If there’s one thing K-Dramas do as well as their storytelling, it’s their soundtracks. From soothing ballads to ethereal melodies, 2024 has delivered an array of OSTs that made our favorite scenes even more impactful. Here’s a list of Team Namaste Hallyu’s most memorable K-Drama OSTs of the year. Let’s dive into the songs that left us spellbound!
1. ‘Love You With All My Heart’ by Crush (Queen of Tears)
To say ‘Queen of Tears’ was one of the biggest dramas of 2024 would be an understatement. From the actors to the script to the fashion, everything was on point. So, how can the OSTs be far behind?
‘Love You With All My Heart’ by Crush from ‘Queen of Tears’ is a ballad that enhances the emotional depth of the drama and its characters, as the title of the song suggests. Nandini expresses, “Crush singing ballads is my weakness. The orchestral arrangement and subtle, yet intricate instrumental layering perfectly complement the emotional tone of the drama. It enhances the impact of every scene it accompanies. The way the melody swells and the delicate harmony evolve throughout the song is a visceral, goosebump-inducing experience, making it not just a standout OST, but a memorable piece of music in its own right.”
2. ‘Hold Me Back’ by Heize (Queen of Tears)
Another soundtrack from the Kim Ji Won and Kim Soo Hyun starrer emotional romantic drama, ‘Queen of Tears,’ ‘Hold Me Back’ captures raw feelings and adds poignancy to the dramatic moments in the drama. Ariba shares, “I played this OST on repeat, and it’s my most-played song on Spotify.”
3. ‘Reason of My Smiles’ by BSS (Queen of Tears)
This light-hearted track takes us through the blossoming love between Hong Hae In and Baek Hyun Woo in the voices of SEVENTEEN’s DK, Hoshi, and Seungkwan. This song radiates romance and charm, beautifully enhancing the lighter moments in ‘Queen of Tears’. Shivani calls it “nothing but romantic,” making it an unforgettable part of the OST lineup.
4. ‘Sudden Shower’ by Eclipse (Lovely Runner)
There were quite a few dramas that left a mark on Team NH, but when it came to selecting their favorite OSTs, one of the top choices was none other than the Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon starrer ‘Lovely Runner’.
‘Sudden Shower,’ by the fictional band Eclipse, is a heartfelt ballad that resonates deeply and has become synonymous with the soft, emotional tone of ‘Lovely Runner’. Anjali describes it as a “soothing and romantic ballad,” while Stuti shares, “From the start to the end, this song feels so peaceful and soothing that I get lost in it.” Surabhi and Shivani also highlighted it as their favorite, while Eeshna, calling it “iconic,” adds, “It captures the soft emotions very well, and Byeon Woo Seok’s voice is surely the highlight.”
5. ‘Spring Snow’ by 10CM (Lovely Runner)
This enchanting track feels like stepping into a fantasy, perfectly encapsulating the whimsical moments in the romantic drama ‘Lovely Runner’. As 10CM was singing “’Cause I’m falling slowly in love with you” we were all slowly and steadily falling in love with Sunjae and Im Sol. Tannu shares, “It feels magical as if we are truly in a fantasy world of K-Drama.” Priyanjana adds, “It feels like a dream,” and Madiha describes it as “healing and soothing, making me so calm and relaxed.”
6. ‘Stay (Away)’ by Junha Park (Mr. Plankton)
Released towards the end of the year, ‘Mr. Plankton,’ starring Woo Do Hwan and Lee Yoo Mi in the lead, quickly became a hot favorite. This romantic comedy has its share of intense drama and solemness. This gravitas and the drama’s introspective narrative are reflected through Junha Park’s serene track, ‘Stay (Away)’. Tanya highlights “the smoothness it holds,” making it an unforgettable addition to the year’s OST lineup.
7. ‘Laputa’ by Yi Sung Yol (Atypical Family)
A fantasy romance with Jang Ki Yong, Chun Woo Hee, Go Doo Shim, and Claudia Kim, ‘Atypical Family,’ follows a family who have supernatural powers. However, the family members have lost their powers due to modern lifestyle problems like depression, insomnia, drinking, and obesity. When a con woman enters their home, things start changing for the better. The drama’s OST ‘Laputa’ brings a cozy and warm vibe to its scenes, complementing the drama’s heartfelt exploration of family dynamics. Eeshna shares, “Laputa has a soft and cozy vibe, which makes it a warm track!” The gentle instrumentation and Yi Sung Yol’s soothing voice leave a lasting impression.
8. ‘My Side’ by Hui (No Gain No Love)
Can a marriage of convenience turn into one of love? In ‘No Gain No Love’ Shin Min A and Kim Young Dae essay the roles of Son Hae Young, a woman who got married to avoid missing out on a work promotion, and Kim Ji Wook, a man who agrees to marry her because he always wants to do the right thing. Son Hae Young grew up with a mother who frequently took in foster kids and had to share her mother’s love. As someone who always felt like she never had anyone standing by her side and was guarded, the drama’s OST, ‘My Side’ sung by PEANTAGON’s HUI expresses a readiness to embrace vulnerability and take risks in love. It mirrors the drama’s themes of loyalty and love, and Komal notes that it’s “an emotional rollercoaster that perfectly complements the drama’s narrative.”
From ballads that brought tears to healing melodies that offered comfort, 2024’s K-Drama OSTs have been nothing short of spectacular. These songs not only enhanced their respective dramas but also created a musical journey of their own. Which of these OSTs made it to your playlist? Let us know in the comments below!
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