20 Evergreen K-Drama Love Songs

The range of K-drama love songs is so extensive that narrowing it down to a few is challenging. Nevertheless, I’ve put together a must-have collection of 20 timeless romantic songs that are among my all-time favorites. It is important to note that there is no ranking implied by the songs’ chronological order.

“Stay with Me” by Chanyeol and Punch – Guardian: The Lonely and Great God

This song plays like a reverie in a fairytale romance about an eternal goblin who seeks a human wife to remove an unseen sword from his chest and end his life. Aurally, it’s invigorating; structurally, it’s magnificent; and vocally, it’s classy. The song’s bluesy beauty is a result of Punch’s divine vocal quality and Chanyeol’s (EXO’s) unparalleled rap expertise. In terms of conveying ardent desire, “Stay with Me” is a smidge more satisfying to me than other love ballads in the canon of K-drama OSTs.

“Everytime I See You” by Chen and Punch – Descendants of the Sun

Punch and Chen (EXO) jammed masterfully, creating an era-defining hit. It captures beautiful occasions, beginning with the initial chemistry between a surgeon and a special operations officer. “Everytime I see you,” the song is intense in its entirety, with which the vocalists concoct pure magic, and Punch’s rendition of “I Love You” beautifully caps off the duet.

“Say Yes” by Loco and Punch – Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Punch’s silky vocals have an undeniably beguiling charm. She sings “Say Yes” with a serene, stream-like rhythm that drifts through incredibly poignant sections. The song is laden with emotive sequences between the characters from the drama, and Loco contributes a novel twist with his stylized rap verses.

“Christmas Tree” by V – Our Beloved Summer

“So, I’ll tell you a million tiny things that you have never known. It all gets tangled up inside.” These are the lyrics from the angst-ridden “Christmas Tree,” which describe a person who is eager to let go of suppressed emotions. The story told in the song is about two best friends in love who can’t confess it. V’s (BTS) exceptionally alluring vocals lend the song its distinct character and sense of intimacy, making it a standout love ballad.

“Here I Am Again” by Baek Ye-rin – Crash Landing on You

Imagine a complete stranger putting everything at stake to keep you safe. Can you forego loving a man like that? No, I bet. And that is basically what this outstanding drama is about—a love story that defies borders. A chaebol heiress crashes down in North Korea in the wake of a paragliding mishap, and while a native special officer shelters and defends her, the two fall in love. This romance is musically retold by Baek Ye-rin in “Here I Am Again.” Lyrically, the song expresses that even amid the chaos, the man will be her haven—something she has always missed.

“Be with You” by Jimin and Ha Sung-woon – Our Blues

This ballad’s outstanding teamwork elevates the soundtrack to the level of a masterpiece. As seen in the drama Our Blues, “with you” alludes to a desire to be close to loved ones. The breathtaking harmony produced by Jimin’s (BTS) soothing, hushed tone and Ha Sung-woon’s mesmerizing voice in combination with the piano and acoustic guitar generates a one-of-a-kind, healing piece of music

“Ambiguous” by Seo Eun-kwang, Lim Hyun-sik and Yook Sung-jae – Fight for My Way

The musical backdrop of “Ambiguous” is ideal for this tale of outliers navigating romance and camaraderie while chasing success. The music video uses inserts from the song’s recording session with Seo Eun-kwang, Lim Hyun-sik, and Yook Sung-jae (BTOB) in addition to a collage of endearing moments from the series. It is a driving, enthralling piece of music that displays the united dynamism of the three significant singers. Dramatic strings play in tandem with their intertwined harmonics to express the many feelings that come with falling in love.

“For You” by Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin – Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (EXO-CBX) incorporate a delicate portrayal of love in “For You” with their flawless blending and distinctive singing abilities. In the drama about a woman who goes back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty amid a complete solar eclipse, Baekhyun not only sings but also portrays Wang Eun, the 10th Prince. Although the series depicts the story of a heartbreaking romantic encounter that rocks the woman’s world, “For You” is a song that is both mystical and reassuring.

“It’s Definitely You” by V and Jin – Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth

The theme song for Hwarang, “It’s Definitely You,” performed by V and Jin (BTS), reflects the expressed need and pain of the lover while keeping a joyful mood. The dramatic tone differences between the two musicians certainly make the tune stick out. It has a wealth of finesse thanks to Jin’s precise notes and V’s superb baritone voice. It’s a great song with a vibrant cadence that goes perfectly with Hwarang‘s staggeringly beautiful visuals.

“Orbit” by Hwasa – The King: Eternal Monarch

“Orbit” will always feature prominently in the annals of classic K-drama soundtracks. Hwasa’s (Mamamoo) voice becomes fiercely seductive when she conveys the song’s intense emotion. “Orbit,” as its name implies, covers the aligned stories of people from two worlds: an emperor who attempts to seal the doors to a parallel world that evil has unlocked and a cop who strives to keep him and the people she cares about safe. The song’s reverberating aspect, which strikes hard through Hwasa’s solid yet incredibly sexy vocals, is, in my opinion, its best attribute

“In Your Time” by Lee Su-hyun – It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

Lee Su-hyun (AKMU) has accomplished this song immaculately in that her voice opens on a soft note, erupts in the higher register, and then warms up again in the subsequent low notes. She sounds like a brook babbling its way down a valley in a calm, meandering manner. With its relaxing, gentle tune that adds to the moments of stress and intense emotions in this psychological romance drama, the music and lyrics blend flawlessly with the story’s scenario and seem like love poetry that describes the characters’ journey toward emotional healing.

“Another Day” by Punch and Monday Kiz – Hotel Del Luna

Punch and Monday Kiz’s seamless collaboration on “Another Day” results in an exquisite sobfest that best expresses a passionate melodic adventure through love that you’ll feel in your bones. In a song that underscores the pain of unrequited love, the singers most eloquently recount how the star-crossed lovers are resisting each other in this dark fantasy romance between a man and a doomed eternal woman.

“Stand by Me” by SHINee – Boys Over Flowers

One of Boys Over Flowers‘ signature songs, “Stand by Me,” captures the passionate pleas of a lover pulsating with desire. It is about the feelings of first love that blossom among the high schoolers at Shinhwa High School. The uplifting melody and superb vocal track that SHINee provided struck every thematic element in the romance comedy drama that subsequently became a cornerstone of Asian culture.

“Best Luck” by Chen – It’s Okay That’s Love

A novelist and a psychiatrist squabble on a talk show but end up becoming housemates in this romantic melodrama. It is packed with endearing moments and fantastic music. A personal favorite from the OST is Chen’s (EXO) “Best Luck.” Chen is a gifted virtuoso, and the song serves as another testament to that.

“My Destiny” by Lyn – My Love from the Star

Lyn adds flair to this hymn to an intense love that grows between an alien and a celebrated Hallyu star. The song sounds just as ardent as any other passionate tune. Lyn’s lucid singing vividly conjures the thoughts and emotions of the characters involved together in a difficult romantic odyssey that ultimately triumphs over adversity.

“Love So Fine” by Cha Eun-woo – True Beauty

“Love So Fine” is the ideal addition to the drama’s second half, as the lovers proclaim their deepening affection for each other. Cha Eun-woo’s honey tone is enhanced with verses that encapsulate romantic thoughts, integrating the mood music with heartwarming peeks from the series. The background music is replete with soft electric guitar riffs, stunning strings, and bass sounds.

“Cherry Blossom Love Song” by Chen – 100 Days My Prince

“Cherry Blossom Love Song” is a gorgeous symphony created by Chen’s innate vibrato and modulation techniques. It is a mellow, seductive number that pops up intermittently in the narrative. The lyrical and smooth atmosphere of the song subtly evokes feelings of passion as a crown prince encounters incomparable love for Joseon’s oldest spinster.

“Love Maybe” by MeloMance – A Business Proposal

While MeloMance’s vocal prowess enlivens a simple arrangement, a brilliant piano accompaniment complements the ambient music. “Love May Be” describes a nascent romance between the CEO of a conglomerate and his employee, who meet on a blind date but wind-up dating for real. This soundtrack is ideal for the tender scenes in the drama surrounding the couple, whose chemistry is off the charts.

“You Are My World” by Yoon Mi-rae – The Legend of the Blue Sea

The song encapsulates the events surrounding a Joseon-era mermaid who lands in contemporary Seoul and gets entangled with a con man connected to her history. The fantastic solo by Yoon Mi-rae enriches the song’s silky, moving melody of romantic wistfulness.

“Moonlight Drawn by Clouds” by Gummy – Love in the Moonlight

This poignant melody from Love in the Moonlight, a period romantic drama between a crown prince and his eunuch—a girl who is masquerading to be a man—elicits emotions from the core of Gummy’s voice and heart. The song is a classic soul number with soaring feelings of love.