There's a whole lot to love about K-dramas.
But you know what makes a K-drama stand apart from the rest? An incredible soundtrack.
So without further ado, here are 24 K-dramas that are made even better by their fantastic soundtracks.
1. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016–2017)
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If we're talking about incredible soundtracks, then we have to start with Goblin. This soundtrack is iconic for a reason: It's such a beautiful and wonderfully curated soundtrack from start to finish. Every single song on this album is dreamy and poignant, which is a perfect match for the show's storyline. I can't recommend this soundtrack — and its drama — highly enough.
Recommended songs: "Stay With Me" by Chanyeol and Punch, "Beautiful" by Crush, "I Will Go to You Like the First Snow" by Ailee, "Beautiful" by Eddy Kim, "Who Are You" by Sam Kim, and "I Miss You" by Soyou, but honestly, the entire soundtrack is hit after hit.
2. Descendants of the Sun (2016)
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If your favorite part of Descendants of the Sun was the grand, heartrending romance between Kang Mo-yeon (Song Hye-kyo) and Yoo Shi-jin (Song Joong-ki), then you absolutely need to listen to its soundtrack. The entire soundtrack is so moving because it's jam-packed with stunning ballads by Davichi, Yoon Mi-rae, and Gummy that tug on your heartstrings. With such wistful, romantic vibes, you'll quickly ~fall in love~ with this album.
Recommended songs: "This Love" by Davichi, "Always" by Yoon Mi-rae, "Everytime" by Chen and Punch, "You Are My Everything" by Gummy, and "Talk Love" by K.Will — but this soundtrack has no bad songs!
3. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
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This album is lightning in a bottle, and I'm not just saying that because Exo's Chen sings on its soundtrack (ba-dum-tss). Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart: Ryeo is a drama filled with unexpected twists and turns, but its soundtrack gracefully rises to the challenge. Want a deeply romantic track? Exo-CBX's "For You" is a must-listen. Need something a little more lighthearted? Look no further than Loco and Punch's "Say Yes." This legendary soundtrack truly has something for everyone.
Recommended songs: Exo-CBX's "For You," Loco and Punch's "Say Yes," Epik High's "Can You Hear My Heart (feat. Lee Hi)," Davichi's "Forgetting You," Jung Seung-hwan's "Wind" — but honestly, this soundtrack is flawless from start to finish.
4. Hotel del Luna (2019)
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With knockout performances by Taeyeon, Heize, and Paul Kim (and many, many more), there is no shortage of talent on the Hotel del Luna soundtrack. There is a haunting yet beautiful quality to this album, which is very in line with the show's supernatural storyline. This is the kind of album that gives you a sense of calm or comfort when listening to it, and its songs will stick with you long after the first listen. They're just that good.
Recommended songs: Taeyeon's "All About You," Monday Kiz and Punch's "Another Day," 10cm's "Lean on Me," Heize's "Can You See My Heart," and Paul Kim's "So Long."
5. Start Up (2020)
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👏 There are no bad songs on this soundtrack! 👏 Start Up is all about a group of adults working together to achieve their dreams, and its soundtrack helps bolster that ambition with its unique collection of uplifting songs. From Red Velvet's flawless "Future" to Gaho's upbeat "Running," this album makes the listener feel as if they can accomplish anything they set their minds to, just like the show's protagonists. Keep running toward your dreams with these songs!
Recommended songs: The entire soundtrack is flawless, but my current favorites are "Future" by Red Velvet, "Day & Night" by Jung Seung-hwan, "One Day" by Kim Feel, "Where Is Dream" by 10cm, and "Love Letter" by BOL4.
6. The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
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Spoiler alert: This is another superb soundtrack. If you need a soundtrack that will transport you to another world, then look no further. Fitting in line with the show's royal storyline, the soundtrack for The King: Eternal Monarch is both atmospheric and elegant. It is an album that will make the listener feel as if they're pining over a long-lost lover — perhaps from another reality?
Recommended songs: "Orbit" by Hwasa, "I Just Want to Stay With You" by Zion.T, "Heartbreak" by Gaeko and Kim Na-young, "You're My End and My Beginning" by Onestar and Kim Jae-hwan, and "My Love" by Gummy.
7. Boys Over Flowers (2009)
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Let's be real: If you've watched Boys Over Flowers before, then you've absolutely found yourself singing along to T-Max's "Paradise" at least once. In fact, I would venture to say that there's no more iconic K-drama song lyric than "Almost Paradise"! Just like Boys Over Flowers, this soundtrack is extravagant and heartfelt. From Shinee's "Stand by Me" to SS501's "Because of My Bad Memory," this album is full of youthful charm and always makes me nostalgic for the first time I watched the show.
Recommended songs: "Paradise" by T-Max, "Stand by Me" by Shinee, "Do You Know" by Someday, and "Because of My Bad Memory" by SS501.
8. Dream High (2011) and Dream High 2 (2012)
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Yes, I am putting Dream High and Dream High 2 together. Both seasons of the musical drama were jam-packed with tunes that offered a look into the mindset of the character who was singing them. Whether it's Kim Pil-sook (IU) longing for better days in "Someday" or Jeong Jin-woon, Park Jin-young, Ji-su, and Kang So-ra singing about their determination to rise to the top in "B Class Life," Dream High's soundtrack was raw, refreshing, and very relatable.
Recommended songs: "Dream High," IU's "Someday," Ha:tfelt's "Hello to Myself," Ji-yeon and JB's "Together," and Jeong Jin-woon, Park Jin-young, Ji-su, and Kang So-ra's "B Class Life."
9. Itaewon Class (2020)
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The soundtrack to Itaewon Class adds an extra dimension to the show's plot by revealing the innermost feelings of everyone's favorite restaurant owner and protagonist, Park Saeroyi (Park Seo-joon). Despite being dealt a difficult hand in life, Saeroyi works tirelessly not only to achieve his dreams ("Start Over" by Gaho) by opening his own restaurant, but also to rectify the cruelties of his past ("Someday, the Boy" by Kim Feel). Also, this soundtrack features V's phenomenal "Sweet Night." What more reason could anyone need to listen to this album?
Recommended songs: "Sweet Night" by V, "Start Over" by Gaho, "No Words" by Crush, "Someday, the Boy" by Kim Feel, and "Say" by Yoon Mi-rae.
10. What's Wrong With Secretary Kim? (2018)
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Despite the show's title, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the soundtrack! From Jeong Sewoon's swooping ballad "It's You" to Kihyun and SeolA's bubbly "Love Virus," this compilation fits marvelously with the show's adorable, heartwarming tale of love between haughty boss Lee Young-joon (Park Seo-joon) and his hardworking secretary, Kim Mi-so (Park Min-young).
Recommended songs: "It's You" by Jeong Sewoon, "Love Virus" by Kihyun and SeolA, "Wannabe" by Gfriend, "A Little More" by Jinho and Rothy, and "Because I Only See You" by Kim Na-young.
11. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016–2017)
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Filled to the brim with beloved Korean indie artists like Standing Egg, this album is pure sunshine, just like the weightlifting fairy Kim Bok-joo herself! From Kim Min-seung's upbeat "From Now On" to Lee Jin-ah's quirky "Again and Again," each of these songs is so catchy and comforting. If you're ever feeling sad or let down, then look no further than this album. It's the perfect pick-me-up.
Recommended songs: "From Now On" by Kim Min-seung, "I'll Pick You Up" by Standing Egg, "You & I" by Kim Jong-wan, "Dream," by Han Hae-jung, and "Again and Again" by Lee Jin-ah.
12. While You Were Sleeping (2017)
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Unlike the title of the drama, this is a soundtrack that you don't want to sleep on. In addition to portraying the show's main leads, Lee Jong-suk and Suzy both performed songs on the soundtrack. Their songs — Suzy's "I Love You Boy" and Lee Jong-suk's "Come to Me" — feel like love letters from their characters to each other and make their relationship in the show that much cuter. Honestly, just thinking about it makes me want to rewatch the show again!
Recommended songs: "Lucid Dream" by Monogram, "It's You" by Henry, "I Love You Boy" by Suzy, and "Come to Me" by Lee Jong-suk.
13. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (2017)
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This! Soundtrack! Is! So! Gosh! Darn! Cute!
Recommended songs: "Double Trouble Couple" by Mamamoo, "I Fall in Love (Feat. Obroject)" by Vromance, "You're My Garden" by Jeong Eun-ji, "Super Power Girl" by Moon Sung-nam, and "Heartbeat" by Suran.
14. Search: WWW (2019)
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On its own, Search: WWW is a fantastic drama (and if you haven't seen it already, this is a sign to give it a watch!) But add in a soundtrack that blends sleek, powerful beats ("Search" by Elaine) with honeyed acoustic ballads ("Scent" by Sam Kim) and performances by Mamamoo and Jang Beom June of iconic indie band Busker Busker fame, and, well, you could say that this is the soundtrack that you've been...~searching~ for.
Recommended songs: "Search" by Elaine, "Scent" by Sam Kim, "Reaching Hand" by Jang Beom June, "Wow" by Mamamoo, and "Milky Way Between Us" by O3ohn.
15. Radio Romance (2018)
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"Have you heard of this song?" 🎶It goes without saying that a show centering on an up-and-coming radio program would have a fantastic soundtrack, and Radio Romance does not disappoint in the slightest. With performances by Taeil and Doyoung from NCT U, Migyo, and Bernard Park, this is a lighthearted soundtrack that you'll find yourself tuning in to hear over and over again.
Recommended songs: "Radio Romance" by NCT U, "Bygone Days" by Migyo, "Story" by Lee Seok-hoon, "Another Sadness" by J_ust, and "Hidden Path" by Bernard Park.
16. Drinking Solo (2016)
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We need to talk about the show Drinking Solo, because it honestly deserves way more recognition. While the show centers on a group of friends who are preparing to take the Korean civil service exam and the teachers who instruct them, its soundtrack perfectly encapsulates the joys ("May I Laugh" by Jannabi) and sorrows ("With Me" by Vanilla Acoustic) that all young adults experience while trying to find themselves. As a result, the album is an eclectic mix that, in combination, reveals a story of heart and friendship.
Recommended songs: "With Me" by Vanilla Acoustic, "Could I Leave" by Okdal, "Hello Love" by Oh My Girl, "May I Laugh" by Jannabi, and "Dear My Lady" by 40.
17. Touch Your Heart (2019)
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Much like the drama's title, this soundtrack is one that will definitely linger in your heart long after the first listen. Featuring outstanding performances by Red Velvet's Wendy, Park Bo-ram, and Exo's Chen, this is an album that just gives you warm, fuzzy feelings, not unlike its main characters, Kwon Jung-rok (Lee Dong-wook) and Oh Jin-shim (Yoo In-na).
Recommended songs: "What if Love" by Wendy, "Make It Count" by Chen, "Good Night" by Jeong Sewoon, "Left Over Left Hand" by Park Bo-ram, and "Be Your Star" by Seoryoung and Lena.
18. Extraordinary You (2019)
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Extraordinary You's soundtrack is truly a roller coaster of emotions. While certain tracks on the album, like Verivery's "My Beauty," can feel bright, bubbly, and full of unlimited possibilities, others, like Stray Kids' "Neverending Story," will break your heart within the context of the show's storyline. Much like the show, this is one soundtrack that you'll wish would never end!
Recommended songs: "My Beauty" by Verivery, "Feeling" by April, "First Love" by Sondia, "Neverending Story" by Stray Kids, and "Draw You" by Jeong Sewoon.
19. Secret Garden (2010–2011)
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As one of the most popular and significant dramas of all time, Secret Garden is a show that needs no introduction. However, part of what makes the show's whirlwind romance between stuntwoman Gil Ra-im (Ha Ji-won) and CEO Kim Joo-won (Hyun Bin) so great is the show's impeccable soundtrack, featuring performances by Baek Z Young and Kim Bum-soo. Listening to these songs will bring back waves of nostalgia and pull on your heartstrings even over a decade later.
Recommended songs: "That Woman" by Baek Z Young, "Appear" by Kim Bum-soo, "That Man" by Hyun Bin, "You Are My Spring" by Sung Si-kyung, and "Here I Am" by Shin Yong-jae.
20. Hospital Playlist (2020)
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If we're talking about K-dramas with great music, then we obviously need to include everyone's favorite friend group and band: Mido and Falasol! You'll quickly find yourself singing along to the group's feel-good, joyful, and inspiring songs. Add in performances by Red Velvet's Joy and Urban Zakapa, and the result is an album that feels like the musical equivalent of a warm hug.
Recommended songs: "Me to You, You to Me" by Mido and Falasol, "Introduce Me to a Good Person" by Joy, "Aloha" by Cho Jung-seok, "Confession Is Not Flashy" by Kyuhyun, and "Beautiful My Love" by Urban Zakapa.
21. Crash Landing on You (2019–2020)
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With artists like Yerin Baek, Yoon Mi-rae, and Crush on the album, you know that the soundtrack to Crash Landing on You is going to be both jaw-droppingly gorgeous and heartbreaking. True to form, it is all of the above and more. This is a soundtrack that will hit you straight in the feelings with no remorse, so make sure you're ready before you press play!
Recommended songs: "Here I Am Again" by Yerin Baek, "Flower" by Yoon Mi-rae, "But It's Destiny" by 10cm, "Let Us Go" by Crush, and "All of My Days" by Sejeong.
22. Record of Youth (2020)
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Record of Youth's soundtrack is pure magic. If you found yourself relating to the main characters' struggles throughout the series, then you need to listen to the soundtrack. Wonderfully curated, the album is performed entirely by young artists like Seventeen's Seungkwan, Chung Ha, and Exo's Baekhyun, and its songs encourage listeners to fight for their dreams just like the show's characters do. If you ever feel lost or disappointed, one listen to this soundtrack and you'll instantly be inspired to keep going!
Recommended songs: "Go" by Seungkwan, "You're In My Soul" by Chung Ha, "Spotlight" by Bobby, "Every Second" by Baekhyun, and "Brave Enough" by Lee Hi.
23. Cheese in the Trap (2016)
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If you're a fan of Korean indie rock music and are on the lookout for new artists, then you need to check out Cheese in the Trap's soundtrack. Exciting, fresh, and charming, the album's performances by Vanilla Acoustic, Cosmos Hippie, and Sweden Laundry come together to create such a beautiful backdrop for the show. You won't regret giving this soundtrack a listen!
Recommended songs: "Such (Feat. Hyuna Jo)" by Kang Hyun-min, "What Are We Gonna Do" by Cosmos Hippie, "I Am Love (Feat. Yozoh)" by Tearliner, "A Little Bit More" by Sweden Laundry, and "The Time We Shared" by Vanilla Acoustic.
24. It's Okay, That's Love (2014)
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And last, but certainly not least, the soundtrack to It's Okay, That's Love is a masterclass of talent, just like the show. Whether you're belting your heart out to "Best Luck" by Exo's Chen or tearfully singing along to Davichi's "It's Alright, This Is Love" as if you're in a music video, there's something on this soundtrack for every mood you're in. It's truly a treasure trove!
Recommended songs: "Best Luck" by Chen, "It's Alright, This Is Love" by Davichi, "Sleepless Night (Feat. Punch)" by Crush, "I Feel You" by Hong Dae-kwang, and "Love Fiction" by Ulala Session.