[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 OSTs] Classic fan-favorite songs that color the story: Best Masterpieces (111–120)
What IfPLAVE
This is the OST for the drama “My Heli” by the Korean virtual boy group PLAVE.
It’s a ballad that portrays a heartrending love, released in October 2024.
The feelings of “what if I had chosen a different path,” woven into the melody, really resonate.
With PLAVE’s characteristically sensitive and expressive delivery, it matches the drama’s world perfectly.
The gentle vocals that seem to embrace universal emotions—such as anxiety about the future and the struggles of making choices—are especially striking.
It’s an emotional track you’ll want to listen to while thinking of someone important to you.
SummerLIZ (IVE)
An insert song for the drama “Love on a Single-Log Bridge,” sung by IVE’s Liz as her first solo OST.
It begins with gentle piano tones, and Liz’s clear, transparent vocals sink deep into the heart.
The lyrics, depicting a love that remains unchanged across time, perfectly match the drama’s worldview.
Released on December 15, 2024, this work showcases her appeal not only as a member of IVE but also as a solo artist.
It’s a recommended track for those nursing a bittersweet love or looking to reflect on memories with someone precious.
HeartIU
Lee Ji-eun, who performs under the name IU, is a South Korean singer-songwriter and actress active since 2008.
This track was released in 2015 and reached No.
1 on the Korean charts.
It was used in the 2015 South Korean television drama The Producers.
A Little BraverNew Empire
New Empire was an Australian rock band active from 2005 to 2015.
They were also known for supporting tours by acts like Good Charlotte and Owl City.
This track is featured on their 2014 album “In A Breath” and was used in the Korean TV drama “Uncontrollably Fond.”
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.
Happy HappySong Bo-Ram
“Happy Happy,” sung by Son Boram.
This track was used in the TV drama “My Girl,” which aired from 2005 to 2006 and won an SBS Drama Award.
The show follows a romance between a cool chaebol heir and a cute swindler.
Ode To My FamilyThe Cranberries
A beautifully emotional track released in 1994 by The Cranberries.
It was inspired by lead vocalist Dolores O’Riordan’s struggle with her parents and Irish traditions after deciding to become a rock star.
It was featured in the Korean TV drama “Dear My Friends.”