Best K-drama OSTs: K-dramas are known for their beautiful settings and even prettier OSTs that just blow us away. The right soundtrack can enhance the watch experience by eliciting emotions that complement the story. As an industry, K-Drama soundtracks have been given importance as they highlight the right emotions. 

Iconic K-dramas are known for their OSTs like Song Joong Ki’s Descendants of the Sun, Kim Go Eun’s Goblin, IU’s Hotel Del Luna, etc. Their soundtracks still remain in the minds of K-drama fans and for good reason. From the iconic chorus to the scene attached to the song – these songs are etched in our hearts! 

Like those K-drama OSTs, here are a few K-dramas that elevated the experience with their ethereal soundtracks. 

7 Best K-drama OSTs 

Fall In Love by Jukjae (Nevertheless)

The 2021 K-drama starring Han So-hee and Song Kang became a controversial hit amongst the fans for its unconventional Love story shared by the main cast. But what hit more than the story – the OST. The album takes a different approach, representing young, modern, and Gen-Z characters.

The upbeat and city-pop songs added a unique touch to the drama. While the entire album is beautiful, Fall In Love by Jukjae is a perfect induction to the OST album. It has a typical K-drama love song chords but with a twist. The song is softer and has a classical music scale that makes the viewers understand the back and forth that the main couple go through in the story. 

Read our review of the series.

Your Existence – Wonstein (Twenty-Five Twenty-One)

Arguably one of the most popular soundtracks from Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Your Existence talks about how the existence of that person lights up their world. The mere thought of that person can put them in a better mood – basically saying that this person and their love make their life better. This song feels like a love letter enveloped with a transcending instrumental, making the listener feel warm and calm.

The drama starring Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk, Choi Hyun-wook and WJSN’s Bona was released in 2022. The story follows a group of youngsters who are finding their way in the world and learning many life-changing lessons. Twenty-Five Twenty-One ended up being one of the most popular K-dramas of 2022, even an induction K-drama for new watchers. 

Deeply by HEN (My Liberation Notes)

The Kim Ji-won and Son Suk-ku starrer 2022 drama is a tear-jerker for viewers. The drama follows the life of three siblings living in a village and leading different lives. The arrival of an enigmatic stranger disrupts their lives, but perhaps it’s just what they need. 

Deeply by HEN represents those confused by the feelings of the person they want to pursue. The lyrics are from the perspective of that person and they talk about love as a beautiful yet painful feeling. Coupled with the deep voice of HEN and the ethereal instrumental, it feels more like a heartbreak song rather than a love song – which also represents the story of My Liberation Notes. 

Orbit by Hwasa (The King: Eternal Monarch) 

If you want a song that represents the fantasy genre in K-dramas, Orbit by Hwasa is the right choice! With an addicting instrumental that is present in the drama, beautiful lyrics and Hwasa’s husky vocals, the song feels like an otherworldly experience. Every time someone listens to the song, they are taken right back to the iconic scene shared between Lee Min-ho and Kim Go-eun in the earlier episodes. 

The 2020 drama stars Lee Min-ho, Kim Go-eun and Woo Do-hwan. The time-travel fantasy romance is all about a fated couple living in two parallel worlds. They fall in love despite the warning signs and now they must navigate a life when their worlds begin merging. 

Serendipity by Ha Sung-woon (More Than Friends) 

An underrated song from Shin Ye-eun and Ong Seung-wu’s drama, Serendipity is all about the process of falling in love. The lyrics seem to describe the confusion that comes with falling for someone and seeing them in a different light. He tries to deny the signs but in the end, he accepts that he is in love. 

The song represents the mindset of many who fall for a friend, which proves to be a completely different experience. The memories become sweeter, their quirks become lovable and one cannot stop thinking about them. Coupled with Ha Sung-woon’s legendary vocals and cute instrumental, the song brings back many memories. 

Two People by Sung Si-kyung (The Heirs) 

An oldie but a goodie, Two People by Sung Si-kyung is an iconic heartbreak song from the popular 2013 drama The Heirs starring Lee Min-ho, Park Shin-hye, Kim Woo-bin and Kim Ji-won. The song represents the story of Lee Min-ho and Park Shin-hye’s characters, who had to break up due to unforeseen circumstances.

The song has a melodious instrumental using a guitar, violins and the haunting vocals of Sung Si-kyung. The lyrics display the state of a heartbroken person as they think of the memories shared with his loved one. He calls out to her but he also knows that they cannot be together and just hopes the best for her. The emotional lyrics and instrumental make one feel the deep love shared by those two.

Aloha by Jo Jung-seok (Hospital Playlist) 

A heartwarming song for a heartwarming drama, Aloha by Jo Jung-seok is a remake of the 2001 song by a trio called Cool. It is a love confession song and the lyrics list the best parts of the person they love. From their ability to light up a room to bringing new feelings to the person – the song feels like a warm hug. Coupled with Jo Jung-seok’s sweet voice, the song is nostalgic and cute. 

With Hospital Playlist being a musical drama, there are many songs to choose from but Aloha is popular for a good reason – the song gives you butterflies as the listener thinks of their loved one and the lyrics describe those feelings perfectly.  

The 2020 – 2021 drama stars Jo Jung-seok, Jeon Mi-do, Jung Kyung-ho, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Dae-myung and others and follows five best friends-turned-doctors in a hospital and their chaotic lives. 

While many more soundtracks can be added to the list, these 7 are unique in their way. Each song can take you back to the story of the characters in the drama but it can also be fun to listen to when you’re traveling or even chilling at home. 

Also Read: Holi 2024: 7 Fun K-pop Songs to Add Colour to Your Playlist