[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)
StarlightTAEIL
Starlight wraps you in a refreshing purity.
It’s an OST from the 2022 buzzworthy human drama Twenty-Five, Twenty-One, starring Kim Tae-ri and Nam Joo-hyuk.
The song is performed by Taeil, the main vocalist of NCT.
Singing about how precious people and the days spent together shine, the track resonates with warm lyrics that feel as if someone is watching over you.
Since the drama is set in 1998, the song carries a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere.
The setting’s worldview and the music have both been well received, letting you feel a high degree of purity and the charm of youth.
[Korean Drama OSTs] Classic Popular Songs That Color the Story: Best Masterpieces (51–60)
Marry YouBruno Mars
A track released by Bruno Mars in 2011.
It has been certified Platinum in four countries.
It was used in the Korean TV drama “My Love from Another Star.” In the TV drama “Glee,” which aired in November 2010, a version performed by the Glee cast was featured.
We’re AlreadyKIMMUSEUM
The drama Nevertheless, starring Han So-hee, tells a heartrending story of a woman scarred by love, which drew a strong response.
From its OST, we’re featuring “We’re Already.” This track is by the singer Kim Museum and gently portrays the inner feelings of a man and woman who are more than friends but not yet lovers, as well as the way their feelings grow.
Even if you haven’t seen the drama, you’ll likely relate.
However, since the lyrics are linked to the story, watching it will draw you even deeper into its world.
Sunny DayANYUJIN (IVE)
Ahn Yujin, who serves as the leader of IVE, released a new song in April 2025 as part of the OST for the tvN drama “Someday, A Wise Resident Life.” With its bright, refreshing melody and warm vocals, the track is pleasantly uplifting, as if giving a supportive push to young people striving to move forward.
This marks Yujin’s first participation in a drama OST.
Brimming with a clarity like a clear blue sky and wrapped in a gently comforting voice, it also makes an excellent BGM choice for a relaxing day off.
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.
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.
Something In The RainRachael Yamagata
This is the soundtrack (OST) from the drama “Something in the Rain” (literally, “Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food”).
It’s a heart-fluttering romance about a younger boyfriend played by Jung Hae-in and an older girlfriend played by Son Ye-jin.
It became a huge hit in the first half of 2018, sparking a boom in younger-male romances.
American singer-songwriter Rachael Yamagata’s sultry yet sweet vocals create a slightly mature vibe for the show.