[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 (101–110)
Dream HighIU, Kim Soo Hyun,Taecyeon, Eunjung, Suzy, Wooyoung
It’s the OST from the 2011 school drama “Dream High.” Same title, right? It’s a masterpiece co-produced by Bae Yong-joon and Park Jin-young, who is also TWICE’s producer.
Just like the drama, the soundtrack is star-studded, featuring members like miss A’s Suzy, 2PM’s Taecyeon, T-ARA’s Eunjung, and 2PM’s Wooyoung! It’s such a great set of songs—I really want you to listen to it at least once!
Don’t run awayMotte
A track that stands out for singer-songwriter Motteu’s delicate guitar melodies.
Released in September 2018 as part of the web drama A-TEEN’s OST, this piece was written and composed by Motte, gently singing of both the anxieties and hopes of love.
With a clear, transparent vocal tone and a simple yet resonant melodic line, it gradually conveys sincere feelings toward the other person.
The acoustic guitar–centered arrangement is pleasant and naturally captures emotional nuances.
It’s a perfect song for contemplative nights or moments when you want to spend time in calm.
April Come She WillSimon&Garfunkel
A folk-rock track released in 1965 by Simon & Garfunkel, produced by Paul Simon.
The track was featured in the 1967 romantic comedy film The Graduate and the Korean television drama Love Rain.
첫눈이 온다구요이정석
The song “첫눈이 온다구요” by Lee Jong-seok, which was featured in the drama Reply 1988, has been gaining renewed attention.
It also became an even bigger topic after Park Bo-gum showcased a performance of it on his YouTube channel.
It’s a snow-themed love song with a soothing, laid-back sound that’s sure to heal your heart.
Be sure to check out both the original version and Park Bo-gum’s performance.
His rendition is arranged with a Christmas carol touch.
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.
[Korean Drama OSTs] Classic fan-favorite songs that color the story: Best Masterpieces (111–120)
Because of youBEAST
A poignant ballad that colors the world of the drama “My Princess,” starring Song Seung-heon and Kim Tae-hee.
It portrays the helpless feelings of a protagonist whose mind is completely consumed by the person they’ve fallen for, unable to focus on anything else—murmuring, almost like a monologue, that it’s all because of you.
The song was released in January 2011 as part of the drama’s OST.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you wish to immerse yourself in a dramatic world while staying close to the characters’ emotions.
A RaceGo Younjung, Shin Sia, Kang Youseok, Han Yeji
An emotional rock ballad born from a collaboration of four performers whose main profession is acting.
Go Youn-jung is a skilled actress known for Sweet Home and Moving; Shin Si-a is a rising star who made her lead debut in the film The Witch: Part 2.
The Other One; Kang You-seok is an actor active in works like Light on Me; and Han Ye-ji is another promising actress.
This song blends powerful guitar with delicate piano, highlighted by harmonies where each of the four voices overlaps beautifully.
Released in May 2025 as the 10th OST track for the tvN medical drama Resident Playbook: Someday, it portrays the strength and hope to sprint through the race of life.
It’s a track that will resonate with anyone striving to overcome hardships and move forward!