A List of K-Dramas With Great Stories and Catchy Music
This list of Korean dramas probably isn’t like other lists you’ve seen. It’s not a list of the best K-dramas of all time, or the top Korean dramas of this year even. My husband, Jae-oo Jeong, is a guitarist and music producer and he has written and produced music for almost 20 Korean dramas… I might be forgetting a few. This list is a list for the Korean drama lover of music and good OSTs.
I might be a bit bias, but I can say without a doubt that my husband and his team were some of the first music producers in Korea to produce musical scores for Korean television shows that weren’t purely based on Kpop songs but produced unique music that was meant to uplift a scene and add to the ambiance not taking away from it.
So with that, here is an ode to my husband’s work and all of the dramas that you can appreciate along with me.
All of the Korean dramas on this list and my husband wrote or produced music for every one:
- Pasta (파스타)
- My Princess (마이 프린세스)
- Golden Time (골든타임)
- Cheongdam-dong Alice (청담동 앨리스)
- I Can Hear Your Voice (너의 목소리가 들려)
- Miss Korea (미스코리아)
- Gap Dong (갑동이)
- Pinocchio (피노키오)
- The Time We Were Not In Love (너를 사랑한 시간)
- Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (힘쎈여자 도봉순)
- Go Back Couple (고백부부)
- Because This Is My First Life (이번 생은 처음이라)
- Jugglers (저글러스)
- Thirty But Seventeen (서른이지만 열일곱입니다)
- Bossam: Steal The Fate (보쌈–운명을 훔치다)
- What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim (김비서가 왜 그럴까)
- The Miracle We Met (우리가 만난 기적)
- My Horrible Boss (욱씨남정기)
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Seriously, think about how many Korean dramas you’ve seen where there is an ill-fitting Korean pop song in the background of a scene. Like was there a radio on that street? How? Why? My husband and his team almost didn’t get paid on their first drama.
In fact, because the company financing the show wanted more Kpop songs on the score and the music team said they wouldn’t give in and would only put those songs on scenes they fit like when the actors were sitting in a café or so on. Luckily, the director for the drama agreed and they did get paid.
I get it, the more already popular K-pop songs they could have on an OST, the more likely they’d sell. But, the music team and director wanted the music to add to the story, not take away and they were on to something.
Anyway, they broke the mold and created some engaging, enthralling, and exciting scenes with music and so that’s why you should watch these Korean dramas on Netflix, Hulu, or wherever else you can find them.
To really up front. The reason this article idea even came onto my radar was because my husband noticed that more K-dramas than ever before are available on Netflix now. When he first started making music for TV shows and I’d tell friends and family abroad, they just couldn’t figure out where to watch them. Now you can binge Korean dramas on Netflix and so many sites. So get to watching!
With that, here are the South Korean dramas I recommend you to watch, because my husband totally wrote and produced music for them, and if you like them, buy the OST!
Pasta (파스타)
A well-produced, feel-good drama, “Pasta” is a South Korean drama series that follows the story of Seo Yoo-kyung, played by Gong Hyo-jin, a kitchen assistant who dreams of becoming a top chef in a fancy Italian restaurant. She catches the eye of the head chef, Choi Hyun-wook, played by Lee Sun-kyun, with her passion and talent for cooking.
As they work together, their relationship grows beyond that of a boss and subordinate, but their love is tested by the challenges of the competitive restaurant industry and the interference of jealous rivals.
Alex Chu plays Kim San, a charismatic and charming Italian chef who arrives at the restaurant, threatening to steal Seo Yoo-kyung’s heart and challenge Choi Hyun-wook for the top position at La Sfera. Through it all, Seo Yoo-kyung must confront her past and familial pressures that have hindered her dreams.
Why you should watch it:
- Predictable and comfortable with a unique premise. Like putting on a good pair of jeans, this show does follow a standard timeline of events which means it feel just right. It’s a comfortable and delightful Sunday afternoon drama but focuses on the culinary world for a fun twist.
- Hunger. This show WILL make you want to eat pasta again and again. Whip up your favorite bowl of pasta and sit back and watch this show with friends. It shows off the cooking fantastically.
- The music: This was the first drama my husband worked on and the goal was to create music that fit the scene and wasn’t just some K-pop song flung carelessly into a scene. The music was created with care to suit the scene and add to it rather than detracting. It’s appropriate, catchy, and good.
My Princess (마이 프린세스)
“My Princess” is a South Korean romantic comedy that tells the story of Lee Seol, played by the popular Kim Tae-hee, an ordinary college student who discovers that she is actually a princess and the granddaughter of the late Emperor. Who would have guessed?
As she navigates through the royal protocols, she meets Park Hae-young, played by Song Seung-heon, a diplomat who is assigned to teach her the ways of the royal family.
Park Hae-young initially finds Lee Seol frustrating and unprepared, but as they spend more time together, he starts to develop feelings for her as one would expect from any Korean drama.
However, their love is challenged by the opposing forces within the royal family who want to prevent Lee Seol from ascending to the throne. Through it all, Lee Seol and Park Hae-young must find a way to overcome their obstacles and be together.
Buy the OST: On Amazon
Why you should watch it:
- A fairytale romance come to life. If you’re a fan of a good old-fashioned Cinderella story, you’ll love “My Princess”. It’s a classic tale of a commoner falling for a prince, but with a modern twist that makes it feel fresh.
- Memorable music. The soundtrack of “My Princess” features some beautiful instrumental pieces and catchy songs and also brings in some other Busan friends from rock band PIA.
- The chemistry between the lead actors. Kim Tae Hee and Song Seung Heon light up the screen with their electric chemistry, making it easy to root for their love story to blossom.
Golden Time (골든타임)
The one hour you have to save a person’s life after a traumatic injury is what emergency physicians call “golden time.” “Golden Time” is a South Korean medical drama that revolves around the lives of six medical students who become close friends during their time in medical school. This kind of drama was not that common up until Golden Time which is evident because editors had to add the medical jargon and a description at the bottom of each scene for Korean viewers.
Lee Min-woo, played by Lee Sun-kyun, is a talented surgeon who dreams of being recognized as one of the best in his field. His life takes a turn when he becomes the chief of the emergency medical department at a hospital and must work with the other medical students he once knew. Meanwhile, Choi In-hyuk, played by Hwang Jung-eum, is a brilliant medical student who wants to become a doctor to help people. As the medical students face challenges and crises in the hospital, they learn about life, love, and the importance of teamwork.
Why you should watch it:
- Consistent pacing and an engaging storyline. Golden Time has a unique premise especially for Korean viewers. It’s perfect for a cozy evening binge-watch. If you like American shows like Grey’s Anatomy, you’d probably enjoy this Korean drama.
- Strong character development. The main characters, played by Lee Sun-kyun and Hwang Jung-eum, are complex and well-rounded, making for an immersive viewing experience. They both give great performances.
- Memorable music: The soundtrack for “Golden Time” is outstanding, featuring a range of emotional and upbeat tracks that complement the show’s tone perfectly. This OST features one of my favorite Every Single Day songs to date: “Sandglass (모래시계)” as well as a another great track by friends from PIA: “Oasis (오아시스)”
Cheongdam-dong Alice (청담동 앨리스)
“Cheongdam-dong Alice” is a South Korean romantic comedy-drama that follows the story of Han Se-kyung, played by Moon Geun-young, a young woman from a poor background who dreams of living a luxurious life in the upscale Cheongdam-dong neighborhood. She meets Cha Seung-jo, played by Park Shi-hoo, a handsome and wealthy CEO of a luxury brand who is looking for true love. She realizes being rich and famous isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Buy the OST: On Amazon
Why you should watch it:
- One for the fashion lovers among us. This show features stunning fashion and a glimpse into the glamorous world of high-end shopping, fashion design and luxury lifestyle in the Cheongdam-dong district of Seoul.
- This show is not quite your typical rich boy meets poor girl K-drama romance/melodrama. More than anything else, it’s a cautionary tale about losing sight of one’s morals & ethics in exchange for wealth & greed.
- Fantastic music: The soundtrack of this drama is a real highlight, with a range of songs that complement the scenes perfectly. My favorite song from this was definitely Every Single Day’s “Rain Shower (소나기)”
I Can Hear Your Voice (너의 목소리가 들려)
“I Can Hear Your Voice” is a mystery-romance series that tells the story of Park Soo-ha, played by Lee Jong-suk, a high school student who has the ability to read people’s thoughts through their voices. He uses his gift to help a prosecutor named Jang Hye-sung, played by Lee Bo-young, who he owes his life to. Jang Hye-sung, who was once a witness to a murder case as a child, reunites with the victim’s son, Cha Kwan-woo, played by Yoon Sang-hyun, who is now a lawyer.
Together, they work to solve the murder case and bring the perpetrator to justice. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of lies and secrets that have been buried for years. It’s pretty compelling.
Why you should watch it:
- I really enjoyed the acting particularly by Lee Bo Young who is fantastic if you ask me.
- The Music: The soundtrack for this show is quite beautiful. You can even watch a fun music video they filmed for it with the title song “Echo”.
- The Storyline: The premise of the show is both unique and intriguing. The show is filled with suspense, drama, and a bit of romance, and will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
Miss Korea (미스코리아)
“Miss Korea” is a South Korean drama that takes place in the 1990s and follows the story of Kim Hyung-jun, played by Lee Sun-kyun, a former businessman who is now the director of a small cosmetics company. He is tasked with finding a contestant for the Miss Korea beauty pageant to promote their new products.
Han Seung-yeon, played by Lee Yeon-hee, is a former beauty queen who has fallen on hard times and now works as a salesperson at a department store.
She enters the Miss Korea pageant in hopes of changing her life as we all would, I imagine. As she navigates through the cutthroat world of beauty pageants, Han Seung-yeon must confront her own insecurities and the societal pressures of beauty standards.
Buy the OST: On Amazon
Why you should watch it:
- Stellar performances by the cast. I always enjoy Lee Sun Kyun personally, but thought they all did a great job of story telling. You’ll definitely be rooting for them in their 90s styling.
- Beautifully composed and executed music. You’ll definitely be singing along with “New World”. The soundtrack complements the show’s nostalgic atmosphere, and you’ll find yourself humming along to the catchy tunes like “Take My Hands”.
- The show is not just about the glitz and glamour of pageantry but also explores the harsh realities of life in South Korea during the 1990s. An offbeat approach to the underdog theme which still retains the typical melodrama and themes one would expect from this genre.
Gap Dong (갑동이)
“Gap Dong” is a South Korean crime thriller series that tells the story of Ha Mu-yeom, played by Yoon Sang-hyun, a detective who was unable to catch a notorious serial killer known as Gap Dong, who terrorized a small town 20 years ago. When the killings start again, Ha Mu-yeom returns to the town to solve the case once and for all. He teams up with the brilliant criminal profiler, Oh Maria, played by Kim Min-jung, who has her own reasons for wanting to catch Gap Dong. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover dark secrets and hidden agendas that make the case more complicated than they ever imagined.
Why you should watch it:
- Acting performances: The actors in “Gap Dong” deliver powerful and emotional performances that will leave you on the edge of your seat. From the main leads to the supporting cast, each actor brings depth and complexity to their characters that will have you invested in their storylines. A bit more dark and twisty than the usual dramas I watch.
- Haunting music: The show’s music perfectly captures the eerie and suspenseful tone of the drama. It’s haunting and memorable, heightening the tension in every scene and adding to the overall mood of the show. Foregoing catchy and opting for more foreboding, Every Single Day wrote “Rush” and “Time” which are perfectly suited for this genre of drama.
- Gripping storyline: It’s a well-written and well-executed drama that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Pinocchio (피노키오)
“Pinocchio” is a South Korean drama that follows the story of Choi Dal-po, played by Lee Jong-suk, a young man who wants to become a journalist and clear his family’s name. He takes on the name of Ki Ha-myung to hide his identity, as his family was falsely accused of causing a tragic accident. Ha-myung meets Choi In-ha, played by Park Shin-hye, a young woman who has a condition called Pinocchio syndrome, which causes her to hiccup whenever she lies.
The two of them become journalists and work together to uncover the truth behind various cases. Along the way, they must confront their own past traumas and the challenges of being journalists in a world of fake news and media manipulation much like a world we live in today, isn’t it?
Buy the OST: On Amazon
Why you should watch it:
- Compelling performances by the actors. The lead actors Lee Jong-suk and Park Shin-hye deliver memorable performances, with great chemistry between them.
- A fantastic soundtrack. When the music is composed specifically for a drama and isn’t just a collection of K-pop songs, it just makes the dramatic effects that much better and the storyline is enriched.
- It’s an intriguing concept that explores themes such as truth, justice, and the media’s power. The plot is well-crafted and full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Time We Were Not In Love (너를 사랑한 시간)
“The Time We Were Not In Love” is a South Korean romantic drama series that follows the story of Choi Won, played by Lee Jin-wook, and Oh Ha-na, played by Ha Ji-won, who have been friends since childhood but have never been able to confess their feelings for each other.
The series alternates between the past and the present, showing how their relationship has evolved over time. Choi Won is a successful businessman who is always busy with work, while Oh Ha-na is a career-driven woman who has never been in a serious relationship. As they approach their thirties, they begin to question their life choices and wonder if they should take a chance on love.
Buy the OST: On Amazon
Why you should watch it:
- Stellar Acting: The lead actors Ha Ji-won and Lee Jin-wook deliver realistic performances with good chemistry. 30s is the age at which many in Korea believe you must be married so it’s compelling to watch how these people grapple with nearing that hump in their trajectory.
- The music is used to great effect to heighten the emotional impact of the scenes. My personal favorite from the collection they made for this drama was “Distance With You”.
- Heartwarming Storyline: The plot may seem familiar, but the way it’s executed is heartwarming and engaging. The challenges of growing up are very relatable.
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (힘쎈여자 도봉순)
“Strong Woman Do Bong-soon” is a South Korean romantic-comedy series that follows the story of Do Bong-soon, played by Park Bo-young, a young woman with superhuman strength who becomes a bodyguard for the CEO of a gaming company, Ahn Min-hyuk, played by Park Hyung-sik. Min-hyuk is being threatened by an unknown assailant and hires Bong-soon to protect him. It’s already playing out differently than you expected, isn’t it? It’s a pretty humorous drama.
Despite her unusual strength, Bong-soon struggles to find a job that suits her abilities and desires to find her place in the world. With two possible love interests for this girl almighty, it’s a drama that plays out differently than you might expect in a whole lot of fun ways.
Buy the OST: On Amazon
Why you should watch it:
- The actors in “Strong Girl Bong Soon” are fantastic, especially the lead actress who brings a unique charm and quirkiness to her role as a woman with superhuman strength.
- There’s a lot of catchy upbeat songs in this OST for the quirky fun that it is.
- An entertaining and unique storyline. The premise of a petite woman with superhuman strength trying to balance her powers and love life is unlike any other drama out there.
Go Back Couple (고백부부)
“Go Back Couple” is a South Korean fantasy-romance series that follows the story of married couple Choi Ban-do, played by Son Ho-jun, and Ma Jin-joo, played by Jang Na-ra, who are on the brink of divorce due to the stresses of their everyday lives. However, after a mysterious encounter, they are transported back in time to their college years, giving them a chance to relive their past and potentially change the course of their future.
Wondering what you would change if you were transported back in time? As they navigate their way through their past, they must confront the issues that led to their marital problems and learn to appreciate each other once again. They gain a new perspective on their past actions and choices and then have to decide if they want to change anything which would alter their future.
Buy the OST: On Daebak or on Amazon
Why you should watch it:
- There is a great range of emotions in this drama. The actors bring to life the complicated dynamics of a couple on the verge of divorce.
- Emotional music: The music in this drama is emotive and resonates with the themes of love, loss, and nostalgia. “Go Back” is fun and upbeat with some fun guitar parts if you ask me.
- Compelling storyline: The storyline is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. It explores the themes of love, regret, and second chances in a unique way.
Because This Is My First Life (이번 생은 처음이라)
“Because This Is My First Life” is a South Korean romantic comedy series that follows the story of Yoon Ji-ho, played by Jung So-min, a struggling screenwriter who is offered a room in the home of Nam Se-hee, played by Lee Min-ki, a software designer who is looking for a tenant to help pay his mortgage.
Despite their different personalities and priorities, they agree to live together under a “housemate contract” that strictly defines their roles and responsibilities.
As they navigate their unconventional living arrangement, they begin to develop feelings for each other but are unsure how to proceed. This is an interesting look at the complexities of modern love and marriage.
Buy this OST: On Amazon
Why you should watch it:
- The actors make you feel like they are people you could know in your real life.
- There is some beautiful music in this drama sprinkled throughout the story to tie everything together.
- A refreshing take on modern relationships especially for Koreans which have a pretty traditional perspective on the roles we should play and how we should be together. It explores the struggles of young adults trying to navigate their way in the world, while also challenging societal expectations and norms.
Jugglers (저글러스)
“Jugglers” is a South Korean workplace romantic comedy series that follows the story of Jwa Yoon-yi, played by Baek Jin-hee, a competent secretary who is assigned to work for the demanding and perfectionist executive Nam Chi-won, played by Choi Daniel. Despite their initial clashes, Yoon-yi and Chi-won develop a mutual respect for each other’s skills and begin to form a close relationship.
Along the way, Yoon-yi learns to stand up for herself in the male-dominated workplace, and Chi-won navigates the challenges of his own personal and professional life.
As they work together to overcome their respective obstacles, they begin to develop feelings for each other unsurprisingly, but their relationship is complicated by the appearance of Yoon-yi’s former boss and ex-boyfriend, who is still in love with her. Duh duh duh, who will she choose?
Why you should watch it:
- The cast is very charming and sincere. They create characters that are relatable and lovable.
- The music is upbeat and fun and you’ll be humming along with them as you hope for a good relationship in the end.
- Heartwarming storyline. It’s a story about finding your place in the world, standing up for yourself, and the power of true friendship.
Thirty But Seventeen (서른이지만 열일곱입니다)
“Still 17” or “Thirty But Seventeen” is a South Korean romantic comedy series that follows the story of Woo Seo-ri, played by Shin Hye-sun, a talented violinist who falls into a coma at the age of 17 after a traumatic accident. When she wakes up 13 years later, she finds herself in a world that has moved on without her and must navigate the challenges of adjusting to adulthood.
While she’s adjusting to being a 17 year old in a 30 year old’s body essentially, she meets Gong Woo-jin, played by Yang Se-jong, a reclusive set designer who is still dealing with traumas of his own. Despite their initial clashes, they begin to form a close relationship as they help each other heal and find their way in the world.
Buy the OST: On Amazon
Why you should watch it:
- Because I do try to maintain honesty even though this is a biased list. I liked the storyline of this a bit more than the OST that came out for it. Maybe that’s just me though. Music is so personal. I often listen to the same line in a song over and over and over again in my house as my husband is editing and end up really loving or really hating certain songs because of it.
- The characters really make you wonder what you would do if you were dealing with the same issues. You’ll keep watching to see how it turns out all the time wondering if you’d do the same.
- A refreshing storyline: “Still 17” offers a refreshing take on a classic romance tale.
Bossam: Steal The Fate (보쌈–운명을 훔치다)
“Bossam: Steal The Fate” is a South Korean historical drama that follows the story of Ba Woo (played by Jung Il-woo), a skilled and daring gambler who also happens to be a professional kidnapper. In the Joseon era, it was common for men to kidnap widows and divorcees in order to offer them as new brides to single men. Ba Woo’s fate changes when he accidentally kidnaps Princess Soo Kyung (played by Girls’ Generation’s Yuri), the daughter of the powerful King Gwanghae (played by Kim Tae-woo).
The two fall in love despite the difference in their social status and Ba Woo’s criminal occupation.
With its gripping storyline, stunning visuals, and impressive performances by the talented cast, “Bossam: Steal The Fate” is a must-watch drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Buy the OST: On Amazon
Why you should watch it:
- The show boasts an incredibly talented cast, including Choi Jin Hyuk and Shin Hyun Bin as the main leads. It was popular as soon as it was announced because we all knew the actors were so compelling.
- Beautiful score: The music in “Bossam: Steal The Fate” is hauntingly beautiful and perfectly complements the mood of each scene. It’s not just background noise, but a crucial part of the overall experience. This ended up being one of my favorite OSTs that my husband has worked on throughout the years.
- Fascinating storyline: The plot is full of twists and turns. Loved it. When my husband first told me he was working on a show called “Bossam”, I really wondered how they could have so many episodes about a Korean boiled pork dish. If you know, you know. Anyway, glad it wasn’t based on that. This was much better.
What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim (김비서가 왜 그럴까)
“What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” is a romantic comedy series starring Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young. The drama revolves around a narcissistic businessman, Lee Young-joon (Park Seo-joon), who decides to propose to his competent and loyal secretary, Kim Mi-so (Park Min-young), after she resigns. However, Kim has her reasons for leaving and decides to quit anyway. As Lee tries to figure out the reason behind her resignation, he begins to realize his true feelings for her.
Meanwhile, Kim’s mysterious past is slowly revealed as the story progresses, adding layers of complexity to the plot.
Buy the OST: On Amazon
Why you should watch it:
- It’s a fun show to watch but one does wish that if someone falls in love with you, they’d figure it out before you leave.
- A refreshing approach to workplace romance. The drama offers a fresh and entertaining take on the theme of office romance, presenting a story that is both charming and humorous.
The Miracle We Met (우리가 만난 기적)
“The Miracle We Met” is a heartwarming South Korean drama that follows the life of a successful businessman named Song Hyun-Cheol, played by actor Kim Myung-min. After a fateful accident, Song Hyun-Cheol wakes up in a parallel universe where he finds out that he has a doppelganger named Ko Hyeon-Jin, played by actor Kim Myung-min as well, who is a poor salesman with a completely different family.
As Song Hyun-Cheol navigates his way through this strange world, he begins to develop relationships with Ko Hyeon-Jin’s family and gains a newfound perspective on life.
As the two men’s lives become increasingly intertwined, they grapple with the challenges of living in each other’s world and finding their way back to their own lives. It’s a story about family and second chances.
Why you should watch it:
- You’ll begin to wonder if we all have doppelgangers out there and how the other is living. The actors do a great job of bringing this story to life.
- A beautifully orchestrated soundtrack that perfectly complements the emotional rollercoaster of the show. Another fantastic Korean drama OST in my opinion.
- A unique and heartwarming storyline that tackles themes of love, loss, and the meaning of life.
My Horrible Boss (욱씨남정기)
“My Horrible Boss” follows a marketing department manager named Nam Jung-gi, played by Yoon Sang Hyun, who is so nice to his colleagues that he is called “Father Theresa”. Nothing gets under his skin.. usually, until a new coworker comes to the office, Ok Da-jeong, played by Lee Yo Won. She is nicknamed “Ms. Temper”, and doesn’t understand why Nam Jung-gi is so nice.
A person from her past comes in to try and destroy the company they work for and in the end, “Father Theresa” and “Ms. Temper” must join forces to save the company.
Why you should watch it:
- Music: The soundtrack is full of catchy, upbeat tunes that perfectly capture the show’s tone and themes.
- Acting: Yoon Park and Kang Min-ah lead the show with their portrayals of the two main characters, and their chemistry is electric. The supporting cast is also fantastic, adding depth and humor to the show’s many subplots.
- Storyline: The show touches on themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys office place storytelling.
Are you ready to tune into Netflix, Hulu or something else and watch a K-drama? They’re getting more and more popular around the world. See what you’re missing out on.
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