Melody Beyond a Syndrome, Analyzing the K-Drama OST Craze
As the popularity of K-dramas spreads worldwide, interest in their Original Soundtracks (OSTs) is as fervent as in the dramas themselves. We delve into OSTs that are not merely background music heightening the drama’s emotions, but are valued as works of art in their own right.
OSTs, Amplifying the Drama’s Emotions
OSTs are a crucial element that enhances immersion in a drama. In melodramas, they maximize viewers’ emotions with poignant ballads, and in thrillers, with tension-inducing music. In particular, OSTs combined with sophisticated direction play a decisive role in creating unforgettable iconic scenes.
Recently Trending Drama OSTs
‘Queen of Tears’: Adding Depth with Poignant Melodies
The tvN drama ‘Queen of Tears,’ which recently concluded after breaking viewership records, also saw its OST receive immense love. In particular, Crush’s ‘Sorry, Hate You, Love You’ (๋ฏธ์ํด ๋ฏธ์ํด ์ฌ๋ํด) represented the tender emotions of Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-hyun) and Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won), doubling the drama’s emotional impact. It is praised for leaving a deep impression, harmonizing with visually stunning scenes.
‘Lovely Runner’: The Coexistence of Freshness and Poignancy
The time-slip romance drama ‘Lovely Runner’ captivated young viewers by depicting the fresh love and intertwined destinies of teenagers. The drama’s OST reflects this atmosphere, offering both a refreshing and poignant feeling simultaneously. In particular, the remake of (G)I-DLE’s ‘TOMBOY’ captured the vibrant energy of the fictional band ‘Eclipse’ within the drama, driving its popularity.
‘Vigilante’: Intense Action, Powerful OST
The Disney+ original drama ‘Vigilante’ is an action thriller depicting the story of a dark hero who punishes social evil. Reflecting the drama’s dark and intense atmosphere, the OST is also composed of powerful and tension-filled sounds. In particular, the main theme song expresses the anguish and sense of justice of the protagonist Kim Ji-yong (Nam Joo-hyuk), enhancing the drama’s immersion.
OSTs, Another Form of Drama Content
In the past, OSTs were considered a supplementary element of dramas, but now, alongside the dramas’ popularity, they have established themselves as independent content. There’s a growing trend of connecting with fans and extending the drama’s emotional impact through various forms, such as OST album releases and concert events. We look forward to seeing what new attempts K-drama OSTs will make to further evolve.
OSTs are not just background music; they are another protagonist of the drama.
