Best OST songs of all time

Korean dramas' Original Sound Tracks (OST) are an important subgenre in the Kpop world. Here are my faves.

If you ever find yourselves in a rut on Spotify and need a break, I highly recommend the Korean OST playlist. Every K-drama releases an original sound track, and keep in mind that each K-drama is around 16 episodes long, so there is almost constant churn in the songs that are being released to go with these dramas. There are artists who seem to specialize in OSTs like Sam Kim or Baek Ji Young, but each OST usually features at least one song by a famous K-pop artist, which offers a kind of symbiotic relationship to increase the popularity of both the show and the artist.

Here, in no particular order, are my thoughts on my 10 favorite OST songs. Obviously this list is biased by the fact that these are songs from the KDramas that I have watched, and my enjoyment of the shows also affects my enjoyment of the OST, but I think some of these are undeniable classics.

Everytime by Chen and Punch (from Descendants of the Sun)

Starting off with an absolute classic of the genre. Chen, from EXO, is an excellent OST repeat offender. OOhhhh everytime this sooooong starts I am transported to a warm desert into the charming romance between Captain Yoo and Dr. Kang.

Sweet Night by V (from Itaewon Class)

I love V’s tradition of releasing a song to support his famous friends’ important Kdrama roles. Itaewon Class was the first Park Seo Joon Kdrama since his superstar-making turn in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, and V’s magnificent OST contribution here perfectly met the moment and I think laid a strong foundation for V’s eventual solo career. Other BTS members have now released OST contributions, but V remains the king.

Starlight by Jeong Hyo Bean (from Run On)

I feel like this song is such a Kdrama song. Jeong Hyo Bean is an indie artist, not a super well known Kpop artist, but this song really struck me. I loved Run On and found it such a comforting watch. This song is the vibe - it was the theme song for the second lead couple on the show and they were my favorite!

What If Love by Wendy (from Touch Your Heart)

A song so good that it makes you forget it’s from the drama featuring the couple with so much chemistry that they starred in not one but two different dramas together? Only Wendy (from Red Velvet) could pull it off. I really loved Touch Your Heart, but this is one of the rare OSTs that for me, transcends the drama. Interestingly, this OST also featured a song from Chen!

Orbit by Hwasa (from King: The Eternal Monarch)

OK this is kind of another example example where the song transcends the drama but in this case, that’s partly because the drama wasn’t very good. Even though it had massive starpower, King was kind of a flop. But this song from Mamamoo’s Hwasa is excellent and added some sonic tension and chemistry to a drama that was unfortunately lacking in actual chemistry.

Who Are You by Sam Kim (from Goblin, aka Guardian: The Lonely and Great God)

This might be the most famous OST song of all time from the most famous Kdrama of all time. When that chorus hits….no words. Ugh it might be time for a Goblin rewatch.

Starlight by Taeil (from 2521)

NCT’s Taeil is a strong competitor for the best voice in Kpop (are you seeing an SM trend in this list, because I certainly am! Can’t deny that SM vocal training!) and this song captures everything everyone loved about 2521 - the youthful joy, the 90s nostalgia, and the beauty. We don’t have to talk about the ending of 2521, we can just listen to this song over and over and pretend like it’s all good!!

Maybe If by BIBI (from Our Beloved Summer)

Our Beloved Summer had a chef’s kiss OST (and even another classic song from V to support buddy Choi Wooshik), but this is my favorite song from the OST. BIBI is so cool, and her tone and edge in this song perfectly captures the awkward, hazy romance of OBS.

Our Night is More Beautiful than Your Day by NewJeans (from My Demon)

Kdramas are kind of in their flop era right now (maybe it’s just me?) but My Demon was pretty good and the OST was the best one in the last year, I think. And of course, it girls NewJeans can do no wrong. And shout out to my beloved Chuu’s jazzy version of this song!

Here I am Again by Yerin Baek (from Crash Landing on You)

Not the drama that made me a Kdrama stan and then by extension made me a Kpop stan :( :( :( :( My husband knows all the songs on this OST because I’ve watched this drama like 4 times lol.

Pain by Isaac Hong (from Happiness)

OK one bonus just for the dramaaaaa. I love songs that make the angsty moments of dramas more angsty, and this song fits the bill. All you really need to know is that this is a zombie drama starring one of the most beautiful, charming men in the K industry in his first role back from military service. Picture that, and then listen to this song.

I could keep going, but I’ll stop now! What songs am I missing? And have you fallen in love with any recent OSTs?