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[Korean Drama OSTs] Classic Popular Songs That Color the Story: Best Masterpieces

[Korean Drama OSTs] Classic Popular Songs That Color the Story: Best Masterpieces
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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.

[Korean Drama OST] Classic Popular Songs that Color the Story: Best Masterpieces (1–10)

Sudden ShowerEclipse

ECLIPSE (이클립스) – Sudden Shower (소나기) | Lovely Runner (선재업고 튀어) OST Part. 1 (ENG) MV
Sudden ShowerEclipse

An OST that became a massive hit in Korea alongside the drama.

Released in April 2024, it’s a track by Eclipse, the in-story band created for “Lovely Runner.” A bittersweet ballad that portrays love arriving like a sudden rain, it climbed to high positions on the Melon chart.

The delicate piano and vocals resonate deeply, conveying profound love and gratitude toward a partner.

As the drama’s popularity surged, the song’s reputation grew and its streaming numbers skyrocketed.

It beautifully expresses the emotions of the main characters played by Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok.

A must-listen for anyone in love who wishes to make a fleeting moment with someone precious last forever.

I Think I DidYoo Hwe Seung

This song captures the ache of unrequited love, with the memorable vocals of Yoo Hwe Seung, the lead singer of the popular Korean band N.Flying.

Released in May 2024, it was featured on the soundtrack of the drama “Lovely Runner.” Yoo Hwe Seung is also active as a solo artist and musical actor.

The song begins with a scene of spending the night with friends and unfolds into heartfelt lyrics about a special someone that truly resonate.

Its charm lies in the skillful portrayal of the frustration and inner conflict that come with love.

The moment of mustering the courage to confess draws you in with a melody that seems to sync with the stirrings of the heart.

It’s a song I’d recommend to anyone wrestling with love.

Way HomeKim Soo Hyun

[MV] Kim Soo Hyun(김수현) – Way Home(청혼)
Way HomeKim Soo Hyun

This is a gem of a ballad sung by actor Kim Soo-hyun.

Its April 2024 release sparked major buzz.

Produced as part of the OST for the drama “Queen of Tears,” it also stars Kim Soo-hyun himself.

His emotionally rich vocals are striking, and the melody—where heartache and warmth coexist—gently seeps into your heart.

While it looks back on beautiful memories of the past, it’s filled with hope to reclaim a lost love.

It’s a track that leaves a deep afterglow, perfectly suited to color the drama’s moving climax.

Heart Flutter(떨림)dori

[MV] dori – Heart Flutter(떨림)
Heart Flutter(떨림)dori

This is a captivating track by DORI, wrapped in the sweet melodies of R&B.

Produced by him, the song was released in April 2024 as OST Part 10 for the drama “Queen of Tears.” The lyrics—singing of a sparkle like the night sky and a love as precious as a gem—leave a strong impression, beautifully capturing the flutter of a heart at the very moment of falling in love.

In harmony with the story woven throughout the drama, it delicately portrays subtle emotional shifts, which is one of its charms.

It’s a heartwarming number that makes you want to listen while thinking of someone special.

Spring Snow10cm

10CM / 십센치 – 선재 업고 튀어 OST ‘봄 눈 / Spring Snow’
Spring Snow10cm

A song by the popular Korean artist 10CM.

Released in May 2024, it was featured as part of the OST for the drama “Lovely Runner.” Kwon Jung-yeol’s gentle vocals and delicate arrangement are striking, and the lyrics—layering the arrival of spring with a fleeting love—resonate deeply.

The enchanting concept likens the story of lovers reunited after a long time to spring snow.

It’s a warm yet bittersweet track that leaves a lingering echo, as if rekindling memories with someone dear.

Goblin: The Lovely Days You Gave Me

BeautifulCrush

[도깨비 OST Part 4] 크러쉬 (Crush) – Beautiful MV (ENG Sub)
BeautifulCrush

Featuring Crush’s beautiful vocals, “Beautiful” was an insert song in Goblin.

Its elegant atmosphere heightened the story with the Goblin’s suddenly appearing girlfriend.

This masterpiece, which pleads “I want you by my side forever,” has continued to be loved even after the show ended, inspiring covers by many different artists.

PromiseChoi Yu Ree

[MV] Choi Yu Ree(최유리) – Promise
PromiseChoi Yu Ree

Choi YURI’s music, with its translucent vocals and delicate instrumental tones, resonates deeply with the heart.

Hailing from Korea, she won a music contest in 2018 and drew attention on the music scene.

Released in April 2024, this track was featured on the OST for the drama “Queen of Tears.” The lyrics, imbued with a longing for pure love, deftly portray the protagonist’s emotions as they overcome past pain and seek newfound happiness.

It’s a song that will resonate with anyone weary of love.

A powerful yet fragile love song that cherishes the heartfelt bond with a beloved.

Reaching for youZEROBASEONE

[엄마친구아들 (Love Next Door) OST Part 3] ZEROBASEONE (제로베이스원) – 내일의 너에게 닿기를 (Reaching for you) MV
Reaching for youZEROBASEONE

This is the OST for the drama “My Perfect Neighbor,” performed by the 5th-generation K-pop boy group ZEROBASEONE.

Blending aching emotions into alternative rock, it portrays reunion and the rekindling of love.

It’s a refreshing track themed around past memories, hopes for the future, and the bonds of love and connection.

Released in September 2024, it added excitement to the drama.

ZEROBASEONE debuted in July 2023, and their album sold 1.24 million copies on its first day.

In less than a year since their debut, they have won numerous music awards.

It’s perfect to listen to while watching the drama, and also recommended for moments when you want to think of someone special!

Every Moment Of YouSon Shigyon(SUNG SI KYUNG)

A signature song by Sung Si-kyung, known as the Emperor of Ballads, from the OST of the Korean drama “My Love from the Star.” Gently singing of feelings for a loved one, this piece has continued to soothe many hearts since its 2014 release.

Sung Si-kyung’s sweet, delicate vocals beautifully convey the joy of feeling fulfilled simply by the other person’s presence.

The song ranked high on Korean music charts and even saw a Japanese version released, making it a beloved track across borders.

It’s perfect for moments when you’re thinking of someone special or when you want to feel warm at heart.

Stay With MeCHANYEOL, PUNCH

[도깨비 OST Part 1] 찬열, 펀치 (CHANYEOL, PUNCH) – Stay With Me MV
Stay With MeCHANYEOL, PUNCH

A drama that has been airing since 2016 and is still loved as a masterpiece, Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God).

From its OST, we present Stay with Me.

This track is sung by Park Chanyeol—also known as a member of the boy group EXO—and the singer Punch.

It gently portrays the moment of meeting one’s destined partner and falling in love, as well as the aching sorrow that makes the heart hurt.

If you know the drama, you’ll be able to sense the underlying messages behind the song as well.