[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)
21CHAERYEONG (ITZY)
An OST for the drama “Suspicious Girl” sung by ITZY’s Chaeryeong.
It features a bright, energetic sound themed around youth and freedom.
The song embraces the reflection in the mirror and celebrates the charm and potential of being 21.
Released in December 2024, this marks Chaeryeong’s first OST appearance.
It links perfectly with the drama’s story of a protagonist who becomes younger and relives their youth, further enhancing the show’s world.
It’s the perfect track for anyone who wants to cherish their true self!
CLAIRGilbert O’Sullivan
A track released in 1972 by Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan.
It is said to be “one of the love songs with the most tragic ending.” It was a hit around the world, reaching No.
1 on the charts in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
The track was used in the Korean TV drama The Legend of the Blue Sea.
[Korean Drama OST] Classic popular songs that color the story, Best Masterpieces (101–110)
EverytimeChen & Punch
EXO’s vocalist Chen harmonizing with the female voice is so beautiful that I can’t help but smile as I listen.
This drama has quite a few heavy scenes, and there are many moments that make you feel sad, but Chen’s voice in this song gives me a sense of comfort.
It Has To Be YouABOUT
The drama’s theme is a family that stakes their lives on the exam war.
In Korea, incredible things happen when the February exam season arrives.
Police cars come out to take the kids to their test sites! Getting into university is even more important there than in Japan.
The drama portrays, very realistically, overzealous tiger moms and dads and the children who suffer because of them.
When I listen to “It has to be you,” it sounds like it’s saying, “I’m going to get into that university.”
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.
Crazy In LoveBeyonce ft. Jay Z
A collaboration between Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
Released in 2003, it won a Grammy Award.
The music video features Carmit Bachar of the Pussycat Dolls as a backup dancer.
It was used in the Korean TV drama History of a Salaryman.
stand by meSHINee
A song that begins with the sweet voice of Onew, SHINee’s leader who is hugely popular in both Japan and Korea, and Jonghyun, whose voice is just as sweet as the leader’s.
This song has not only Korean lyrics but also a Japanese-lyrics version, so it’s fun to listen to and compare the Korean and Japanese versions.