Top 10 Iconic K-Drama OSTs: The Ultimate Playlist for Every Fan
From Goblin to Crash Landing on You, discover the most iconic and beloved K-Drama OSTs that have captured hearts worldwide. A must-read for every K-culture fan.
Ever finished a K-Drama but found its music stuck in your head for weeks? You’re not alone. In the world of Korean dramas, Original Soundtracks (OSTs) are more than just background music—they are a core part of the storytelling, amplifying every emotional high and heartbreaking low.
A great OST becomes synonymous with the drama itself, and for international fans, it’s often our first bridge into the deeper emotional landscape of a series. Based on chart performance, fan votes, and enduring popularity, here is the ultimate list of top 10 K-Drama OSTs that have become legends in their own right.
1. Ailee – “I Will Go to You Like the First Snow” (도깨비 - Goblin)
Korean Title: 첫눈처럼 너에게 가겠다 (Cheotnuncheoreom Neoege Gagetda)
This song is the undisputed queen of modern OSTs. Ailee’s powerful and emotional vocals perfectly captured the centuries-spanning love and sorrow of Kim Shin, the titular Goblin. The song dominated Korean music charts for months, breaking records with over 200 million streams. It’s not just a song; it’s the heartbeat of one of the most beloved fantasy romance dramas ever made.
2. Gummy – “You Are My Everything” (태양의 후예 - Descendants of the Sun)
Korean Title: You Are My Everything
When Descendants of the Sun created a global Hallyu wave, this song was its anthem. Gummy, the undisputed “Queen of OSTs,” delivered a timeless ballad that underscored the epic romance between the two leads. Its sweeping melody and heartfelt lyrics made it an instant classic, beloved by fans both in Korea and internationally.
3. Paul Kim – “Every Day, Every Moment” (키스 먼저 할까요? - Should We Kiss First?)
Korean Title: 모든 날, 모든 순간 (Modeun Nal, Modeun Sungan)
While the drama was a quiet hit, its main OST became a national phenomenon. Paul Kim’s gentle and sincere ballad transcended its origins, becoming one of the most popular confession and wedding songs in South Korea. Its simple, beautiful message of cherishing every moment with a loved one resonates with listeners everywhere.
4. Lyn – “My Destiny” (별에서 온 그대 - My Love from the Star)
Korean Title: My Destiny
This OST is as iconic as the drama itself. Lyn’s clear, emotive voice narrates the fateful love story between an alien and a top actress. “My Destiny” was a massive hit across Asia, solidifying the drama’s status as a cultural reset and proving the power of a perfect drama-OST pairing.
5. Gaho – “Start Over” (이태원 클라쓰 - Itaewon Class)
Korean Title: 시작 (Sijak)
Injecting a shot of adrenaline into the K-Drama OST scene, Gaho’s “Start Over” is a powerful rock-infused anthem of ambition and perseverance. It perfectly matched the underdog story of Park Sae-ro-yi and his quest for justice. The song became a motivational anthem for a generation, encouraging listeners to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacle.
6. Lee Juck – “Don’t Worry” (응답하라 1988 - Reply 1988)
Korean Title: 걱정 말아요 그대 (Geokjeong Malayo Geudae)
A remake of a classic Korean rock song, Lee Juck’s soulful version for Reply 1988 became a song of comfort for an entire nation. Its nostalgic and reassuring lyrics offered a warm hug to viewers, perfectly capturing the drama’s themes of family, friendship, and the bittersweet passage of time.
7. Taeyeon – “All About You” (호텔 델루나 - Hotel Del Luna)
Korean Title: 그대라는 시 (Geudaeraneun Si)
Literally translating to “A Poem Called You,” this delicate and dreamy ballad by Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon was the perfect soundtrack for the fantasy world of Hotel Del Luna. Her ethereal voice beautifully conveyed the magical and poignant love story, making it a standout track on a star-studded OST album.
8. Jung Seung-hwan – “If It Is You” (또 오해영 - Another Miss Oh)
Korean Title: 너였다면 (Neoyeotdamyeon)
This song is famous for its raw, heart-wrenching emotion. Jung Seung-hwan’s desperate and powerful vocals capture the pain and frustration of one-sided love, a central theme in Another Miss Oh. It has become a notoriously difficult—but popular—ballad to sing at karaoke, a true testament to its dramatic impact.
9. Baek Yerin – “Here I Am Again” (사랑의 불시착 - Crash Landing on You)
Korean Title: 다시 난, 여기 (Dasi Nan, Yeogi)
In a drama filled with unforgettable musical moments, Baek Yerin’s contribution stands out. Her soothing, melancholic voice provides a sense of longing and destiny that defined the cross-border love story. The song feels like a gentle whisper of hope, perfectly echoing the main couple’s journey.
10. Howl & J – “Perhaps Love” (궁 - Princess Hours)
Korean Title: 사랑인가요 (Sarang-ingayo)
A true throwback classic, “Perhaps Love” is the sweet, melodic song that defined the first generation of Hallyu romance. This cheerful duet from the iconic drama Princess Hours evokes a sense of innocent, budding love that has made it a timeless favorite for over a decade.
Why These OSTs Reign Supreme
The most successful K-Drama OSTs are more than just songs—they are cultural moments. Their popularity is measured by their dominance on digital music charts like Melon and Genie, major awards at ceremonies like the Melon Music Awards, and their enduring legacy through fan votes and constant replays.
What’s your go-to K-Drama OST? Did your favorite make the list?