Ultimate Ranking: The Definitive List of Top K-Drama Soundtracks You Can't Miss!

Many well-known K-dramas feature exceptional soundtracks that rival or even surpass their storylines in quality. In recent years, Western audiences have increasingly gravitated towards K-dramas due to their inventive plots and dynamic characters. As these shows become more readily accessible, their popularity continues to soar.

For newcomers to the genre, popular K-dramas serve as an ideal starting point for their journey. This could involve watching adaptations such as 18 Again or acclaimed shows like Beyond Evil. Alternatively, some individuals may prefer to familiarize themselves with the genre through its music. In this case, there are soundtracks available that offer an emotional connection and intricate musical arrangements, perfectly complementing the themes and atmosphere of the K-drama.

13 Secret Garden (2010)

12 Reply 1988 (2015)

: The Secret Garden K-drama delivers one of the most impressive soundtracks, reminiscent of a Cinderella tale. The songs within the soundtrack strike a perfect balance between the enchanting and realistic aspects of the story. Featuring the vocal talents of series star Hyun Bin, the heart and soul of this music collection is undoubtedly the track titled "The Man." This particular piece showcases the actor's exceptional versatility beyond acting, as it effortlessly conveys deep emotions and showcases impeccable pitch control. Remarkably, all the other songs in Secret Garden revolve around this pivotal track, creating a profound emotional connection for the audience.

The soundtrack of Reply 1988 strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and contemporary sounds. Just like the TV show, the music captivates both those who lived in 1980s Seoul and those who did not. The melodies of the piano and the accordion, particularly in Hyehwadong by Park Bo-ram, evoke a sense of camaraderie and youthful idealism, mirroring the experiences of the characters. The vocals in the Reply 1988 soundtrack seem to effortlessly carry the listener away, creating songs that resonate deeply.

11 It’s Okay To Not Be Okay (2020)

The soundtrack to It’s Okay to Not Be Okay not only serves as a case study on the characters but also delves into their profound emotional journeys. Through multiple songs, the inner struggles of Ko Moon-young, Moon Gang-tae, and Moon Sang-tae are portrayed. Moreover, the soundtrack captures the intricate emotions woven throughout the plot of It’s Okay to Not Be Okay. It embraces the coexistence of love and grief, loneliness and desire, ultimately forging a powerful connection with the listeners on a profound level.

10 Squid Game (2021-)

The highly popular South Korean drama Squid Game boasts an awe-inspiring soundtrack that effectively generates a sense of horror and suspense throughout the entire series. Composer Jung Jae-il skillfully tailored the music to the storyline, occasionally defying expectations. This deliberate contrast between the emotional tones of the music and the plot adds an extra layer of dread, leading to a state of cognitive dissonance. Upon immersing themselves in Squid Game, viewers who listen to the soundtrack will inevitably experience feelings of fear.

9 Crash Landing On You (2019-2020)

Crash Landing On You's soundtrack emanates the essence of a cinematic composition. The ebbs and flows in the melodies carry a grandeur beyond reality, leaving a profound impact. Each seemingly straightforward track in the soundtrack unveils intricate and well-crafted music. Through the harmonious swells, listeners will inevitably experience the same heartrending moments of despair, hope, and love depicted in Crash Landing On You. Undeniably, this exceptional soundtrack offers a plethora of the most enchantingly romantic songs among all K-dramas.

8 Cheese In The Trap (2016)

For those who prefer unconventional music in contrast to mainstream pop, the soundtrack of Cheese in the Trap offers the ideal selection. Diverging from the typical K-drama norm, this series predominantly features indie rock compositions and a handful of singer-songwriter melodies that impeccably capture the series' ambiance. The music possesses a charming and distinctive quality, showcasing the talents of lesser-known Korean artists such as Cosmos Hippie, Tearliner, and 20 Years of Age.

7 Extraordinary You (2019)

6 Hotel Del Luna (2019)

: The K-drama Extraordinary You features a range of emotions experienced by its characters, which are perfectly complemented by the accompanying soundtrack. Each emotion is accompanied by a song that captures its essence flawlessly. Verivery's "My Beauty" with its energetic synth vibes, serves to exhilarate the listeners, while Jeong Sewoon's "I Draw You in My Heart" tugs at the heartstrings with its poignant melody and soulful piano riffs. Whether a fan of the K-drama or new to the series, both will find themselves compelled to repeatedly listen to Extraordinary You's captivating soundtrack.

Hotel Del Luna, a rom-com fantasy, boasts a collection of K-pop tracks that are both incredibly catchy and clever. With powerful female vocals, lively melodies, and heartfelt ballads, the soundtrack offers a refreshing blend of genres. While most songs employ simple piano arrangements, the singers' expressive voices effectively convey the characters' diverse range of emotions. Ultimately, Hotel Del Luna's soundtrack promises to captivate listeners with its ever-evolving charm.

5 While You Were Sleeping (2017)

4 My Mister (2018)

The soundtrack of While You Were Sleeping, a captivating K-drama that blends romance, fantasy, and crime, stands out as one of the best in its genre. What sets it apart is the fact that the lead actors themselves lend their voices to the soundtrack. Lee Jong-suk graces us with his melodious rendition of “Come to Me,” a song that can be seen as a heartfelt response to Suzy’s enchanting tune, “I Love You Boy.” Even those unfamiliar with the Korean language can sense the beautiful conversation between these two songs simply by listening to the music. Ultimately, the score of While You Were Sleeping evokes raw emotions and leaves a lasting impact.

The musical composition of My Mister takes the audience on a captivating journey through a range of emotions. From heartbreak to joy, and from melancholy to hope, each song effectively sets the tone for the subsequent developments in the storyline. Furthermore, the variation in tempo heightens the suspense during fast-paced moments and brings focus to poignant scenes by slowing down the pacing. Ultimately, the soundtrack of My Mister resonates with an underlying sense of hope, regardless of the specific emotional atmosphere each song creates.

3 Goblin (2016-2017)

2 Radio Romance (2018)

Goblin's dreamy and magical sound has made its soundtrack one of the most well-known in K-drama. This soundtrack has a significant impact on the show, with each song perfectly matching the scene and influencing the tone. While Goblin relies on its soundtrack for success, the songs themselves are flawlessly composed and can be enjoyed as standalone pieces.

The success of Radio Romance, a drama focused on a radio show, heavily relied on its exceptional music. The soundtrack undoubtedly delivers, presenting skillfully produced songs that are perfect for dancing or singing along. These songs exude warmth and resonate with listeners, regardless of whether they have a slower tempo or a more melancholic tone. In essence, the songs featured in Radio Romance closely resemble what one would expect to hear on an authentic radio station, ultimately making them the perfect fit for this K-drama.

1 Descendants Of The Sun (2016)

The soundtrack of Descendants of the Sun is so emotionally powerful that even the most stoic individuals will be moved to tears. Not only does the romantic music evoke a sense of bittersweet longing for those who have watched the K-drama, but three songs in particular - "This Love" by Davichi, "Everytime" by Chen & Punch, and "Always" by Yoon Mi-rae - have made such a profound impact that they have achieved high rankings on Korean music charts.