As K-drama’s popularity rises globally, interest in OSTs is as fervent as the dramas themselves. Beyond merely heightening the drama’s atmosphere, they have become crucial elements that represent characters’ emotions and maximize viewer immersion. Let’s analyze the OSTs of the dramas that heated up the first half of this year and uncover their charm.
‘Queen of Tears’ OST: A Harmony of Emotional Melodies and Poignant Lyrics
The recently concluded tvN drama ‘Queen of Tears’ received immense love for its poignant love story between Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won), the third-generation chaebol heiress of Queens Group, and Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-hyun), the son of Yongdu-ri’s village head. The OST also perfectly followed the drama’s emotional arc, moving viewers to tears.
- ‘Love You With All My Heart’ (Crush): A song that captures Baek Hyun-woo’s anxiety and regret, featuring Crush’s unique emotional voice and poignant melody.
- ‘Sorry, Hate You, Love You’ (izi): A song that expresses the precarious marital relationship in the early stages of the drama, featuring izi’s powerful and appealing vocals.
- ‘Fallin” (Kim Na-young): The lyrics, seemingly representing Hong Hae-in’s complex feelings, combined with Kim Na-young’s poignant voice, deliver deep emotion.
The production team appropriately placed the OSTs to match the atmosphere of each scene and the characters’ emotions, enhancing immersion. In particular, the OSTs played during crucial emotional scenes further heightened viewers’ feelings and left a lasting impression of the drama.
‘Lovely Runner’ OST: Between Freshness and Faintness, Recalling First Love Memories
The time-slip romance drama ‘Lovely Runner’ garnered a wide fanbase from teenagers to those in their thirties, depicting the fresh first love story of Ryu Sun-jae (Byeon Woo-seok) and Im Sol (Kim Hye-yoon). The OSTs are also praised for perfectly capturing the drama’s refreshing yet poignant atmosphere.
- ‘Sudden Shower’ (ECLIPSE): A song by the band ECLIPSE, to which Ryu Sun-jae belongs in the drama, featuring a refreshing melody and innocent lyrics. It repeatedly appeared in key scenes of the drama, further heightening the atmosphere.
- ‘Run Run’ (ECLIPSE): A song that captures the passion of youth running towards their dreams, featuring an energetic melody and lyrics.
- ‘Star’ (ECLIPSE): A song that expresses Ryu Sun-jae’s poignant feelings, with a sweet melody and Byeon Woo-seok’s delicate vocals delivering deep emotion.
The production team fostered viewer empathy by selecting OSTs that evoke memories of teenage years. Furthermore, the direct participation of ECLIPSE members in the OSTs is praised for enhancing the drama’s immersion.
‘Frankly Speaking’ OST: Honest and Bold Love Confessions, Boosting the Flutter Factor
The JTBC drama ‘Frankly Speaking’ depicts the chaotic romance between announcer Song Ki-baek (Go Kyung-pyo), who gains an uncontrollable tongue, and passionate variety show writer On Woo-ju (Kang Han-na). The OSTs also captured the drama’s honest and bold atmosphere, increasing viewers’ excitement.
- ‘What’s Wrong’ (JANNABI): A song that expresses Song Ki-baek’s confused feelings, featuring JANNABI’s unique dreamy atmosphere and distinctive vocals.
- ‘Like a Dream’ (NMIXX): A song that captures On Woo-ju’s excitement and anticipation, with NMIXX’s fresh and lively vocals making the drama’s atmosphere even brighter.
The screenwriter incorporated the characters’ emotions into the OST lyrics, allowing viewers to immerse themselves deeper into the drama. Additionally, the appropriate use of OSTs according to the drama’s progression added to the enjoyment of the show.
OST, Another Protagonist of the Drama
As such, drama OSTs have become a crucial element that goes beyond mere background music, enhancing the completeness of the drama. K-drama OSTs are expected to continue evolving, delivering deep emotion and lasting impressions to viewers.
Which drama OST left the most lasting impression on you? Share your thoughts in the comments!
