Five Kim Ji-won OSTs

By turning slumbering possibilities into roaring successes, the feted Korean actor has been making an image of herself. She is the beguiling diva that she set out to be—versatile, very beautiful, and an established name in the booming Korean entertainment scene. Her archive of work, together with some amazing K-drama soundtracks she has appeared in, makes for a profound oeuvre. Below are her five best-remembered OSTs.

“Once Again” by Mad Clown and Kim Na-young – Descendants of the Sun

This is a staple on my shelf of K-drama love songs. Among the superhit OST of the megahit classic Descendants of the Sun, “Once Again” is a smidge closer to my heart—a lyrical crushing moment of Yoon Myeong-joo (Kim Ji-won) and Seo Dae-young (Jin Goo), who feels obliged to resist her feelings given their disparities in rank—it is an especially vivid account of those complex emotions that accompany their forbidden relationship.

Kim Ji-won creates a stunner in Myeong-joo. In fact, she is an innate grace in every role, independent of any co-star. Her on-screen collaborations have never backfired as a result.

The teamwork between Mad Clown and Kim Na-young gives “Once Again” a newfound gravitas. It hits how relatable the scenario is. The song’s solemn air is reinforced by Kim Na-young’s delicate vocals, Mad Clown’s self-penned rap verses in his signature flow, a pulsating hip-hop beat, and an ethereal piano accompaniment.

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

“Ambiguous” makes a perfect vehicle for the uplifting story of misfits Ko Dong-man (Park Seo-joon) and Choi Ae-ra (Kim) juggling friendships and love while pursuing success. The music video combines a collage of heartwarming scenes from the drama and snippets from the song’s studio session with Seo Eun-kwang, Lim Hyun-sik, and Yook Sung-jae (BTOB). Their collective dynamism rings throughout the arrangement. A passionate orchestral backdrop and rich harmonies drive emotions synonymous with experiencing love. It enlivens the tension between Kim and Park’s characters; how they interact is off the charts, amplifying the overall feel of the song.

“Love and Pain” by Lee Su-hyun – Lovestruck in the City

Love, as the song’s title suggests, breeds pain, and Lee Su-hyun’s dulcet singing flexes flawless modulations to bring to this love ballad every sense of love and every sense of pain. The OST follows Park Jae-won (Ji Chang-wook) seeking Lee Eun-oh (Kim), who once stole his heart. Ji’s invincible romantic self can make someone love-sick. Unsurprisingly, Eun-oh does give in to his passion despite her best efforts to steer clear of him. Kim excels at all facets of Eun-oh, delving deep into her innermost feelings.

“The Poem of Destiny” by Ailee – Arthdal Chronicles

The song evokes the mythological epic tale taking place in the fictional Arth, the tale of fabled heroes who toiled together for the good of those living there. Here, Tanya (Kim) the Wahan Tribe’s heir comprehends her calling after enduring hardships.

This is where “Poem of Destiny” stirs up an honest emotion that opens with easy percussion sounds alongside Ailee’s unique voice ahead of expanding to the didgeridoo’s deep resonant sound and the orchestral sound of the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. The cryptic aura of the tune, in unison with Ailee’s appealing voice, substantially builds the drama’s intrigue.

“My Spring” by Lee Su-hyun – My Liberation Notes

“My Spring” is about individuals who have unmet desires for emancipation from a drab, miserable life, such as Yeom Mi-jeong (Kim). A nuanced understanding is employed in the song’s sentimental expression, where Lee Soo-hyun’s pristine tone touches hearts. The song integrates seamlessly with the proceedings and seems like an ode that tracks the characters’ journey toward emotional recovery thanks to its calming, mellow rhythm.