Another year, another impressive lineup of Korean dramas — and soundtracks. Get ready to trade in your remote control for headphones as we experience this year’s best dramas and shows through a different lens. Here are 12 of the most standout Korean original soundtracks of 2024.
Lee Sora – “I See You”
Korean ballad singer Lee Sora flaunts her enchanting vocals and transports listeners to another reality with her performance of “I See You.” Entangled in curiosity, the song perfectly illustrates the complicated relationship portrayed in the fantasy romance drama The Atypical Family. The show follows a family of modern-day superhumans as they heal from various mental and physical illnesses including insomnia and obesity. Bok Gwi-ju (Jang Ki-yong), the male lead, suffers from major depression after losing his wife in a tragic accident. His perspective on life changes after he meets Do Da-hae (Chun Woo-hee), a skilled con artist. Neither of them knows the other’s secret but after various unexplainable encounters, they develop a peculiar bond. “I See You,” composed by singer-songwriter Jung Jae-hyung, plays each time the leads enter into a compromising situation. The instrumental masterfully mimics the feeling of butterflies in one’s stomach while the lyrics expand on the inquisitive energy expressed between the two; “Unable to express everything, so many words choked up / You’re there watching me in that somewhat familiar distance / Hoping for a slight pull, somehow it feels good.”
KISS OF LIFE – “Maestro of My Heart”
Marking their first group soundtrack, KISS OF LIFE performed the opening theme for the newest installment of Mnet’s dance competition series, Stage Fighter. The producer of “Maestro of My Heart” is Czaer (시저) who has previously worked on other Fighter series songs, such as “BAD GIRL,” and “LAW.” Belle, a member of KISS OF LIFE, also participated in the lyric development for the theme song. “Maestro of My Heart” samples Niccolo Paganini’s Caprice No. 24 in A minor, combining it with a modern beat to deliver a fervent energy that accurately highlights the program. Stage Fighter features 64 male dancers specializing in ballet, contemporary, or Korean traditional dance. Throughout the survival show, they compete in various missions and showcase their exceptional skills to a broader audience. Other artists featured in the OST line-up for the series include P1Harmony, SHINee’s TAEMIN, (G)IDLE’s Miyeon, Kid Milli, and JUSTHIS.
KUM JUNHYEON – “RUIN LIFE”
In his second OST contribution, Boy’s Planet contestant and TIOT member Kum Jun-hyeon delivers a powerful performance with “RUIN LIFE.” The song is one of the main soundtracks for the romance-mystery Netflix series Hierarchy, which centers around students in the top 0.01% of society as they navigate corruption, discrimination, and teenage angst. The social structure at Jooshin High School is quite strict — or so it was. When a new student arrives the meticulously crafted social ladder begins to falter.
Kang-ha (Lee Chae-min) is a lower-class student attending Jooshin on a scholarship. Upon arrival, he is advised by fellow scholarship students to keep to himself, but he has other plans. To everyone else, Kang-ha is a regular student who entered the school by chance. In reality, he is on a quest for revenge and he will do anything he can to achieve success. Things quickly work in Kang-ha’s favor as he captures the attention of Jung Jae-i (Roh Jeong-eui), the most popular girl at Jooshin High School. Jae-i harbors guilt because a previous scholarship student and her friend died suddenly —- likely caused by the relentless bullying he endured. Refusing to see the same events play out again, Jae-i uses her status to protect Kang-ha. Seeing this as an advantage, Kang-ha plates right into her hands. As the pair get closer their supposed-to-be superficial relationship borders intimacy.
Kum Jun-hyeon’s performance of “RUIN LIFE” highlights the remorse Jae-i endures and her desire for better. Although she has everything she might ever need, it is not worth it. The pressure that comes with being in the top 0.01% is too much for Jae-i to bear; “If I endure it harshly / Can I escape from this hell? / My already stained hands, still shamelessly thirst for a better life.” The arrival of Kang-ha has changed her life for better or worse; as she is forced to cope with her past. “Can you stay for a while? / Through you, I see another me / I want to escape from deep within this dream;” it is unclear if Jae-i is interested in Kang-ha or the feeling of clarity he brings to her.
Sarah Kang – “My Little Dream”
New York-based singer-songwriter Sarah Kang’s little dream came true when she was given the chance to perform an OST for JTBC drama Miss Night and Day. With delicate vocals and lyrics penned by herself, “My Little Dream” expresses the inner doubts of the female lead who feels behind in life. Lee Mi-jin (Jung Eun-ji) is a single twenty-something who struggles to pass the civil service exam and acquire a job. After failing the exam for the eighth time, the burden she has been feeling for years becomes too much. As she prepares to give up for good a cat offers her a new shot at life — with a catch of course. During the day, Mi-jin takes on the form of an older woman, Lim Sum (Lee Jung-eun), and she returns to her regular self at night. Through the older form, Mi-jin can find a job at a prosecutor’s office, where she meets Gye Ji-ung (Choi Jin-hyuk). Everything flows smoothly at first, but as Mi-jin interacts with Ji-ung in her younger form she longs for her old life back; even if that means she has to face Ji-ung as her lowly self.
Through “My Little Dream,” Mi-jin’s inner turmoil bubbles to the surface. On the one hand, she wonders if she can achieve her dreams as her younger self; “Maybe one day I will finally see / All of the things that I wished I would be / It’s hard to hold on and believe / ‘Cause what if it’s not meant to be.” There is also a desire to be seen for what she is; “Imagine a warm summer day / You would smile at me / Like it was yesterday.” These lyrics could be targeted at her past self or Ji-ung — who she hides several secrets from.
SEO EUNKWANG – “100 WINS”
In Chief Detective 1958, we are introduced to detective Park Yeong-han (Lee Je-hoon), years before he became the chief audiences may know from the classic Korean series Chief Inspector. The crime comedy prequel series follows Yeong-han a well-known detective in the countryside who spends his days capturing cow thieves. Each year he outperforms his squad members — easily apprehending upwards of 96 crooks. Due to his high success rates, Yeonghan earns a spot in the Investigative Crimes Unit at Jongnam Station in Seoul. When he arrives at the bustling city, he expects to take on equally captivating cases, but the grass does not prove to be greener on the other side. On his first day, Yeong-han becomes involved with a group of gangsters who have ties with the station’s superintendent, affording them with the ultimate source of protection as they terrorize the people of Dongdaemun. Yeong-han who can’t stand inequity teams up with his boss, Yu Dae-cheon (Choi Deok-mun), and other justice-seeking men to fight against corruption looming in the city.
Stepping up to the plate to deliver a song befitting the team’s brazen characteristics is Eunkwang, the main vocalist of BTOB. Eunkwang who excels in ballads took on the challenge of performing in a more rugged style with “100 WINS.” The song filled with comical lyrics and confident instrumental acts as a battle cry for the men as they head into the belly of the beast; “Whether you run or fly, you’re just a flea / Even if you flee frantically, you’re still in my hands / I’ll emerge victorious in every battle.”
ZUHO, Jo Soomin – “Here I Stay”
SF9’s Zuho showcased more than his acting skills for romance-melodrama, Under the Gun. Along with playing the lead role, Zuho composed and performed “Here I Stay,” along with co-star Jo Soo-min. The series title references the poker phrase “under the gun,” which refers to the player at a disadvantage in the game due to their position.
In Under the Gun, Ko Gun (Zuho) is an ace in the game world but in the real world, the pressure is overwhelming. Due to his father falling into alcoholism and his sister needing money for her leukemia treatment, Gun has become the designated breadwinner for his family. During the night, he bounces from one part-time job to another and in the day he catches up on sleep — withdrawing from all social contact. He continues this exhausting cycle until he meets the new transfer student, Cha Se-young (Jo Soo-min). Se-young who comes from an affluent background, is taken by Gun’s mysterious character, and she earnestly approaches him. Even when she learns of his lifestyle, her interest in him does not fade; and she vows to support him unconditionally. In “Here I Stay,” an instrumental filled with swelling strings and peaceful piano notes plays as Zuho and Soo-min sing a message of hope to each other.
BEN – “Your Traces”
Seo Ki-joo (Joo Won) is the seventh owner of a photo studio that services a unique set of clientele — ghosts. How does one become involved in such a scheme exactly? The tale of The Midnight Studio begins centuries prior when a father looking to save his ailing son, stole a camera that was said to restore the dead. When the Grim Reaper; the camera’s protector found out he was enraged, but he vowed to save the son — with a catch of course. The boy and all his future descendants would only be granted a short life span. Additionally, they would be entrusted to run the midnight studio and help the deceased pass over to the afterlife. After 35 years, they would die a mysterious death, and the next available descendant would inherit the photo studio.
In the present day, Ki-joo is nearing his last days — having less than a few months to live. After his uncle’s disappearance, he falls into a dejected cycle and his only acquaintances are his employees, Go Sung-ho (Yoo In-soo) and Baek Nam-gu (Eum Moon-suk). Ironically enough, Ki-joo is afraid of ghosts — specifically the vengeful ones — and he struggles daily to combat his ability to see them. It isn’t until he meets passionate lawyer Han-bom (Kwon Na-ra), that he begins to feel safe. Unbeknownst to herself, she possesses the ability to propel evil spirits and she’s somehow able to enter the photo studio when no other human can. With her special powers in tow, she joins the midnight studio assisting with the otherworldly task. As Ki-joo becomes closer to his first human employee, he yearns to break the decades-old curse.
Two years after performing a soundtrack for the fantasy series Tomorrow, BEN marked her return with “Your Traces.” The ballad song illustrates the grief-stricken feelings of those left behind. “Memories that remain so clearly / Remain everywhere in my day / How far did I go in erasing you / Is there still more left?” The still-living person, in this case, seems to be stuck in the denial process of grieving; unable to fully let go. As the song continues they progress to anger; “I hate you so much for leaving / I blame you all night long / Again, I’m thinking of you.” As the song comes to a close the abandoned individual does not reach a state of acceptance; but that’s okay. “Your Traces,” beautifully highlights the nuances faced in the path to healing.
JESSI – “Boomerang”
For her second drama of 2024, Park Shin-hye showcased her versatility, playing a demon on the quest for justice in The Judge from Hell. Kang Bit-na (Park Shin-hye) who was once an ordinary judge is now the vessel for Justitia, a demon judge from Hell. After accidentally sentencing the innocent Kang Bit-na to eternal suffering Justitia is exiled to earth — barred from returning until she carries out a task. Her mission entails that she sends 10 remorseless criminals to Hell in one year or she will die. Bit-na exhibiting little empathy and patience, takes a reckless approach to complete her task; that is until she crosses paths with Ha Da-on (Kim Jae-young), an upright detective.
In “Boomerang”, Korean solo artist Jessi utilizes her fierce tone to represent Bit-na’s fight for not only justice; but also her life. Through lyrics penned by herself and composer Lee Joon-hwa, a strong sense of vengeance is displayed. Referencing a popular phrase of encouragement, she delivers a blow to a criminal looking for any semblance of hope, “It’s useless for you, there is no such thing as a flower road / This is the price you pay for believing in me / You should have known what was coming.” The wrath continues to the end as a taunting “Ah-ah” and “Ha-ha” repeat followed by a final warning, “What goes around / Comes around like a boomerang.”
Crush – “Love You With All My Heart”
In 2024, Queen of Tears became the highest-rated tvN series, surpassing the nation’s beloved series Crash Landing on You. The romantic comedy series tells the story of a married couple at odds. Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won), the CEO of Queens Department Store, and her legal director husband Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-hyun) were once considered a match made in heaven. Presently, they are both members of high society, but for one of them that wasn’t always the case. Before becoming a lawyer, Hyun-woo grew up in rural Yongdu-ri; born to a family of farmers. After three years of marriage, the once-happy couple begins to feel a strain as Hyun-woo can’t cope with the coldness displayed by Hae-in and her family.
To separate himself from the toxic environment, he considers divorcing Hae-in, but he is afraid of losing everything he worked for. That is until his Hae-in reveals that she has three months left to live. When Hyun-woo hears the news, he’s elated because her demise means a natural and clean cut for their marriage. Planning to remain on Hae-in’s good side — and hopefully, be written into her will — he treats her with an excessive amount of kindness. This change of character from her husband is strange, but it’s all the motivation she needs to recover. One fights for death, the other for life, but their paths soon diverge, and they both choose love despite the challenges ahead.
Korean R&B artist Crush expanded on the couple’s complicated dynamic with his performance of “Love You With All My Heart.” The ballad song effectively conveys the regret of not understanding one’s feelings sooner. With his honest vocals, Crush delivers a message — likely from Hyun-woo’s perspective — that wholeheartedly lays out his unspoken words. “Now, finally I reveal my foolish sincerity / I’m sorry for being late / I wish I could have told you that I was born to love you / I was made to love you.” The soundtrack’s Korean title 미안해 미워해 사랗해 which translates to “I’m sorry. I hate you. I love you,” briefly highlights the stages he went through before gaining enlightenment. From being sorry about his status in society to hating Hae-in for hers, he finally realizes that none of it matters. In the end, love prevails.
ECLIPSE – “Sudden Shower”
Fictional boy group ECLIPSE touched hearts and topped the charts with “Sudden Shower,” one of their four soundtracks featured in the fantasy romance drama Lovely Runner. The song expresses gratitude to their first love, who suddenly appeared by their side, supporting them through various hardships.
ECLIPSE’s lead singer Ryu Sung-Jae (Byeon Woo-seok) composed and wrote the track in the drama, but we have FNC producer Kim Soo-yoon to thank in real life. Kim, a member of rock band Royal Pirates, referred back to his roots when crafting the soundtrack for Twinkling Watermelon. When it came to creating songs for Lovely Runner he decided on a similar approach, “Instead of specific artists, we aimed for a nostalgic feel to complement the time travel theme,” he stated in an interview with Korea.net. “Influenced by 2000s rock ballads and other bands, I incorporated these elements into the soundtrack, fitting the drama’s setting in the 2000s.” The stylistic choice proved to be valuable as “Sudden Shower” unexpectedly rose on global charts; earning the 167th spot on Billboard’s Global 200 list.
JO YU-RI – “Spring Days Are Gone”
Based on a webtoon of the same name, the period drama Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born tells the story of a girl who hopes to gain riches and recognition — for herself and her family. Yoon Jeong-nyeon (Kim Tae-ri), a poor girl from Mokpo, has a natural gift for singing; even though she has never received any formal training. Despite her mother’s wishes, she sings whenever the opportunity presents itself. One day, Jeong-nyeon’s singing captured the attention of popular gukgeuk singer, Moon Ok-kyung (Jung Eun-chae), who encouraged her to audition for a spot at Maeran Theater Company. Jeong-nyeon, unfamiliar with the world of Korean traditional opera, initially displays no interest in joining. After attending her first gukgeuk show she falls in love with the craft and agrees to join. Behind the scenes, the world of gukgeuk proves to be quite cutthroat. After moving from Mokpo to Seoul, Jeong-nyeon struggles to adjust, dealing with both unfounded rumors and persistent bullying. Keeping a positive mindset, Jeong-nyeon uses her unique worldview to find creative ways to improve her skills.
“Spring Days Are Gone,” a modern arrangement of Baek Sul-hee’s “Spring Days Go” (1953), is a reminder to not lose the essence of your past self. As Jeong-nyeon and other trainees fight for their future their once wholesome energy dissipates, causing pain both physically and mentally. Bringing the emotions to life with her delicate vocals is former IZONE member Jo Yu-ri. The performance of the Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born soundtrack marks her tenth overall OST participation.
HA SUNG WOON – “Us In Those Days”
Based on the Chinese drama Go Ahead, the Korean coming-of-age drama, Family By Choice follows three friends who — although not related by blood — grew up as siblings in their makeshift family. After a decade of being raised together, cracks begin to form in the once-steady family foundation. Two of the friends, Kim San-ha (Hwang In-yeop) and Kang Hae-joon (Bae Hyun-sung), who had quite traumatic upbringings are forced to deal with unforeseen circumstances. Meanwhile, Yoon Joo-won (Jung Chae-yeon) struggles to understand how their little family fell apart so suddenly. Things aren’t completely over for the three musketeers as they reunite ten years later. As the group tackles reconciliation, they realize that their feelings for one another have shifted in more ways than one.
The soundtrack “Us in Those Days” performed by Wanna One member Ha Sung-woon, is laced with nostalgia. Although the song is driven by a cheerful instrumental, the lyrics take on a more practical tone. In the beginning, the old days are remembered; “Back then, we were the world / Everything existed for us / Like a sun glistening on a blue summer day / We were one.” As the song progresses, there is a realization that things won’t ever be the same as before, and that’s okay. The song comes to a close with a statement of well wishes; “You’re always my world / The world shines when we are / Like the sun on every day you go / I wish you the best / And may it last forever.”
Other standout Korean soundtracks from 2024 include “Reaching for You” by ZEROBASEONE featured in Love Next Door, “Closer than the Stars” by Fromm featured in What Comes After Love, and “Loving You More Gradually” by SUHO from The Missing Crown Prince.
Looking more Korean film and television content? Learn about South Korea’s women independent filmmakers here!
