5 K-dramas and the music that makes them
my intro to k-dramas started in 2022
a continuous mix of shows, books, articles + more worth raving about
It was late 2022 when I first dipped my toe into K-dramas. Making this list, I thought about how much I’ve learned about Korean culture since, mostly all from dedicated hours of dramas. At the time, it seemed like Netflix had a trickle in of K-dramas, or I could’ve been slow to venture into the genre. However, somehow it’s 2025 and there’s an infinite stream of new stuff all the time. My account homepage is all Korean stuff (and Detroiters hahaha!).
In K-dramas music is so completely and thoughtfully baked into the entire storyline. Just a few chords of “But It’s Destiny” by 10cm sends my heart back into, well, North Korea lol, thanks to Crash Landing on You characters. The hook of Red Velvet’s “Future” from Start-Up gets me excited about young love and computer coding! “I Miss You” by Soyou makes me feel like I’m fighting back tears1.
I wonder if we already reached a peak of music in K-dramas in a way. Will they just fill shows with AI music? (worse, will we end up liking it?!). Let’s think about that some other time. Enjoy the tunes.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
When I watched this I had no idea how many K-dramas are set in Jeju Island. Now I feel like I could draw a map of it! Think of what dramas have done for Jeju’s tourism. Their whole world feels exactly like “Romantic Sunday” sounds.
Start-Up
Original soundtracks can make, or sometimes break, a drama series. Start-Up’s OST is so good I still put it on sometimes, no skips. At this point I can’t totally recall how much I like the series but the soundtrack always satisfies. Check out the full playlist here.
Red Velvet’s “Future” is a clear winner. Something about the first few notes makes it one of my fave high-energy morning songs. Healthy dose of good mood music.
Crash Landing on You
Due to CLOY’s overwhelming popularity, my first K-drama crush was oppa Hyun Bin (can I call him that? He’s only 1 year older than me). When I found out he and Son Ye-jin were married irl, omfg! - I stan BinJin all day!
The drama itself is an absolute classic. THE one to watch if you’re only gonna watch one. The full cast is legendary. The use of music deserves praise for meticulous placement. Every instrumental interlude, every yearning ballad is perfectly timed. The songs hold a transportive element after you’ve seen and soaked in every scene of Crash Landing on You (repeat viewings help). Full playlist here.
My heart!!! 😍
Reply 1988
The first slightly historical drama that made me feel like I was watching a real-life depiction of 80s Korea. I don’t remember this for the music. Instead, it provided an awesome ensemble cast and boosted the celeb status of some of the actors, including current fave Park Bo-gum2. It also gave me my first set of fave K-drama aunties (lol their perms!):
Be Melodramatic
Finally a love plot that revolves around more relatable, awkward, goofy characters. I really love the apartment she and her roommates live in and that they drink beers in the living room to decompress together. The soundtrack isn’t the most memorable but good luck getting this out of your head.
What K-dramas am I missing? If you know a series with an amazing soundtrack, let me know in the comments. I love adding to my never-ending queue 🫰