkles on the water behind the characters - it’s beautiful.
Required fields are marked *
Isa is always time travelling
April 24, 2023 at 4:56 PM
I really loved Girls Generation 1979 OST. It made me search the classic songs (even a famous Spanish theme) and add them to my playlist.
Required fields are marked *
Kurama
April 25, 2023 at 1:27 AM
It's pretty rare to have a drama that uses a lot of western songs. But it really helped to make me feel this area.
Required fields are marked *
21 blue
April 24, 2023 at 3:43 PM
Ughhh SOOO MANY....I'll just list all that come to mind, in no particular order:
Because This is my first life - all of them ig
Pray - Klang (Angel's Last Mission: Love)
Oh My Angel - CHAI (Angel's Last Mission: Love)
Like a Fool/Fate - Seo In Guk (Love Rain)
Love Rain - Jang Geun Suk (Love Rain)
Where is Dream/Han Ji Pyeong song - 10 cm (Start-up)
Day & Night (Start-up)
I'll leave you - Lee Sun Hee (Red Sleeve)
Windflower - Lee Sun Hee (Legend of the Blue Sea)
Our Beloved Summer, Scarlet Heart Ryeo (most of em)
It's okay that's love - Davichi
Required fields are marked *
22 Linarrick
April 24, 2023 at 3:57 PM
Yeah nah I’m not gonna just choose one
Any OSTs that Tearliner produces:
Coffee Prince
Heart To Heart
Cheese In A Trap
Love Alarm
Others OSTs I love:
Chuno
Shopping King Louis
Our Beloved Summer
Dream High S1
For Japanese:
Makoto Shinkai & RADWIMPS OSTs collaborations always slap:
Your Name
Weathering With You
Suzume
While definitely a problematic classic, listening to the Hana Yori Dango OST always transports me back to my youth
Similarly, with the opening song Sailor Moon and for the first Fruits Basket anime adaptation as well
Also the the heart pumping first opening song for Attack On Titan
All the OPs & EDs songs for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (tho the first opening song remains my favourite)
And I love the classic anime Honey & Clover OST as well
There are obviously many many more but these are what I remember from the top of my head at the moment
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 24, 2023 at 4:44 PM
Oh well if we're talking MOVIES as well... 🤣😅 sheesh
Required fields are marked *
redwingkdrama
April 24, 2023 at 4:57 PM
Tearliner - from the drama Argon - The Stop Of The Moon (Feat. Joe Won Sun). My first Tearliner song!
Required fields are marked *
books7time
April 24, 2023 at 5:49 PM
Oooh, Japanese. I love, love Joe Hisaishi, who composes for Studio Ghibli. I have the Spirited Away OST (soundtrack?) and it is falling apart for the numberless times I have played it.
Required fields are marked *
Linarrick
April 24, 2023 at 10:15 PM
Oh I freaking love Ghibli films and their soundtracks! How could I forget!
Required fields are marked *
Isa is always time travelling
April 24, 2023 at 11:16 PM
All the Ghibli movies soundtracks are masterpieces imo :)
Required fields are marked *
AsianDramaniac
April 24, 2023 at 10:26 PM
Me a fan of Hana Yori Dango OST too!
Required fields are marked *
parkchuna 🍉
April 30, 2023 at 7:07 AM
Oh wow it was love at first listen for me with Radwimps! I dont remember what made me even watched Your Name but the moment i heard the song, i was 100% invested in the movie and went on to be obsessed with the OST for a bit.. now if only i know where to watch Suzume..
Required fields are marked *
23 A. McG.
April 24, 2023 at 4:24 PM
The soundtrack for When the Camellia Blooms I found very appealing, from the quirky intro (Bloom). The songs were appropriate for the scenes. My favorite is Loser, played when the landlord finally lands the lawyer on the couch. And the song played when Dongbaek finds the flower strewn path, Like A Heroine in the Movie by Punch.
Required fields are marked *
24 Snow Flower
April 24, 2023 at 4:55 PM
Are we talking about instrumental or vocal tracks?
Best instrumentals:
Secret Love Affair
Chuno
Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People
Money Flower
Best vocal tracks:
Days Without Tears (Mr. Sunshine)
Adult (My Mister)
Breath (It's Okay To Not Be Okay)
Drench (Rebel Who Stole the People)
And that is just scratching the surface of Kdrama soundtracks...
Required fields are marked *
kiara
April 24, 2023 at 5:04 PM
Exactly, we could add more, but it'll take all day. Haha
I'll have to mention "NOKDU FLOWER, or I'll never forgive myself.
Required fields are marked *
Snow Flower
April 24, 2023 at 5:06 PM
Seya, Seyaaaaaaa! Paran seyaaaaaaaa!
Required fields are marked *
25 💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 24, 2023 at 4:56 PM
Task failed successfully everywhere in this comment section lol. It's just an OST gush thread 😂
Can you blame us though.
Required fields are marked *
26 Snow Flower
April 24, 2023 at 5:05 PM
I started my own playlist with kdrama soundtracks on Spotify. It is called Kdrama Awesomeness.
Required fields are marked *
Qingdao: likes scented candles
April 30, 2023 at 9:42 AM
Me, too! Before using Spotify, I have a list of saved ost videos on YouTube.
Required fields are marked *
27 Hanamana
April 24, 2023 at 5:06 PM
I guess no one mentioned Chief Kim...
Required fields are marked *
28 lapislazulii
April 24, 2023 at 5:16 PM
Everyone's already mentioned Goblin and Crash Landing on You which are my top picks too, so here's third on my list: Doom At Your Service!
The show might've been disappointing but the OST was anything but! Featuring Ailee, TXT, SIG, Davichi, Baekhyun - A SOLID line up with great songs! Even the instrumentals were goosebump inducing, like Doom's theme (it's the song you first here at that scene when he stops the truck from hitting PBY in ep 1 or something).
Required fields are marked *
lapislazulii
April 24, 2023 at 5:19 PM
*hear 🤦♀️
Required fields are marked *
Emily Hewett
April 25, 2023 at 8:48 AM
Yup, the osts were top notch from this drama can't deny. Specially I'm Breaking Down by Ailee sent literal goosebumps . Now off to listen to TXT's one ( forgot the name hehe)
Required fields are marked *
29 Anne18
April 24, 2023 at 5:28 PM
Comment was deleted
Required fields are marked *
Isa is always time travelling
April 24, 2023 at 11:21 PM
Yumi's cells songs are so nice!!
I have looked for Eun Joo's room OST in Spotify (now that I'm finishing the drama) but I couldn't find it.
Required fields are marked *
Anne18
April 24, 2023 at 11:42 PM
Comment was deleted
Required fields are marked *
Isa is always time travelling
April 25, 2023 at 12:14 AM
Spotify free account is way worse, believe me XD (each two songs, a minute and a half of ads that you can't skip. At least in Spain).
Thanks for the link! :)
Required fields are marked *
Anne18
April 25, 2023 at 12:32 AM
Comment was deleted
30 panshel
April 24, 2023 at 5:39 PM
I think that the dramas with the "best" OSTs are the pop culture dramas whose OSTs swept the music charts, are instantly recognizable when they're referenced in shows, and become classics. Like Descendants of the Sun, Reply 1988, Goblin, My Love from the Star, or throwback Boys Over Flowers.
Required fields are marked *
books7time
April 24, 2023 at 5:45 PM
Interesting. These are some of my least favorite--besides Reply 1988--because the main song is often overused in the drama that it looses it's punch for me. But I agree that they do evoke the feelings of watching these dramas. My mother goes gooey anytime a Goblin ost is played.
Required fields are marked *
31 books7time
April 24, 2023 at 5:43 PM
Now THIS is my alley.
Agreed about HAPPINESS--that intro OST jump starts my heart every time I hear it.
Now I need to check out ME TOO FLOWER--Yoon Shi Yoon and a fantastic OST?!
I am always listening for well done scores and OSTs. Kdramas can overuse OSTs or use them choppily, and worse, willy-nilly.
So, I take note I when the OST's are integrated into the drama smoothly AND when the OST enhances the story. Two dramas come to mind right now that do this.
Our Beloved Summer
A Moment at 18
A Moment at 18 surprises me because most of the ost is score not vocal music, and when vocal music is used it is effective. Our Beloved Summer's OST is brilliant at creating the mood of the story.
Required fields are marked *
32 Mrs Buckwheat
April 24, 2023 at 5:55 PM
I don't even have to think about this, it would be hands down Goblin.
The most beautiful ost, Stay With Me is so iconic and has the highest views on you tube of any kdrama ost -https://www.soompi.com/article/1549318wpp/exos-chanyeol-and-punchs-stay-with-me-from-goblin-becomes-first-k-drama-ost-mv-to-surpass-400-million-views. When I listen to any songs from the ost it's like being comforted by an old friend.....sigh.
Required fields are marked *
33 bbstl 🧹
April 24, 2023 at 6:01 PM
Well it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t say My Lovely Samsoon! But seriously, the OST mostly by Clazziquai was a revelation that I still listen to. I even learned the piano versions of the bgm and my aunt asked that the piano version of Over the Rainbow be played at her funeral ❤️
Required fields are marked *
parkchuna 🍉
April 30, 2023 at 6:59 AM
Ooohh i love both clazziquai songs for Samsoon, esp She Is.
Required fields are marked *
books7time
May 18, 2023 at 8:01 PM
I get this. Also, I had never liked Elvis's Cant Help Falling in Love until this drama.
Required fields are marked *
bbstl 🧹
May 18, 2023 at 8:44 PM
Me too!
Required fields are marked *
34 ys
April 24, 2023 at 6:01 PM
Empress Ki and Arang and the Magistrate both had glorious scores. Most of Empress Ki’s pieces are on youtube (single composer, Kim Jangwoo) but score music from Arang is hard to find. Among the songs, I love Park Wankyu’s The Wind and Ji Changwook’s Butterfly from Empress Ki.
My one pick would be Reply 1988. All the old songs in the OST, especially Hyehwadong both the original and the remake. Don’t you agree, @Reply1988?
Through a current show, The Eighth Sense, I found a great K-indie band called Wetter and a downtempo electronia band called Unalaska whose album Full Circle I listen to daily.
Required fields are marked *
35 Jingbee
April 24, 2023 at 6:05 PM
For the entire album/drama, no contest for me, it is Mr. Sunshine with all the hauntingly beautiful violin sounds. I still tear up when I listen to Elaine's Sad March and Park Hyo Sin's The Day.
For LSS inducing OST songs though, my runner-up is Goblin. "🎶 it's a beautiful liffeee🎶.
Required fields are marked *
Snow Flower
April 24, 2023 at 6:11 PM
I live the opening theme of Mr. Sunshine and also GU Dong Mae's theme.
Required fields are marked *
Kurama
April 24, 2023 at 9:08 PM
I love Becoming the Wind in Mr Sunshine.
Required fields are marked *
books7time
May 18, 2023 at 8:02 PM
Park Hyo Shin. 🥰
Required fields are marked *
36 Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
April 24, 2023 at 6:18 PM
Comment was deleted
Required fields are marked *
37 Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
April 24, 2023 at 6:23 PM
Yumi’s cells, is the one with the most songs with lyrics. Usually though, I only download one or two songs from OST’s usually the background music and the main love song. These are the key songs that instantly take me back to that drama and the mood it created. Twelve nights and I will come to you when the weather is fine are the OST’s albums I have the most background music tracks.
Required fields are marked *
Isa is always time travelling
April 24, 2023 at 11:27 PM
The songs and background music in Twelve Nights are among the k-drama OSTs I listen many times.
I loved the OST more than the drama XD
Required fields are marked *
38 Anne18
April 24, 2023 at 6:46 PM
Comment was deleted
Required fields are marked *
Bunny Sonaki
April 24, 2023 at 9:00 PM
Melody by Baekhyun was great
Required fields are marked *
Anne18
April 24, 2023 at 9:07 PM
Comment was deleted
Required fields are marked *
Isa is always time travelling
April 24, 2023 at 11:29 PM
"Another humble production with catchy music is "Once Upon a Small Town".
🎶 Missing missing missing. Missing missing missing missing you 🎶 😂
Required fields are marked *
Anne18
April 24, 2023 at 11:39 PM
Comment was deleted
Required fields are marked *
39 loveblossom🌸
April 24, 2023 at 6:53 PM
I love listening to OSTs especially the emotional, heartbreaking ballads.
My main picks have already been mentioned: Goblin & Oh Hae Young Again. I still listen to them to this day!
Oh my gosh, I love Happiness, but I can't think of any particular song right now. Need to go look it up!
Required fields are marked *
kiara
April 24, 2023 at 7:47 PM
Emotional and heartbreaking, oh yea. That's the majority of my favorites.
Required fields are marked *
40 💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 24, 2023 at 7:05 PM
I'm gonna indulge in this thread and go off topic even more, to talk about random OST things not related to the challenge:
Does anyone else collect songs with the same title? I mention this because there are a vast number of kdrama OSTs called "Stay" or close enough, (or occasionally it has it in the hook but not the name like Dimly by RIO from Red Sleeve), and I do do that, and have an entire playlist of songs called Stay, or that invoke the feeling of Staying.
I make these with other words and songs too, just that that one is like 91% OSTS so is more relevant to this thread lol.
The other thing I do, or rather my brain does, I don't always have a choice in the matter, is connect or pair songs by random associations. Again, not limited to OSTS, but, like,
The Giving Tree (Lee Seung Yoon, from OBS) + The Longing Dance (Ji Eun Lim, from Are you Human Too).
or
The Story that Won't End/ 끝나지 않을 이야기 (Skidz, Extraordinary You) + Sorry (2F, Run On), because there is something about their keys and or their chord progressions or something music theory related that my brain can hear but doesn't know enough about to recognise, that means my head plays them on loop constantly.
(Ironic considering the titles. The Story that Won't End: Sorry. 😂)
I am also curious if there is anyone else who has examples of parts of the music of a show that never make the official soundtrack, but that haunt you
for the rest of your life. This is often random parts of the background music, that I can never find, or versions of other songs (often classical pieces, but one time it was a Chinese version of Dream by the Cranberries) made just for the show, or merely a riff that lingers in my head but fades from memory at the same time, always slightly out of reach.Like the version of The Synchopated Clock that is used in My Fellow Citizens over the restaurant fight scene in approx Episode 3 that took me ages to find, (or every time Carmen is used, but that one is super recognizable, so doesn't really count).
Two Folk examples related to this are,
The haunting children's version of part of The Gatekeeper Song (Ganggangsullae) in Tale of the Nine Tailed which gets stuck in my head all the time, and then the Salamander Rain Ritual Song from Lovers of the Red Sky which I haven't been able to find anywhere. I can remember the lyrics though and I know what they mean!
Required fields are marked *
kiara
April 24, 2023 at 7:36 PM
Do you have "Stay" by Steelheart from "My Beautiful Bride" on your playlist?
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 24, 2023 at 10:17 PM
Let me check, no, *listened* and *added*.
Required fields are marked *
Ally
April 24, 2023 at 8:54 PM
Goblin has several background tracks that were left out of the OST. But the composer put them together on a you tube channel, thankfully. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU_4YFeTxn_k1YR7aUH9AN9hnvhRvotqx
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 24, 2023 at 10:19 PM
Ah, if only all shows were as big as Goblin to warrant that more often 😂, and if only (not actually) I had watched Goblin for this to be useful to me personally 😂
Required fields are marked *
Ally
April 25, 2023 at 4:46 AM
You should still check it the tracks!
Required fields are marked *
Snow Flower
April 24, 2023 at 9:12 PM
The opening theme of I'm Sorry I Love You and its variation called Son and Mother are not in the official OST. They are included in Part 2, but that particular part is not in Spotify. It is in YouTube. It is a hauntingly beautiful waltz in G minor that has been stuck in my head for years.
Required fields are marked *
Snow Flower
April 24, 2023 at 9:15 PM
Damo also has several outstanding instrumentals that are hard to find. Also, why is Byun Yo Han's rendition of The Green Mountain song from Six Flying Dragons not a part of the OST?
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 24, 2023 at 10:24 PM
What's with SFD and having multiple certain renditions of songs not officially released on the OST? lmfao
Required fields are marked *
Kurama
April 24, 2023 at 9:24 PM
Sometimes, they bought it from a sounds data and can't release it as an OST. For The King's Affection, they took some voice from Epic Cinematic Vocal Library for the scene of the woods when she reveals her secret for example.
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 24, 2023 at 10:20 PM
Yeah, I figured some of them are like that. I just wish I could still find them some of them somehow haha
Required fields are marked *
Isa is always time travelling
April 25, 2023 at 12:02 AM
I know that Shopping King Louis had movie songs (for instance, A whole new World from Aladdin) but Viki doesn't let us hear them.
The same happens with a piece from La La Land soundtrack in The best hit, Viki changes it for other music.
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 25, 2023 at 12:43 AM
Perks of Darkside is that I don't often get this.
Required fields are marked *
MikeyD signed up
April 25, 2023 at 3:30 PM
The series 'Misty' originally used the Bob Dylan original of 'Knocking on Heaven's door'. I haven't heard that version since Drama Fever got killed off.
Required fields are marked *
darwi
April 25, 2023 at 12:58 PM
I used to take advantage of itunes "intelligent lists" (years ago, when it was something that what easy to use). With a few keywords, or a criteria and when I added music the songs were added automatically to the relevant lists.
What lists ? Colours = songs with any colour in the title ; 3min = songs from 2:55 to 3:05 ; 4th song of any album (self explanatory) ; Cities = lots of town names ; Nights = night / dream/ moon and other related words.
The piece of music that drove me crazy until I found the title and reference : Evergreen in The devil judge.
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 26, 2023 at 4:11 PM
Yay, I am not alone in this! Haha
One of the very first playlists I made like this was a colour one, for gold 😂 called aurum. Haha
Colours, cities, key words, days of the week, months of the year, yeahp, all of the above. I don't think Spotify has an intelligent list system though 🤭 but neither to I mind making them manually so it's fine.
Required fields are marked *
41 Anne18
April 24, 2023 at 7:37 PM
Comment was deleted
Required fields are marked *
Ally
April 24, 2023 at 8:51 PM
Flower by Roy Kim is a favorite of mine too! Roy Kim is just a favorite period.
Required fields are marked *
42 Gikata
April 24, 2023 at 8:37 PM
This is unfair, how can I choose only one?((( My collection is full of OSTs, including instrumentals, songs from the shows I dropped and even those I never watched... It's that bad, yes. Can you pick just one ingredient to eat for the rest of your life? No, because you'll eventually get sick and die from malnutrition then. That's me with music. I'm greedy and I refuse to be tortured like this)))
Required fields are marked *
Anne18
April 24, 2023 at 8:56 PM
Comment was deleted
Required fields are marked *
Gikata
April 25, 2023 at 2:49 AM
Same, I also drop way more shows than I finish. And still often feel like I'm not merciless enough with bad dramas lol. OSTs do stick tho, I have separate playlist just for them, and it's among most played ones.
Required fields are marked *
43 Anne18
April 24, 2023 at 8:48 PM
Comment was deleted
Required fields are marked *
44 Ally
April 24, 2023 at 8:49 PM
Always and forever, Goblin. From Ailee, to Mamamoo, to Roy Kim and just the soundtrack BGM themselves, nothing really has captured my heart the same. The only OST I’ve actually bought the CD for. And the only soundtrack I learned music to play. 😆
Required fields are marked *
45 Bunny Sonaki
April 24, 2023 at 8:54 PM
My vote goes for Chicago Typewriter especially Satellite Love, Come with me, Time walk and Writing our stories.
Honorable Mentions
Hotel Del Luna
Hwarang
Goblin
Find me in your memories
The Heirs
You are Beautiful
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 24, 2023 at 10:23 PM
SALTNPAPER OSTs are always so lovely~
Required fields are marked *
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
April 24, 2023 at 10:35 PM
I just finished Chicago typewriter and the OST was very good but not one I can listen to independent of the drama as it evokes a lot of sadness. The one song with lyrics I will take from the drama to add to the OST playlist is Writing our stories.
Required fields are marked *
Bunny Sonaki
April 24, 2023 at 11:51 PM
Yeah, the OSTs are sad but it somehow tugs at my heartstrings. It looks like sad but touching songs might be my cup of tea.
Required fields are marked *
46 Nomorelisa
April 24, 2023 at 9:55 PM
Comment was deleted
Required fields are marked *
47 Nomorelisa
April 24, 2023 at 9:56 PM
I watched dramas for the plot and normally will not pay much attention to the music. However there are a number of dramas with great music that struck a chord in me and remained deeply rooted. Having to pick one will be doing injustice to the rest, but since this topic is picking only one sound track, I would say Agency and the opening theme song sung by Kim Pu Reum titled Never Let Go.
Required fields are marked *
48 Minka
April 24, 2023 at 10:25 PM
Without a doubt, Because This Life is Our First for me. It’s like the songs (two at least) were created from the OTPs perspectives. Shelter for Ji-ho and Marriage for Se-hee. Not to mention the songs have really beautiful melody and meaning. It will always be my favorite, the OST. And the drama. And the characters. ❤️
Required fields are marked *
Anne18
April 25, 2023 at 2:36 AM
Comment was deleted
Required fields are marked *
49 💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 24, 2023 at 10:37 PM
Huh, nobody has mentioned Bossam: Steal the Fate or Age of Youth yet. Well there you go, I have now.
Required fields are marked *
Isa is always time travelling
April 25, 2023 at 12:07 AM
Age of Youth had a good OST. Indie-folk music, I think.
Required fields are marked *
💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜
April 25, 2023 at 12:45 AM
Yeah! I thought it was very unique for a kdrama, and very fitting for that drama in particular.
Required fields are marked *
kiara
April 25, 2023 at 6:09 AM
Love the Indie vibes from season 1.
Required fields are marked *
Ally
April 25, 2023 at 4:49 AM
Bossam would also be a favorite of mine too.
Required fields are marked *
kiara
April 25, 2023 at 6:08 AM
I was going to, but I have too many already.
Required fields are marked *
amfalulawatching
April 25, 2023 at 6:58 AM
Bossam had very beautiful/interesting music and somewhat unusual too which made it stand out to me. I particularly liked Love Song by Jung In (hope I have the name correct) and Song of Bau by Hwang Eri (hope I have the name correct here too).
Required fields are marked *
50 aicaramba
April 24, 2023 at 10:38 PM
We usually remember songs with lyrics, but When the Weather is Fine's instrumental/background music is something I listen to until now, and definitely more often than the vocal songs.
Required fields are marked *
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
April 25, 2023 at 2:04 AM
Exactly, I forgot they had songs with lyrics until I went back to the full OST! I had only downloaded the background music and to this day that is the only soundtrack I have more than 3 of the songs downloaded. It is perfect for car when I am stuck in traffic, again.
Required fields are marked *