[Korean Drama OSTs] Classic Popular Songs That Color the Story: Best Masterpieces
A considerable amount of time has passed since Korean dramas first made their way to Japan.
Starting with the spread sparked by Winter Sonata in 2003, and further propelled by the K-POP boom, people have grown more familiar with K-Culture!
Nowadays, it seems to be loved by many people regardless of gender or generation.
Korean dramas, whose popularity keeps rising, produce countless masterpieces every year!
In this article, we’ve researched a wide range of OSTs—from relatively new tracks to popular classics and timeless favorites—covering theme songs and insert songs from Korean dramas.
We hope you’ll look back on fond memories and discover some wonderful OSTs.
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[Korean Drama OST] Classic Popular Songs That Color the Story: Best Masterpieces (91–100)
One DayKim Min Seung
An action romantic comedy starring So Ji-sub, the master of the smoldering side glance.
While it has suspense elements, half of the story focuses on childcare.
So Ji-sub plays a top-notch spy who, by a twist of fate, ends up taking care of his neighbor’s twins.
“One day” plays during scenes where the spy is doing his best at parenting.
The song warmly portrays how a man who had nothing to do with childcare gradually has a change of heart.
Wake UpThe Arcade Fire
A catchy yet deeply meaningful track released in 2004 by Arcade Fire.
It’s also known for being used as the opening for U2’s 2005–2006 world tour.
It was featured in the Korean TV drama White Christmas, and sampled in Kids and Explosions’ 2010 track Hand of Action.
[Korean Drama OST] Classic popular songs that color the story, Best Masterpieces (101–110)
Fire GazingKyoung Seo
This is a song released in August 2024 by the Korean singer-songwriter Kyungseo.
It appears as the sixth track in the OST for the drama “Is It a Coincidence?”.
It’s a ballad marked by a sentimental, gentle melody and poignant lyrics.
The theme reflects on past memories and emotions, portraying the feeling of gazing at a campfire while facing old photographs.
Kyungseo’s delicate, emotionally rich vocals further enhance the song’s atmosphere.
Coupled with the drama’s memorable scenes, this track resonates deeply with viewers.
It’s a song perfect for quiet nights or moments of contemplation.
FutureRed Velvet
Songs that play during memorable scenes really stick with you, don’t they? With that in mind, I’d like to introduce “Future.” It’s part of the OST for the drama “Start-Up,” performed by the girl group Red Velvet.
I’ll avoid spoilers, but this song plays at the end of episode 1.
Their clear, pure vocals and the lyrics—which mirror the characters’ feelings—are truly moving.
It’s also a great recommendation if you’re looking for something refreshing or an uplifting anthem.
The Look In Your EyesWONHEE
Wonhee skillfully navigates clear, bright highs and gentle lows.
She debuted in March 2024 as a member of the girl group ILLIT, and with this song she also makes her first attempt at a drama OST for “Spring of the Four Seasons: Our Season of Love.” Warm strings layer over a calm piano melody as her translucent voice weaves the story.
Carefully expressing the feeling of gazing at one’s love reflected in their eyes, this piece pairs beautifully with the drama’s moving scenes.
Wrapped in a spring-breeze softness, it’s a lovely ballad that tenderly embraces the ache of unrequited love.
Don’t you know (모르시나요)Davichi
The OST from the drama IRIS II is characterized by a deeply resonant melancholy.
Released in February 2013 by the Korean female duo Davichi, it’s a ballad that powerfully conveys the ache of unrequited love.
The exquisite harmonies woven by Lee Hae-ri and Kang Min-kyung delicately express the pain of lost love.
It received high acclaim, including a nomination for Best OST at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.
Featured in key scenes of the drama, it was remade by ZO ZAZZ and became a massive hit in Korea in January 2025.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak or cleanse your heart.
Not OverGaho
A romantic suspense set in a royal family that doesn’t exist in modern-day Korea.
An actress who suddenly becomes a royal bride finds herself drawn to a bodyguard driven by revenge.
Alongside the romance, the mysterious incidents within the royal household are a major highlight.
“Not Over” poignantly portrays the protagonist’s unwavering determination to exact revenge and the heroine’s inner turmoil as she’s pulled into the royal family’s conspiracies.