[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 (41–50)
아로하 (Aloha)조정석 (CHO JUNG SEOK)

This is the OST from Hospital Playlist, which became a huge hit along with the drama.
In 2020, the year when drama OSTs were especially popular, this song ranked third on the Melon year-end chart.
You’ll be drawn to its beautiful melody line, reminiscent of Anzen Chitai and connected to Japanese music.
It’s a love song with lyrics like “You are my everything,” conveying Korea’s uniquely direct expressions of love in a straightforward way.
Listening to this track will surely deepen your love for someone special.
It’s a wonderful masterpiece, both as an OST and as a timeless love song.
Because I only see youKim Na Young

The theme song of a smash-hit drama that aired in 2018.
Park Min-young from Glory Jane and Sungkyunkwan Scandal, and Park Seo-joon from Kill Me, Heal Me and She Was Pretty, star in the series.
It’s a romantic comedy about a beautiful female secretary and a narcissistic, handsome chaebol heir.
Kim Na-young’s mellow vocals romantically sing about where the two protagonists’ love is headed.
Because it’s you.Tifanii

This song is sung by Tiffany from Girls’ Generation.
It’s part of the OST for Love Rain, which stars Yoona, also from Girls’ Generation.
Tiffany’s clear, beautiful voice enhances Yoona’s performance and evokes a sense of longing in viewers.
You can hear a poignantly sorrowful side of Tiffany’s voice, who is usually known for her bright tone.
All with youTeyon

In this song by Girls’ Generation’s vocalist Taeyeon, not only is Taeyeon an excellent singer, but her clear voice suits the drama perfectly and enhances it.
In the chorus, you can hear Taeyeon’s beautiful high notes, and you can enjoy a ballad that’s different from the usual Girls’ Generation songs.
Last ChanceSo Soo Bin

This is a ballad released in April 2024 by Korean singer-songwriter So Soo Bin.
It was featured on the soundtrack of the drama “Queen of Tears.” The song portrays the feelings of someone who has experienced a breakup, conveying a poignant, aching love.
Its appeal lies in So Soo Bin’s emotionally rich vocals and the song’s profound melody.
Nostalgia for a lost love and a desperate wish for one last chance are sung in a way that grips the heart.
You can feel the desire to close the distance with a loved one and to live on in that person’s heart.
As a piece that enhances the drama’s most moving scenes, it deepens the story’s world.
Highly recommended for those who want to feel the bittersweetness of love.
Let us just loveA Pink

The “Apink” chant at the beginning of this song is super cute, and it’s such an upbeat track that it makes you want to start dancing.
Apink usually has a lot of cute songs, but this one also shows their cool side, and it suits the drama where it’s used as the theme song really well.
Spring days passJO YURI

A track that draws attention in Cho Yuri’s solo activities.
Released in October 2024 as part of the OST for the drama “Jeongnyeon: The Making of a Star.” It’s a remake of Baek Seol-hee’s 1953 song.
With a clear, translucent vocal, she gently sings of days passing with the arrival of spring.
The piano- and strings-centered arrangement further highlights Yuri’s delicate expressiveness.
Used in key scenes that convey the protagonist’s emotions, it resonates deeply with viewers.
Blending wistful lyrics with a calm melody, this piece is perfect for moments when you want to reflect on precious memories while feeling the soft atmosphere of spring.
Brave김종완(of NELL)

It was featured in Part 1 of the courtroom human drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo, which became a massive hit in 2022.
The hitmaker Noh Young-sim, who also worked on other parts, wrote and composed the song, and Kim Jong-wan of the rock band NELL performs it.
Along with the appeal of an individual, it also feels like it sings about the important things you come to realize while spending time together.
It gently resonates as if speaking for the feelings of Woo Young-woo’s colleagues, drawing you in with its deeply expressive vocals.
She IsLEE MU JIN, SOLE

An emotional remake from South Korean singer-songwriter Lee Mujin in collaboration with SOL.
Released in September 2024, the track has drawn attention as part of the soundtrack for the drama “My Name Is Kim Sam-soon 2024.” Lee Mujin’s powerful vocals blend beautifully with SOL’s gentle voice, delicately portraying the shifting feelings brought about by love.
The song captures a closed heart opening up, and a once-cold self growing warm, all conveyed through a beautiful melodic line that resonates deeply.
Give it a listen when you want to feel the bond with someone special.
고백 (ft. 시진)신비 SinB (여자친구 GFRIEND)

A singer with a very cute voice that really suits the drama is singing cute lyrics.
The lyrics are about a girl confessing her feelings, and since the first and second verses are similar with the same words appearing repeatedly, even though the song is in Korean it’s easy to remember.
The male rap that comes in partway through is also a nice accent, making it an easy song to listen to.


