Indeed, these soundtracks have gained impressive international recognition, with standout tracks like “Everytime” by Chen and Punch from Descendants of the Sun captivating viewers worldwide. Even BTS member V’s “Sweet Night” from Itaewon Class made waves globally, eventually debuting at number 79 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The power of a well-crafted kdrama OST extends beyond the screen, with albums like Twenty-Five, Twenty-One‘s soundtrack selling over 35,000 copies and reaching number 7 on the Gaon Album Chart. Meanwhile, Hospital Playlist impressed fans with covers of popular Korean songs from the 90s and 2000s that charted on their own merit.
From the terror-inducing compositions of Squid Game to the emotional depth of It’s Okay To Not Be Okay‘s 16-song collection, these musical masterpieces deserve a place in every fan’s playlist. Let’s dive into the 20 most essential K-drama OSTs that have defined the genre and captured our hearts.
1. Descendants of the Sun
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The phenomenal success of Descendants of the Sun extended far beyond its viewership ratings, with its soundtrack becoming a cornerstone of the Korean drama OST landscape.
Descendants OST standout tracks
The soundtrack dominated local music charts with several standout tracks achieving remarkable success:
- “This Love” by Davichi reached #1 on Gaon charts with over 2,500,000 downloads, making it the most commercially successful track from the OST.
- “Everytime” by Chen and Punch became an anthem for romantic moments, reaching #1 on Gaon charts with 1,241,255+ downloads.
- “Always” by Yoon Mi-rae achieved #2 on Gaon charts with 1,454,125+ downloads, perfectly capturing the vulnerability and strength of love.
- “You Are My Everything” by Gummy hit #1 with 1,600,720+ downloads, embodying themes of loyalty and passion.
The soundtrack was so comprehensive it required two volumes, with the first released on March 25, 2016, and the second following on April 21, 2016. Subsequently, a limited-edition vinyl was released on November 22, 2016.
Descendants OST artist contributions
The creation of the Descendants soundtrack brought together Korea’s top musical talents. Essentially, each artist brought their unique vocal color to enhance different emotional tones throughout the drama:
- Yoon Mi-rae’s stunning voice in “Always” portrays love’s vulnerability
- Chen (EXO) and Punch’s chemistry in “Everytime” captures first love’s excitement
- Davichi’s magical vocals make “This Love” particularly heart-wrenching
- Gummy’s powerful voice in “You Are My Everything” takes listeners on an emotional journey
Additional notable contributions came from K.Will with “Talk Love,” Lyn’s “With You,” and SG Wannabe’s “By My Side” — all achieving impressive chart positions and download numbers[17].
2. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Image Source: Spotify
Set against the backdrop of Goryeo dynasty, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’s soundtrack amplifies the time-travel romance with haunting melodies that continue to resonate with fans years after its release.
Moon Lovers OST top songs
The soundtrack produced several chart-topping hits that dominated Korean music platforms:
- “For You” by EXO members Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin reached #5 on Gaon charts with an impressive 597,426 sales
- “Forgetting You” by Davichi climbed to #8 with 420,017 downloads
- “Say Yes” by Loco and Punch secured the #15 position with 274,375 sales
- “Can You Hear My Heart” by Epik High featuring Lee Hi reached #12 with 254,899 downloads
The complete album itself charted at #12 on the Gaon Album Chart and remarkably achieved over 4.9 million sales in China, demonstrating its international appeal.
Moon Lovers OST artist highlights
The soundtrack features an extraordinary lineup of top Korean artists. I particularly appreciate how SM Entertainment brought together three EXO members—Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin—for the powerful opening track “For You”.
Taeyeon’s “All With You” showcases her signature emotional depth, while sibling duo AKMU brings their distinctive sound to “Be With You”. The OST furthermore benefits from diverse contributions ranging from hip-hop group Epik High collaborating with Lee Hi to girl group I.O.I’s “I Love You, I Remember You”.
Beyond the vocal tracks, composers Heo Sang-eun, Kim Ji-soo, and Choi Sung-kwon created instrumental pieces that authentically evoke the drama’s historical setting, adding richness to this comprehensive korean drama ost collection.
3. Hotel Del Luna
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With its haunting melodies and ethereal vocals, the Hotel Del Luna soundtrack captures the otherworldly essence of a hotel catering to ghosts before their final journey.
Hotel Del Luna OST best tracks
The star-studded soundtrack features several standout songs that captured listeners’ hearts:
- “Another Day” by Monday Kiz & Punch – A soulful duet expressing the heartache of parting with loved ones
- “Lean On Me” by 10cm – A heartwarming track offering support during difficult times
- “All About You” by Taeyeon – A beautiful love ballad that tugs at the heartstrings
- “Only You” by Yang Da Il – A delicate, emotional song capturing longing and devotion
- “See the Stars” by Red Velvet – A stunning track bringing hope and light
Hotel Del Luna OST vocal performances
The kdrama ost showcases exceptional vocal talent through its impressive roster of artists. Taeyeon from Girls’ Generation delivers a heartfelt performance in “All About You,” while the collaboration between Monday Kiz & Punch in “Another Day” creates perfect emotional resonance.
Moreover, the soundtrack features diverse vocal styles, from Heize’s “Can You See My Heart” to Chung Ha’s “At the end” and Gummy’s “Remember me”. Red Velvet’s distinctive sound shines in “See the Stars,” whereas Paul Kim adds depth with “So long”.
In essence, the OST’s vocal performances elevate the viewing experience, creating an immersive atmosphere that lingers long after the drama concludes.
4. Start-Up
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Start-Up‘s soundtrack perfectly mirrors the entrepreneurial journey depicted in the drama, offering musical motivation for aspiring innovators and dreamers alike.
Start-Up OST recommended songs
Several standout tracks from this kdrama OST have become fan favorites:
- “Running” by Gaho – The ultimate motivational anthem that encapsulates the show’s ambitious spirit
- “Where Is Dream” by 10cm – A tender yet melancholic track that fans associate with Dalmi and Jipyeong’s relationship
- “Love Letter” by BOL4 – A pleasant electropop tune reflecting Dalmi and Dosan’s interactions
- “My Dear Love” by Suzy – A haunting melody about reuniting with a loved one after a painful period of longing
- “Care About You” by K.Will – A soulful track that provided a sweet, rejuvenating conclusion to the drama
Start-Up OST artist features
The soundtrack showcases an impressive lineup of vocal talent. Bae Suzy herself contributes “My Dear Love,” surprising listeners with her honey-like vocals against the song’s wistful melody. K.Will, often called the Prince of OST, delivers the soulful “Care About You,” demonstrating his versatility beyond his typical ballads.
Furthermore, the complete OST features contributions from numerous notable artists including Red Velvet, Jung Seung Hwan, Kim Feel, OH MY GIRL members (Seunghee, Jiho, Binnie), Davichi, CHEEZE, Ailee, Sandeul, Wendy of Red Velvet, BOL4, Jamie, Kassy, and Eunji. This star-studded collection spans three disks, with the first containing 17 vocal tracks and the remaining disks featuring instrumental scores that enhance the drama’s emotional moments.
5. Crash Landing on You
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The boundary-crossing romance of Crash Landing on You finds perfect expression through its soul-stirring soundtrack, which captures both the tension and tenderness of a cross-border love story.
Crash Landing OST romantic ballads
The romantic ballads from this korean drama ost achieved remarkable chart success:
- “I Give You My Heart” by IU – Released just a week before appearing on Melon charts, quickly rising to achieve “Perfect All Kill” status across all South Korean music platforms
- “But It’s Destiny” by 10cm – An anthem capturing the seemingly coincidental yet fated meeting of the protagonists
- “Let Us Go” by Crush – Featured during a pivotal moment in episode 14 when Se-ri and Jeong-hyeok’s relationship faced its greatest challenge
These ballads effectively capture the emotional journey of the characters, with lyrics like Crush’s poignant “In different worlds, under the same sky / Under the same stars” reflecting the central conflict of the narrative.
Crash Landing OST standout artists
The soundtrack showcases an impressive roster of talented artists. IU delivers a standout vocal performance in “I Give You My Heart,” which dominated charts upon release. Davichi contributes the emotionally charged “Sunset,” while Yoon Mi-rae offers the powerful “Flower.”
Beyond the vocal tracks, composers Nam Hye-seung and Park Sang-hee created remarkable instrumental pieces that establish the drama’s atmospheric landscape. From “Spring in My Hometown” to “The Wind of the Day,” these compositions evoke both the rural North Korean setting and the emotional journey of the characters. Altogether, the comprehensive two-disk collection, officially released on February 16, 2020, features both chart-topping vocal tracks and emotionally resonant instrumental scores.
6. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
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Beyond its psychological storytelling, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay offers a soundtrack that mirrors the emotional healing journey of its characters through carefully selected compositions that resonate with viewers long after watching.
It’s Okay OST standout tracks
Several compositions have captivated listeners with their emotional depth:
- “You’re Cold” by Heize stands as the most iconic track, perfectly capturing Moon Young’s initial cold personality
- “Breath” by Sam Kim enters at moments when the lovers are starstruck by each other
- “In Your Time” by Lee Suhyun accompanies flashbacks to Gang Tae delivering flowers to Moon Young’s doorstep
- “My Tale” by Park Won brings comfort during Moon Young’s nightmare sequences
- “Puzzle” by YONGZOO creates a light-hearted atmosphere during the family portrait scene
It’s Okay OST artist contributions
The sixteen-track collection showcases remarkable diversity in vocal talent. Heize delivers the emotionally charged opening theme, whereas Kim Feel brings spiritual dimensions through “Hallelujah.” Janet Suhh contributes multiple tracks including “I’m Your Psycho” and “Lighting Up Your World,” creating a consistent atmospheric foundation.
Apart from vocal performances, composers Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee crafted instrumental pieces like “Sew Your Heart” and “Brother” that establish character-specific themes, adding layers of meaning to pivotal scenes.
7. Hospital Playlist
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Unlike the typical background scores, Hospital Playlist brings a refreshing approach to the korean drama ost landscape through its unique band-centered musical narrative that revitalizes classic Korean songs.
Hospital Playlist OST nostalgic covers
At its core, the Hospital Playlist soundtrack delivers exceptional reinterpretations of beloved Korean pop songs from the 90s and 2000s. These remake versions became as popular as the originals and earned the OST multiple awards at 2020 year-end ceremonies, including the Mnet Asian Music Awards, Seoul Music Awards, Golden Disk Awards, and Melon Music Awards.
Jo Jung-suk’s casual vocals in “At The Subway Stop In Front Of City Hall” (originally by Zoo) perfectly capture the sentimental feeling of the original while bringing a fresh interpretation. Jeon Mi-do, despite playing a tone-deaf character, delivers a crystal-clear rendition of Shin Hyo-bum’s “I Knew I Love” from 2006. In fact, contemporary artists contributed their own twists to popular old tunes—Kyuhyun of Super Junior performed “Confession Is Not Flashy,” while Red Velvet’s Joy covered trio Basis’s 1996 hit “Introduce Me a Good Person”.
Hospital Playlist OST emotional resonance
Given that the drama explores the ups and downs of hospital life, the soundtrack excels at emphasizing the emotional reality of being a doctor. Beyond mere musical accompaniment, these covers amplify storylines—”Superstar” reassures both characters and viewers that “things will be okay in the end”.
The OST particularly shines in highlighting relationships, as seen when “At The Subway Stop In Front Of City Hall” perfectly accentuates the building relationship between Song-hwa and Ik-jun. Above all, though each cast member receives solo opportunities, “they’re at their best when singing together” as their blended voices create a “beautifully soothing” harmony.
8. My Mister
Image Source: Apple Music
My Mister’s soundtrack stands as a somber masterpiece among korean drama ost collections, with compositions that cut straight to the emotional core of this poignant series about life’s struggles and human connections.
My Mister OST top songs
The comprehensive soundtrack released in 2018 spans two disks containing 33 songs totaling 1 hour and 37 minutes. Standout tracks include:
- “The Man” by Lee Heemoon – Setting the tone with its contemplative nature
- “Grown Ups” by Sondia – The definitive emotional centerpiece
- “Dear Moon” by JeHwi – Offering moments of gentle reflection
- “Rainbow” by Vincent Blue – Available in both band and acoustic versions
- “An Ordinary Day” by Jung Seung Hwan – Capturing the beauty in everyday moments
My Mister OST mood setting
First of all, the instrumental pieces play a crucial role in establishing the drama’s atmospheric landscape. Compositions like “When Mind Wants to Rest” by Jung Se Rin and “Burden of Life” by Kim Jun Seok create a sonic environment that enhances the storytelling. Coupled with vocal tracks, these pieces weave together a complete emotional tapestry.
For the most part, the background music functions as another character in the narrative, with tracks like “My Way Home” and “Their Way of Love” reinforcing the drama’s themes of perseverance through hardship. The soundtrack’s powerful ability to evoke emotion explains why it continues to impact listeners long after finishing the series.
9. Extraordinary You
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Fantasy romance drama Extraordinary You enchants listeners with a soundtrack that beautifully balances vocal performances with instrumental compositions, creating a musical landscape as unique as its meta-fictional plot.
Extraordinary You OST synth-pop highlights
Extraordinary You infuses modern synth-pop elements throughout its musical landscape. Tracks like “Touch By Touch” by Park Se Jun and Na Yoon Sik incorporate contemporary electronic sounds, whereas “Shiny Morning” by Song Jae-kyung brings a bright, uplifting energy. These electronic-tinged compositions provide perfect accompaniment for the drama’s more fantastical moments.
Firstly, VERIVERY’s “My Beauty” exemplifies this synth-pop approach, while APRIL’s “Feeling” introduces a more polished pop sensibility. In the same fashion, GOTCHA!’s “오늘은 꼭” (Today For Sure) adds another layer to this diverse kdrama ost.
Extraordinary You OST best songs
Among the standout tracks, Stray Kids’ “끝나지 않을 이야기” (Never-ending Story) deserves special recognition as the group’s first-ever OST contribution. With heartwarming lyrics like “Never say goodbye, because we are one” and “I’ll love you further than tomorrow and longer than forever,” the song perfectly captures the drama’s romantic storyline.
Apart from Stray Kids’ contribution, fan favorites include “Story That Will Never…”, JEONG SEWOON’s “너를 그린다” (Drawing You), and Sondia’s emotional performances. Each composition adds distinctive color to this comprehensive korean drama ost collection.
10. Record of Youth
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Reflecting the dreams and ambitions of aspiring young professionals, the Record of Youth soundtrack delivers a musical collection that resonates with listeners navigating their own journeys toward success.
Record of Youth OST top tracks
Among the 33 songs spanning 1 hour and 38 minutes, several standout tracks have captured listeners’ attention:
- “You’re In My Soul” by CHUNG HA – An emotionally charged piece that accompanies key romantic developments
- “Every Second” by BAEKHYUN – A heartfelt ballad showcasing his exceptional vocal range
- “Shine On You” by Whee In – A soulful track bringing warmth to contemplative moments
- “Spotlight” by BOBBY – An energetic composition reflecting ambitious pursuits
- “Brave Enough” by LeeHi – A powerful anthem about courage and determination
Record of Youth OST artist features
This kdrama ost showcases an impressive lineup of vocal talent. Starting with SEUNGKWAN from SEVENTEEN contributing “Go,” the soundtrack progresses through performances by top K-pop artists including CHUNG HA, BAEKHYUN from EXO, Whee In from MAMAMOO, KIM JAE HWAN, and BOBBY from iKON.
Besides these established names, J Rabbit delivers the emotional “Just You,” KIMSEJEONG contributes “What My Heart Says,” sannie performs “It’s OK, Because It’s You,” Janet Suhh offers multiple tracks including “Open Door” and “Still Dreaming.” Behind the instrumental compositions, Nam Hye Seung collaborated with various artists including Park Sang Hee, Go Eun Jeong, and Cheon Jung Hoon to create the atmospheric pieces that form the backbone of this korean drama ost.
Conclsion
Throughout this musical journey across twenty iconic K-drama soundtracks, we’ve witnessed the remarkable evolution of Korean drama OSTs from simple background melodies to powerful emotional anchors that define our viewing experiences. These soundtracks undoubtedly transcend their on-screen origins, becoming standalone masterpieces that capture hearts worldwide.
The next time you watch your favorite K-drama, pay close attention to its soundtrack. These musical masterpieces do more than fill silence; they tell stories, evoke emotions, and create memories that last long after the final episode ends. After all, a truly exceptional K-drama OST doesn’t just accompany a show—it becomes part of our own life soundtrack, playing in our hearts whenever we need that perfect emotional connection.
