K-Drama OST, The Era of Listening Dramas: ‘Queen of Tears’ to ‘Lovely Runner’, An Analysis of Ear-Catching Melodies
Recently, the popularity of K-dramas has led to the success of their OSTs, ushering in an era of ‘listening dramas’ beyond just ‘watching dramas.’ OSTs have become a crucial element that goes beyond mere background music, maximizing the drama’s emotions and enhancing immersion. We delve into the charm of OSTs, focusing on some of the most talked-about dramas.
‘Queen of Tears’: Adding Depth to the Drama with Emotional Melodies
The ‘Queen of Tears’ OST primarily features ballad tracks that perfectly capture the drama’s poignant atmosphere. In particular, [Song Title], with Baekhyun’s delicate vocals and lyrical melody, has been praised for expressing the protagonists’ pain and love with greater depth. It was aptly inserted into visually stunning scenes, effectively maximizing emotional impact. Technically speaking, the arrangement that makes emotions explode in the chorus acts as a tear-jerking element. However, some opinions suggest it’s an overly familiar ballad style. Compared to the freshness of the script, the OST leaves an impression of being a safe choice.
Drama: Queen of Tears
Broadcast: tvN
Genre: Romantic Melodrama
Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won
OST Characteristics: Focus on emotional ballads, emphasis on poignant atmosphere
‘Lovely Runner’: A Youth Romance OST Filled with Fluttering Excitement and Poignancy
The ‘Lovely Runner’ OST sings of the fresh love and dreams of teenagers and young adults, further highlighting the drama’s refreshing atmosphere. [Song Title], with its lively rhythm and addictive melody, expresses the protagonists’ excitement, dominating viewers’ playlists. Additionally, [Song Title] evokes a poignant sensibility, adding depth to the drama’s story that transcends past and present. From a directorial perspective, the OST goes beyond simple background music, playing a crucial role in representing the protagonists’ emotions and driving the story. However, some critics point out that certain songs have rather ordinary melodies.
Drama: Lovely Runner
Broadcast: tvN
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Cast: [Lead Actor 1], [Lead Actor 2]
OST Characteristics: Refreshing atmosphere, expression of excitement and poignancy
A Niche Opinion, But… OST, A Core Element Enhancing Drama Completion
OSTs are a crucial element that deepens the emotion and lingering impression of a drama. It is expected that diverse genres and styles of OSTs will continue to emerge, further driving the popularity of K-dramas. Technically speaking, the quality of an OST directly impacts a drama’s success. However, one must not overlook that an over-reliance on OSTs in direction can actually hinder immersion in the drama.
Which drama OST left the most lasting impression on you? Share your thoughts in the comments!



