OSTs/Songs Featured in a Drama
This is for music that stays in the soul long after the drama is viewed. Or it represents the drama well. The best dramas are a complete package: compelling actors, well-told story, striking images, and beautiful music. The music listed here isn't always to my taste initially, but if it evokes memories of the drama, it becomes pleasing to me.
MDLers' Lists of Favorite OSTS: Arclei, https://kisskh.at/list/1XzWRJe3
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1. A Korean Odyssey
Korean Drama - 2017, 20 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=XcUOaNnooU0 ("When I Saw You" by BumKey)
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2. A Love So Beautiful
Korean Drama - 2020, 24 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ41S5-X6UE ("Loveable" by SinB)
I always picture that tiny, bubbly girl running after her big, stoic boy whenever I hear this song.
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3. A Time Called You
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/search?q=a+time+called+you+seo ("Gather My Tears" by Seo Ji Won)
The song plays an integral part in the drama. I was saddened to learn the singer Seo Ji Won committed suicide shortly after recording the song. He was so young and talented. Rest in Peace.
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4. Again My Life
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/browse/VLPLK6MrsCxIhGYgX0ABxKumGn_wmGIQG5eE (Complete OST)
I'm not sure any of the songs will be put on my personal playlist, but they fit the drama perfectly and enhanced the experience.
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5. Amidst a Snowstorm of Love
Chinese Drama - 2024, 30 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/podcast/faeMI-_P_Cs (Entire OST)
I think of the drama every time I hear "Love and Shine" (at 7:33).
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6. Angel's Last Mission: Love
Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=_cd6AOQ19bg (Entire album)
The entire album is as pretty and appealing as Shin Hye Sun. -
7. Another Miss Oh
Korean Drama - 2016, 18 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=KTijfUBUIwg ("What is Love" by Seo Hyun Jin)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=IIQvvi8C7aM ("Just Like a Dream" by BEN)
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8. Are You Human Too?
Korean Drama - 2018, 36 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ5CINIUeSw ("Love" by Lyn and Hanhae)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=1yqKYt2C0Hk ("The Longing Dance" by Lim Ji Eun)
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9. At a Distance, Spring Is Green
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=GFDdhIZhVsY&list=OLAK5uy_mVde8yW689kruIx8mg3vQ3HpOI3UbKuJc ("Bom Bom Bom" by Punch, "We Will Be Not All Together" by Rothy and Han Seung Yun)
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10. Boys over Flowers
Japanese Drama - 2005, 9 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj7FN00GFFA ("The Flavor of Life" by Utada Hikaru)
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11. Boys over Flowers
Korean Drama - 2009, 25 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mAYWyTJOmplBFw4pUAwMHHSkaGKEbnQ4M (Entire album)
I like the entire OST. I play it often. -
12. Chocolate
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
["Just Look for You" by Ailee is the best song on this OST. Popcxqueen, https://kisskh.at/list/1VKpO5rL]
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13. Cinderella and the Four Knights
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/search?q=cinderella+and+the+four+knights+ost (Entire album)
This is another OST with catchy songs I often play. This OST and Boys over Flowers are great for housecleaning. -
14. Come and Hug Me
Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes
["You and Me" by Kim Dong Hyeok & Lee Yae Bum, Popcxqueen, https://kisskh.at/list/1VKpO5rL]
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15. Crash Landing on You
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/search?q=crash+landing+on+you+ost (Entire album)
So many good songs. -
16. Descendants of the Sun
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lpoOGrZcQ62BKIb68tSSdEPcdkIWMQ-Ks (Entire album; favorites are "Everytime" by Chen and Punch, "This Love" by Davichi, "Always" by Yoon Mi Rae)
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17. Doctor John
Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lb3rZYrJFC4u7NlU90dy_fSG6d1laBrL0 (complete OST)
There aren't any songs I play on repeat, and I've not added any of them to my playlist, but the music and lyrics fit the drama well. This is more a case of music meshing well and enhancing a drama rather than having any standout songs.
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18. Doom at Your Service
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ucp3_ATftR4 ("Breaking Down" by Ailee)
Ailee can express raw emotion beautifully. Love this song.
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19. Fated to Love You
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=qtRexwdaBII ("Goodbye, My Love" by Ailee)
I don't even know what the lyrics say, but Ailee's voice captures the sorrow of the character. Ailee sings quite a few of my favorite drama songs. ("I Will Go to You Like the First Snow" from Goblin; "Breaking Down" from Doom at your Service)
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20. Flower of Evil
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=e6WW5FesIBA ("Psycho" by Doko)
This song gives me the creeps. It's so appropriate for the drama. It's my favorite psychopathic serial killer song (you don't have one?!). The lyrics--"I want your breath, I want your hair, I want your fear"--send a shiver down my spine every time. I don't know why, but the hair coveting horrifies me the most.
I've been stuck on episode 13 for some time now, because my heart won't let me watch more at the moment. When I get brave, I'll complete the drama. It's so good, but I'm invested in the characters, and I don't want to see anyone get hurt.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=bKIu8S6kj8E ("Feel You" by Shin Yong Jae)
All the feels (as the kids used to say). -
21. From Now On, Showtime!
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=q5EcE3zTmJc ("Freak Show" by Jeon Soyeon)
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22. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=G1YWgE8mKPA (Entire album)
Perfect OST for a great drama. -
23. Healer
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=owQzUEVO80s ("Eternal Love" by Michael Learns to Rock)
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24. Hwarang
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=uLfLbtulKZc ("It's Definitely You" by V and Jin)
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25. It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/search?q=it%27s+okay+to+not+be+okay+ost (complete)
I like "In Silence" by Janet Suhh. The music fits the drama well.
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26. It's Okay, That's Love
Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=rWUZ1n4LznE ("Best Luck" by Chen)
It's not original to the drama, but a song in English features prominently, and it's most associated in my mind to the character and his struggles:
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=aoiqgNp9Ir0 ("Hero" by Family of the Year).
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27. Itaewon Class
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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28. Jirisan
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=EcjFsBl4lGI ("Yours" by Jin of BTS)
Confession: I've not viewed this drama, yet. However, I've been enchanted by its theme song. So much emotion.
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29. KPop Demon Hunters
Movie - 2025
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIx2W_gDlNxew8dgSdMn-s-T9noRgJEMA
"Free" has beautiful lyrics; "Takedown" and "How It's Done" are great for working out; and "Golden" is powerful. "Soda Pop" may be pure sugar, but if I'm dragging on my daily walk, I play it and get instant energy.
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30. Let Me Be Your Knight
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=-a65keIFJfI ("Love Paranoia" by Luna; was not OST)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=KhOYCNS5nFI ("Beautiful Breakup" by Luna; was not OST)
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31. Lighter & Princess
Chinese Drama - 2022, 36 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=o_7aIlNa_ZQ&list=RDAMVMo_7aIlNa_ZQ (Entire OST)
The music meshed beautifully with the drama. I especially looked forward to hearing "Fireworks" by Zhou Shen: https://music.youtube.com/search?q=fireworks+zhou+shen So pretty.
"King and Knight" by Chen Zueran was moving for the more dramatic spots: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=BTiffc8_BLA
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32. Love Alarm
Korean Drama - 2019, 8 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=vDE8TqoFRdk ("Blooming Story" by Tearliner, featuring Jo HaeJin)
I wanted to like this drama, but it lost its way. The second season imploded all the goodness of the first season. Good intentions splattered everywhere. -
33. Love Me, Love My Voice
Chinese Drama - 2023, 33 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=MkX3iLWQ3jA
I can't say that I fell in love with the OST, but I appreciated being introduced to more traditional Chinese music. It's dramatic, poetic, and moving.
"Slowly, Slowly" breaks from the traditional and is a pleasant tune.
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34. Lovely Runner
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ok2pqepWTLU ("Spring Snow" by 10CM)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu5tyyiO0x4 ("Run Run" by Eclipse)
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35. Meteor Garden
Chinese Drama - 2018, 50 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ptvjlwolnzg (Entire album)
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36. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=rjxKdhYT8LQ (Entire album)
I've not seen the drama, as it isn't shown on any service I have. If the drama is as good as the OST, I have a treat ahead of me; although, many reviews warn of heartbreak ahead.
Update: I finally saw the drama and enjoyed the music all the more. The ballads and love songs fit wonderfully, but I don't believe rap and Goryeo are a good combination. -
37. Moonlight
Chinese Drama - 2021, 36 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=yuE3ZqF47RU ( "Here's Chuli" by THE9)
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38. My Demon
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=WK-2OMDXqLw ("True" by Yoari)
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39. My Fated Boy
Chinese Drama - 2021, 29 episodes
[This drama has a seriously good OST. Popcxqueen, https://kisskh.at/list/1VKpO5rL]
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40. My Secret Romance
Korean Drama - 2017, 13 episodes
I began waking up with a tune in my head. That earworm would begin when I was working on other things throughout the day. It haunted me! I began going through OSTs trying to find it to no avail. Finally, I was listening to a compilation that had been auto-suggested to me, and there it was:
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=56bcYIcrF4Q ("Same" by Song Ji Eun and Sung Hoon)
Since then, I've played it so often, the children sing along with it; they don't know a word of Korean, but they sing it with gusto! -
41. Oh My Venus
Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=syLp6aS5Z-k ("Beautiful Lady" by Jong Hyun)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=CuPG6-RSwe4 ("Love is Like That" by Kei)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=dpPL9b6mC14 ("Darling U" by Kim Tae Woo and BEN)
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42. Our Beloved Summer
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=lj8TV9q59P4 ("Christmas Tree" by V)
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43. Our Blues
Korean Drama - 2022, 20 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=8kIuLME_eJI ("With You" by Jimin and Ha Sung Woon)
Here's another drama I've not seen but have fallen in love with a song from it. I keep putting off watching, because it sounds like something I'd enjoy. I know that's odd. My rationalization is that I don't want to see all the best dramas or read all the best books and not have anything to look forward to. I save special things as a treat.
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44. Queen of Tears
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uxa4aIN0kg (Entire album)
I didn't love QoT as much as the K-drama community did. Perhaps it was overhyped, and I had unrealistic expectations. I may like it better on a second viewing. At the very least, the female lead was intelligent and not a shrinking violet who believed everything told her and who allowed people to use her.
The OST was outstanding. I listen to "Falling" by Hong Isaac frequently. And "Tell Me It's not a Dream" by 10CM. Also "Hold Me Back" by Heize. Can't leave out "Love You with All My Heart" by Crush. Have to add "Can't Get Over You" by Paul Kim. I like "From Bottom of my Heart" by Kim Na Young. "Last Chance" by So Soo Bin is good, too. -
45. Scripting Your Destiny
Korean Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
I was surprised by the music in this web series. I don't expect as much from a lower-budget endeavor, but the lyrics and music fit beautifully with this small drama.
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kW61PiAmW2c1sED-m1akH-egKSJdVPMLw
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46. Secret Garden
Korean Drama - 2010, 20 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=NaXPWhUDYe0 ("The Woman" by Baek Ji Young)
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47. She Was Pretty
Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=_qiXslXy2sg ("Thumping" by Kim Min Seung)
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48. Start-Up
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=FrOLeoXrvLU ("Running" by Gaho)
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49. Tempted
Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes
[Classical music with a Korean twist - just awesome. Popcxqueen, https://kisskh.at/list/1VKpO5rL]
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50. The Day of Becoming You
Chinese Drama - 2021, 26 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=YRgDPDQ3UGo&list=PLK6MrsCxIhGZDX0rSXpulCIadjlfVx71f ("I See You" by Qian Xi is exquisite.)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=dvrVLTR_XAY&list=PLK6MrsCxIhGZDX0rSXpulCIadjlfVx71f (Collection of four songs I can listen to on repeat.)
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51. The K2
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_luPLtepJANZrxV7VZ9mji4CvTyD5enCI8
The Gregorian chant cathedral-like music was amazing in the fight scenes. Very exciting. (I know I've complained about rap music in Joseon dramas, so I'm not being consistent, but this was fresh and entrancing. So, I'm inconsistent. Forgive me.)
The song "Anemone" always gave me chills during the drama. It was a take on Grimm's Fairytales, as were several others. The song "Mirror, Mirror" was from the fairytale Snow White. The villainess called her alter ego computer server, Mirror.
The OST was standout, original, and haunting. Some were sung in German, maybe one in Indonesian (per Google translate), one in English, maybe one in Latin, etc. The language doesn't matter to me, because I only reliably understand English and Pig Latin, so I rely on the music and emotions to relay the message to me.
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52. The King: Eternal Monarch
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n6tw7WXYNydc_uSWpDJYjcfaNENvEoycw (Entire album)
I've appreciated many of the leads' works, but this drama didn't appeal to me the way it should have. It had everything: appealing actors, breathtaking cinematography, and a beautiful OST. It still fell short for me, but I listen to the OST often. Lovely music. A rarity to have such a solid OST.
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53. True Beauty
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=NaXPWhUDYe0 ("Love So Fine" by Cha Eun Woo)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=6lptWFCYxg8 ("I'm Missing You" by Sun Jae)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=qtRexwdaBII ("I'm in the Mood for Dancing" by Yuju)
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54. Vincenzo
Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
This drama featured a rich OST with everything from classical to contemporary music.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ePI4jH8pDb4 ("Adrenaline" by Solar)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ipCb7FyRll0 ("I'm Always by Your Side" by John Park)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ifaNT-52p0c ("Is This Love" by Aalia)
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55. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=hUGg2mmIBQU ("I'll Pick You Up" by Standing Egg)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca0Dh1HuiuY ("From Now On" by Kim Min Seung)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=RTy9vjxMKEU ("You and I" by Kim Jon Wan)
I love this drama. So sweet and happy, just like its music. As much as I dislike the lazy writing of love triangles to create tension, WFKBJ did it right.A favorite scene is the reversal of the trope where the male lead swings the female lead out of danger: instead, our male lead flips the female lead full on into the water spray of an oncoming car, and hides behind her! The realization of reciprocal love comes naturally and slowly. Finally, a romance done right.
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56. What's Wrong with Secretary Kim
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=-ir2IflOHv4 ("It's You" by Jeong Sewoon)
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57. While You Were Sleeping
Korean Drama - 2017, 32 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mOxC6ge41ZZLO_nbdU6RXSKUjWK8J7u2Q (Entire album)
Favorites are "I Love You Boy" by Suzy, "When Night Falls" by Eddy Kim, "It's You" by Henry.
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58. Who Are You: School 2015
Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes
If you don't end up with an earworm from "Reset" by Tiger JK, you're a far stronger person than I.
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59. You're Beautiful
Korean Drama - 2009, 16 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kyIaMCkHA-Ew_S10nlOhb7qZz5Z_DVqjc (Entire Album)
I was going to pick just a few songs ("Still," "Without Words," "Lovely Day," "Promise," and "My Heart is Calling,") but that's practically the entire album! The OST brings back fond memories of the drama, even though no one in their right mind would mistake pretty Park Shin Hye for a boy. -
60. Yumi's Cells
Korean Drama - 2021, 14 episodes
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=zp2bjMWFeFE ("Like a Star" by Do Young)
I didn't make it far watching Yumi's Cells. I wasn't enthralled by the animation. Also, I'd watched Itaewon Class, and it was hard for me to see Ahn Bo Hyun as the romantic lead. I had a visceral reaction of repulsion! He played a villain well. Since then, I've seen him in a more favorable light in other dramas, so I'll try again when I'm in the mood.