[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 (131–140)
쿵쿵쿵（Thumping）Kimu Minsun
A light, medium-tempo track from the 2015 drama She Was Pretty’s OST.
It mirrors the feelings of the protagonist, Ji Sung-joon, who wakes up thinking of his lover but feels insecure when he looks in the mirror and thinks he looks unattractive.
The title would be something like “Doki Doki Doki” in Japanese, charmingly likening a racing heartbeat to music.
Kim Min-seung’s sprightly vocals also give the song a warm, comforting feel.
GOLucy
This song was released as the first OST for the fantasy human drama “High School Return of a Gangster,” which is based on a web novel.
The vocalist is Choi Sang-yeop, frontman of the band LUCY, known for their distinctive violin-driven sound.
It exudes the radiant atmosphere characteristic of LUCY, with an upbeat band sound, refreshing melody, and soaring high-tone vocals that lift your spirits.
Careless WhisperGeorge Michael
A track released in 1984 by George Michael.
Originally written when he was 17, it reached No.
1 on charts around the world.
It was used in the Korean TV drama “She Was Pretty” and was sampled in The Kleptones’ 2010 track “Unwanted Whisper.”
Annie’s SongJohn Denver
A track released in 1974 by John Denver.
It is said to be one of the fastest tracks he wrote, and it reached No.
1 on the charts in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
It was used in the 1997 film “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and in the Korean TV drama “Love Rain.”
Eternal LoveMichael Learns to Rock
Michael Learns to Rock is a pop and soft rock band formed in Denmark in 1988.
They have received numerous awards in countries around the world, including Germany and Singapore.
This track was released in 2015 and was used in the Korean TV drama ‘Healer.’
Bang BangNancy Sinatra
Originally released by Cher in 1966.
This version by Nancy Sinatra was released in 1966 and has been used in the film Kill Bill: Volume 1 and the Korean TV drama Couple or Trouble.
It was sampled in Bare’s 2010 track Shot Me Down.
Leave it all behindWonstein
A medium-tempo ballad released in September 2024 by Korean rapper and singer-songwriter Wonstein.
It was produced as part of the OST for the drama “Mr.
Perfect Next Door.” Featuring poetic lyrics that capture the quiet emotions of the night and a sentimental vocal delivery, the song is grounded in an acoustic sound while its emotive melody resonates deeply.
It carries a powerful message about letting go of the burdens of the past and moving forward into the future.
An inspiring track that soothes the heart—perfect for when life wears you down or when you’re ready to take a new step.