One undeniable factor in the success of K-dramas is their OSTs, the original soundtracks. Beyond merely providing background music, they play a crucial role in maximizing the emotions of a scene and enhancing viewer immersion. Let’s analyze the OSTs of recently popular dramas and delve into their charm.
‘Queen of Tears’: From Classical to Heart-Wrenching Ballads
tvN drama ‘Queen of Tears’ is a romantic melodrama depicting the crisis of a married couple: chaebol heiress Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won) and rural-born Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-hyun). The OST has received high praise for delicately expressing the drama’s diverse emotional spectrum. In particular, the appropriate use of classical music adds a sophisticated atmosphere, and the BGM used like Baek Hyun-woo’s theme song heightens poignant emotions. Ballad tracks featuring talented vocalists like Yoon Mi-rae and 10cm further amplified the drama’s emotional impact with their heart-wrenching lyrics and melodies.
Notable Tracks:
- Yoon Mi-rae – ‘Fallin”: The main theme song, singing of the two protagonists’ ardent love.
- 10cm – ‘Love Is, Naturally’: A song with impressive lyrics that seem to represent Baek Hyun-woo’s complex feelings.
‘Lovely Runner’: Youthful OST That Evokes Memories
The time-slip romance drama ‘Lovely Runner’ portrays the fresh love story of Ryu Sun-jae (Byeon Woo-seok) and Im Sol (Kim Hye-yoon). Set in the early 2000s, the OST also reflects the popular music styles of that era, evoking nostalgia. The songs by the band ‘Eclipse,’ to which Ryu Sun-jae belongs in the drama, further highlight the drama’s vibrant atmosphere with their refreshing and energetic sound. The participation of Miyeon from (G)I-DLE contributed to the completeness of the OST.
Notable Tracks:
- Eclipse – ‘Run Run’: A song embodying youthful passion, a representative theme song of the drama.
- (G)I-DLE Miyeon – ‘Like a Dream’: A ballad with a wistful atmosphere, expressing the tender emotions of the two protagonists.
OSTs: Another Protagonist of the Drama
In conclusion, K-drama OSTs are more than just background music; they are crucial elements that enrich the drama’s emotional depth and leave a lasting impression on viewers. We hope that excellent OSTs will continue to create synergy with dramas and receive even more love in the future.
[A minority opinion, but…] The recent K-drama OST market shows a growing tendency to focus on fandom marketing rather than musical completeness, with increasing participation from idol group members. It’s important not to forget that the essence of an OST is to select music that matches the drama’s atmosphere.
*Which drama OST left the most lasting impression on you? Share your thoughts in the comments!
