K-drama Flashback: The Five Best OSTs of ‘Our Beloved Summer’

Our Beloved Summer (2021) is a stark disparity between the past and present of the leads. In juxtaposition with Choi Woong (Choi Woo-shik), who was a carefree idler, Kuk Yeon-soo (Kim Da-mi) was an imposing disciplinarian. As for her, she is currently a struggling PR professional, while Woog is the thriving mysterious illustrator Ko Oh.

The plot builds on a series of events that culminate in Yeon-soo and Woong—who broke up a decade ago, vowing never to see each other—falling in love. They are obliged to face the camera and reunite again when their old documentary unexpectedly goes viral.

The two timelines comprise this as the characters get caught up in the inception and maturation of their intricate love story.

Featuring sublime portrayals by Chungmuro Korean stars Choi Woo-shik and Kim Da-mi, Our Beloved Summer is an exceptionally etched-out coming-of-age romance K-drama laden with swoon-worthy moments, humor, and poignancy. It also comes with a superb OST thrown in for good measure. The following five songs are the very best of them.

“Christmas Tree” by V (BTS)

“Christmas Tree” encapsulates a midsummer night’s snow reminiscent of an early summer’s shower and the meeting of Woong and Yeon-soo, two people, poles apart.

It is the main theme song of love and a pivotal moment in the narrative, elevating the tone and intensity of what happens. The uncluttered instrumental arrangement draws attention to V’s singular baritone and sensibilities. A subtle acoustic guitar melody is accompanied by his soft mid-bass and inherently gorgeous vocals, which chant softly and resonate with the multitude of emotions lingering within the protagonists

“Drawer” by 10CM

“Drawer” taps into priceless memories stashed inside the recess of an old drawer. It has a pleasing, homey mix of acoustic guitars and an easygoing, inviting tune that is subtly eloquent, eliciting nostalgia through 10 CM’s delicate, impassioned singing.

This moving OST most powerfully contributes to the spirit of the incomprehensible inner struggle of enduring romance in a visually stunning, heart-stopping masterwork—Our Beloved Summer.

“Maybe If” by BIBI

“Maybe If” has an idyllic sound with a recurring, tranquil piano part in unity. BIBI’s enigmatic tone and the lyrics ignite the nuanced emotional state of lovers who have been apart for a while; their fervent emotions interact to amplify the moments throughout the music.

With music that hovers between nostalgia, ache, and an inability to express what remains bottled up inside, the song unfolds like a drip into the depths of truth.

“Our Beloved Summer” by Kim Kyung-hee

The title track, “Our Beloved Summer,” in all its glory, stirs up a range of special thoughts with its bright, energizing music; its synth sounds radiate passion; and its lyrics depict Woong and Yeon-oo’s unbreakable bond, expertly performed by Kim Kyung-hee.

“There for You” by Kim Na-young

The calming melody of Kim Na-young’s minimalistic ballad “There for You” plays on a somber piano rhythm. It expresses sorrow for a breakup and recalls a point in the drama where Yeon-soo, who endured it, tears up over abandoning the person she valued and loved most but failed to acknowledge it.

Especially at the higher notes, the singer’s soft yet resonant singing touches a nerve, effortlessly conveying the pent-up emotions felt. Her expressiveness is what makes her so adept at connecting those simmering sentiments.