Eight K-Drama OSTs of 2022 You Must Listen To

After a long, patient wait, it’s raining in my city. The weather is pleasant, the breeze is cool, and the parched cityscape appears to be recuperating after days of blistering heat. I’m currently tucked away in a safe nook of my balcony, writing this piece while enjoying the moment. The best part is that this rain isn’t the dreadful kind that comes with thunder and lightning; instead, it’s a gentle downpour that lasts for a long time before turning into a drizzle.

To add to the vibe, I turned to YouTube for some music. The first song to pop up was “With You” from the ongoing K-drama, Our Blues. It’s a soulful number, to say the least, which blends perfectly with my present mood. Our Blues is a narrative that follows the bitter-sweet experiences of people towards the conclusion, climax, or commencement of their lives. “With you” appears in the drama as a yearning to be near loved ones. The exquisite harmony created by Jimin’s (BTS) exceptionally delicate tone and Ha Sung-woon’s attractive voice results in an alluring tune. This is Jimin’s maiden K-drama OST and, as expected, it complements the theme of the story while also revitalizing it. The melody, for me, stimulates the pleasant ambiance created by the long-awaited rain.

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All right. So, let’s get back to music. Since I mentioned Kang, let me share a few words on Chancellor’s song “Because of You” (next up on my playlist) from Rookie Cops, a youth investigation series in which Kang made his acting debut. The song is a wonderful composition concerning freshmen-recruits at Korea National Police University (a highly prestigious but conservative institution) and Wi Seung-hyeon (Kang), an honors rookie who aspires to follow in his father’s footsteps. Everything goes according to plan until he encounters Go Eun-gang (Chae Soo-bin). I don’t know how many of you have heard this song, but please do so right now if you haven’t. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

MeloMance’s “Love, Maybe” from 2022’s superhit rom-com K-drama A Business Proposal is my third recommendation. Several singles from the album were released; however, “Love, Maybe” was launched before the drama aired and became a commercial success. The lead actress, Kim Se-jeong, posted a video of herself and co-star Ahn Hyo-seop singing the song together, which went viral. Later, a music video including montage scenes from the drama was dropped, as well as an acoustic version of the song by Kim, which became equally popular. At the time of writing, this track appears to be the ideal music to relax to on a rainy day like this, with its simple arrangement, seamless performance, fresh vocals, and lovely piano accompaniment.

Rainy days often conjure plenty of memories, particularly from my school days. When I was a student, rainy days were both a source of sorrow and excitement for me. Going to school on a rainy morning was the worst, but going home with friends after school and getting soaked in the rain was the best. I’m contemplating all of this and smiling to myself while tuning in to Taeil’s “Starlight” from Twenty-Five Twenty-One – a relatable story of five friends, love and companionship that blossoms while experiencing the highs and lows of changing times. 

The song “Starlight” follows the young heart. The theme song, which runs throughout the drama, captures the warm emotions of youth. The chorus repeats, ” Always remember, we are the shining beings more than anything else,” and this is conveyed as a message that everyone who listens to the song can connect to.

Next up is “Love Love Love” by Seobin from Soundtrack #1, a song centered on a slow-burn romance between two individuals who’ve been best friends for over two decades. Their camaraderie, however, begins to blur the line between friendship and romance as they move in together and start working on music. Soundtrack#1 has been one of my best experiences thus far this year. It’s a musical mini-series with just four episodes that rounds out the plot in the most beautiful way. I dig the OST, with a special shout-out to the magnificent “Love Love Love”. Play me this song any time of the day and I’ll be right back on track. Your angelic voice, Seobin, is simply out of this world.

Time for “I was a fool” by Fromm from Thirty-Nine, which speaks of disappointment with the world, life’s frustrations, failed relationships, and unrealized dreams, with lyrics like “Sometimes I lost control of my life/ All we were looking for was someone’s love/ I sighed every night while reading magazines/ Bitter-sweet feelings they found their way to me.” The song’s sublime vocals validate the feelings of sorrow that unforeseen circumstances bring. At the same time, it celebrates the bond of three best friends who lean on one another through good times and bad: “Throughout my dirty laundry, we were together all the time.”

It’s been almost an hour, the rain has subsided to a drizzle, and I’m listening to Onew’s (SHINee) “Mind Warning” from Forecasting Love and Weather. It’s a song that enhances the emotions in the fourth episode’s sequence where Si Woo (Song Kang) confesses and reinforces his feelings for Ha Kyung (Park Min-young). Si Woo’s sudden entrance into her life, and ultimately into her heart, is described in the song as “the only person who came without notice.” Onew’s rich vocals heighten the tune’s spirit and add to its fervor. 

Last but not least, do not miss out on “Need Your Heart” by Hyojin from Secret Royal Inspector Joy – an expression of the excitement of falling in love while controlling emotions at the same time, with lyrics like “I can’t hide it anymore” and “It’s strange, I don’t know even if I know it, now tell me.” Hyojin’s beautiful voice blends perfectly with the simple orchestration and warm guitar riff. The mood of the prospective lovers is effectively captured in this romantic ballad. This number is pretty underrated. I don’t know why. But trust me, it’s worth listening to. Additionally, you’ll enjoy the stunning visuals of the superhot 2PM superstar, Ok Taecyeon.