My buddies!
It’s formally EOY season, which is once we look again on our drama years, and determine which dramas had been worthy of our love, and which dramas we possibly shouldn’t have spent as a lot time on, as we did. 😁
As earlier than, we’ll be seeing as much as 2 visitor posts per week, and this may unfold into January 2025, and my annual year-in-review will come out in early 2025, after all of the visitor posts have been revealed.
This fashion, by placing all our experiences collectively, we get a extra wholistic view of Dramaland in 2024. Fairly nice, sure? 🤩
In the event you missed our first publish, you may test it out right here: Sean.
In the present day, I’m happy to announce that JJ and Deni are coming collectively to share their drama years – particularly within the space of music!
As you’ll see very shortly, music is a deep ardour that they share, and their pleasure for all issues music, actually comes by means of on this mixed publish.
I hope you guys get pleasure from!
~ KFG ❤️
DENI & JJ’S POST
JJ: Hey Everybody! Deni had a fantastic concept and requested if we might do a joint publish about Korean OSTs and Korean music as a substitute of doing an EOY!
Principally bringing our conversations from the Patreon Water Cooler onto the primary weblog as a result of as everybody is aware of, Deni and I can not get sufficient speaking about our love for Korean music!!! ❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️🥰
So right here we’re to regale you with our musical journey into Okay-Pop, Okay-Indie, Okay-OSTs and a few of our faves from 2024 ❤️🎶 ❤️ Preserve studying till the tip or skip to the tip no matter works finest for you as a result of we have now just a few surprises on the finish for everybody.
SQUEAL!🤭 So excited ❤️
Let’s get going 🎶🎶🎶
Deni’s Studying Notice: YouTube hyperlinks will play as you learn, Spotify hyperlinks will take you to Spotify to pay attention. Just a few playlists are additionally included which may be saved into your individual Spotify libraries since you undoubtedly want extra songs in your library.
Patreon Notice: Patreon is the membership aspect of what you see right here.
There are three sections for dialogue (and a lot extra): Deep Dive, Spoiler Free, and Water Cooler.
Water Cooler is a catch all for every thing from Korean meals to Korean Information (martial regulation, what the heck?) to Korean Music in addition to a smattering of Singapore tradition and effectively something anybody desires to debate like finest Sci-Fi books.
MINI INTRODUCTION
JJ: KFG requested us to introduce ourselves, so I’ll preserve mine quick since I did that with my first publish means again when and right here it’s (shameless plug) if you wish to know extra in regards to the Okay-Dramas that I like and adore.
Most of my first effectively cherished dramas within the hyperlink beneath make their appearances right here on this publish as effectively as a result of that first Okay-Love tends to stay with you doesn’t it? ❤️🥰
Briefly although, I went down the Okay-Drama Rabbit gap again in December 2020 and by no means have appeared again.
I sat down for 1 Okay-Drama on Netflix, Bride of Habek, and eight Okay-Dramas later I got here up for air and dove again in once more and right here we’re right this moment over 300 Dramas later and numerous (about 150, however I’m not counting, actually🫣) OSTs.❤️🥰
Deni: See beneath as a result of who I’m is de facto a part of how I obtained into Korean music.
I’ll add that I’m retired so I’ve time to let the Korean Hallyu take over my life. Family and friends assume I’m loopy, nevertheless it has given retirement a lot pleasure.
Additionally, my husband is my companion in watching and listening. Whereas our music tastes diverge some, generally, we’re strolling on the identical highway hand-in-hand.
After a long time of marriage, discovering Korean Hallyu has added some additional spice from language (so laborious) to music to tradition to historical past. Don’t underestimate my love of Korean music which has wormed its means into my soul.
JJ & Deni: A HUGE Thanks as soon as once more to KFG for letting us put our phrases on her weblog all these years ❤️❤️❤️❤️
KFG has constructed such a lovely variety group giving us all of the a lot wanted area to debate Okay-Dramas, C-Dramas, J-Doramas, Thai-Dramas, and so many extra.
KFG, thanks for all of your time, care and dedication to us right here and on Patreon 🥰 Without end Grateful ❤️❤️❤️❤️
JOURNEY INTO KOREAN MUSIC
JJ: Let’s see…how did I get into Korean music? Most undoubtedly that began with Okay-Dramas. In all my early notes, I’ve notations in regards to the music which nonetheless continues to at the present time. Bride of Habaek notes reads as – “*Love the Soundtrack”. ❤️
TKEM (The King:Everlasting Monarch. Sure, Sean 😝) notes reads as – “ *Wonderful Soundtrack. Love”. ❤️
Then, I don’t point out something about soundtracks till I get to StartUp which was my thirteenth Okay-Drama and I famous – “*Nice Soundtrack!” ❤️
As you may see I’m fairly verbose and detailed when discussing OSTs 😂
Music has at all times been observed first by me in my watches 🎶❤️ 🎶❤️
Particularly with the Introduction. If the opening music is superior, I are likely to have a very good watch.
As with every thing, we do have some exceptions to the foundations, taking a look at you Hospital Playlist 🫣😳 Nonetheless love ya although even when your OST didn’t work for me, sadly 😭🥰
I even sit by means of most introductions, if I just like the music even in 40 episode Cdramas!
Couldn’t get sufficient of Charlie Zhou Shen’s track from the Cdrama, The Bond ❤️ ( Hello Bestie!!!) Spoilers in MV hyperlink !!!
Or extra not too long ago (this one is for you Kate 😂) the Cdrama Meet Your self
Nevertheless, one very notable intro music that I like so very a lot is Like Flowers in Sand 🎶❤️ The opening visible montage and music is simply past good and I watched the intro each time and generally rewound the montage so I might watch once more. 🎶❤️
As normal, I’m digressing and am getting off observe with my writing! Sorry, Deni! Right here I come to show issues over to you. YAY!
Effectively, in a second.
Dangle tight everybody.
🤭🫣😳❤️🥰🤣😇
I did some fast numbers (for all you numbers individuals, Sean as a result of its actually a contest 🤣) on all of the OSTs I’ve downloaded.
And let me inform y’all one thing. I by no means and I imply NEVER downloaded music all these years. I nonetheless had cassettes and my Walkman AND CD’s with my CD participant and CD radio participant combo. And positively, didn’t hearken to music on YouTube.
Effectively, all that modified with Kdramas OSTs. Right here is my fast tally which may very well be extra inaccurate than correct (+/- 5 presumably +/-10)
OST Downloads and Okay-Pop
2021 – 29 Whole Albums – Mixture of OSTs and Okay-Pop
2022 – 3 Whole Albums all Okay-Pop (Huh? What occurred right here 😳)
2023 – Over 70, I finished counting at 70….
2024 – 53ish and counting…
By no means sufficient time for music 😞
I heard not too long ago a quote shared by the very prolific American Movie/TV Composer John Williams (assume film soundtracks from E.T., Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jaws to call just a few) throughout his not too long ago launched documentary “ Music by John Williams” that sums up in all probability everybody’s emotions who love music –
“Music is sufficient for a lifetime, however a lifetime shouldn’t be sufficient for music.”
Rachmaninov 😭🎶❤️
*SIGH*
Earlier than I’m going, I’ve to say 2024 has been a GAME CHANGER with OSTs and Okay-Music as a result of in walks Deni into KFG’s Patreon Group and into my life and I’ll fortunately by no means be the identical with Drama OSTs and Okay-Music. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
After months and months of placing Deni off of listening on Spotify, I lastly joined! We’ve got been non cease sharing music and playlists galore after which some. Thanks, Deni ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Deni: We (my husband and I) began watching Okay-dramas in September 2022 with Extraordinary Lawyer Woo.
We are actually 119 dramas/motion pictures into our journey.
Early on we observed the music was an integral a part of every drama.
The music shouldn’t be a compilation of songs chosen from some massive database however reasonably is sort of completely customized composed for every drama, hours and hours of music for EACH drama!
The music is as vital to a drama as every other side.
OST can save a drama (Cinderella at 2AM). A nasty one can have you ever overlaying your ears (Bashing One thing within the Rain, once more).
However oh how do you hearken to the music when the drama is over? We needed to be a part of the world of music streaming. We had been very very late. Blame it on residing rural and by no means having respectable web….
Now that I’ve time to really pay attention with intention versus music as background, I’ve discovered Okay-dramas OSTs to be a simple doorway to stroll by means of.
It’s a pathway to discover music with route and intent versus wallowing round within the large world of music.
OSTs have a lot variation that it’s laborious to ever get bored. By nature, I’m liable to curiosity and deep dives into something of curiosity. Korean OSTs have been no completely different.
I analysis songs, artists, music administrators and slowly have constructed up a large library and have begun to scratch the floor of the Korean music scene.
I do outdoors chores with headphones on, pay attention on our nice stereo system, stream it on our automobile stereo, stick headphones in my journey bag for these lengthy flights….it has taken over my life.
Based mostly on my Patreon membership and subsequent discussions over on Water Cooler, I’ve additionally begun to discover the Okay-Pop scene (thanks JJ, Trent, Elaine).
It’s not my lane, however there’s a lot to like in regards to the hardworking proficient artists occupying the guts of Hallyu wave (Hey BTS, IU, Stray Youngsters, Minho, D.O).
I requested suggestions from the Patreon group shortly after becoming a member of and 6 months later I’ve my very own Okay-Pop playlist together with lots of the tracks really useful in addition to VIP tickets to a Okay-Pop live performance in 2025!
It’s not a contest so JJ says….. (JJ:🤭 😂) I’ve 114 OSTs in my library in simply over two years, I comply with over 100 artists on Spotify. Spotify gained’t inform me what number of songs are in my library however I haven’t hit the restrict but of 10,000. Phew.
To offer you a sign of my obsession (allow us to name it what it’s), I listened to 143,210 minutes (6.5 hours/day to save lots of you the maths which places me within the .5% of listeners), listened for 18 hours straight (a really lengthy journey day) and to five,477 songs.
My Spotify wrap additionally notified me that in November, my style modified from Korean Indie and OSTs to Okay-Pop. That’s completely JJ’s doing. Effectively performed JJ (pun meant).
My Instagram is so filled with Korean artists and cultural accounts that I’m now getting posts from Healthcare.gov in Korean. 🤣
My real love is the Okay-Indie scene which I proceed to discover.
OSTs have been a fantastic leaping off level as many music administrators function lesser recognized artists as effectively the usual Okay-Pop fare.
I uncover new artists through Okay-Indie music labels, OSTs and Spotify. I finally curated an Okay-Indie playlist for fellow music lovers on Patreon however it’s principally a highway that I stroll alone. It’s beneath for anybody involved in checking it out.
Deni’s Okay-Indie Playlist
I’ll add that discovering JJ in addition to different Patreon members was a recreation changer for me too.
I had been feeling remoted in my love for all issues Korean. To seek out fellow fanatics AND music nerds gave me a house I didn’t know I wanted. {Awwww, Deni🎶❤️🥰}
APPROACH TO KOREAN OSTS
JJ: Mine is straightforward. If the music grabs me emotionally, I’m off to search out the OST to obtain to offer the OST a once-through pay attention.
I fee the songs as I’m going and generally I give them solely a 30 second probability. Whereas I’ve a persistence for a 40 episode Cdrama, my persistence for a track that doesn’t work for me is just 30 seconds generally solely 5 seconds if the opening chord strikes me incorrect 🫣
Deni: Principally, I obtain OSTs for nearly all dramas we watch until it’s clearly boring-Seoul Busters involves thoughts, or terrible-One thing within the Rain (I’ll restrain from including extra).
I then hearken to the whole OST a number of instances and any compelling songs are added to numerous playlists.
There are a handful that we love of their entirety like Acquainted Spouse, Jirisan, Destined with You, Cinderella at 2AM, A Piece of Your Thoughts, Bride of Habaek, Encounter….
MOST COMPELLING OST 2024
THE ATYPICAL FAMILY
Deni: JJ and I utterly agree on this. Whereas there are many OSTs to debate, we each discovered this OST to suit the drama like a glove with no wiggle room for consideration.
It was compelling from the vocals to the instrumentals. It displays the unexpectedness, quirkiness, off- beat, and shocking moments all in track. It’s fairly an accomplishment.
We take into account ourselves OST aficionados and I can’t bear in mind a drama the place we mentioned over and over-whoa, what an ideal piece of music for that second. Typically we might even rewind to hearken to the music and the second once more.
Questioning what a typical deep dive means at our home? Surprise no extra.
We cherished that the music director, Jung Jae Hyung, sought out not the youthful voices from Okay-pop bands or the Okay-Indie scene (sure, MD Nam Hye Seung I’m speaking about you) however reached into the depths of the skilled mature Korean singers and selected Lee So Ra and Yi Sung Yol.
Lee So Ra is a well-loved balladeer who gained the Korean Music Award for Greatest Feminine Vocal in 2005. She additionally appeared on Jirisan and Encounter.
Yi Sung Yol debuted in 1994 as a part of the pioneering Korean trendy rock duo, U & Me Blue.
A New York Metropolis native, Yi Sung Yol, soared as a solo artist making his mark as considered one of Korea’s prime trendy rock icons successful ‘Musician of the Yr’ and ‘Trendy Rock Track of the Yr’ accolades on the 2008 Korean Music Awards and ‘Trendy Rock Album of the Yr’ and ‘Trendy Rock Track of the Yr’ on the 2012 Korean Music Awards.
He has made appearances on a number of OSTs earlier than together with Jirisan, My Beautiful Sam Quickly, Chief Detective 1958.
The track sung by Lee So Ra I See You utterly obtained underneath our pores and skin. It was additionally key to our understanding of the drama.
We had been so taken by the OST that we listened to it fairly just a few instances throughout the day throughout our watch. My husband requested what 비처럼 (bicheoreom) meant because it’s used loads within the track’s lyrics and Netflix doesn’t present lyric translations (disgrace disgrace).
It means “like rain”. The primary traces are loosely translated as
“Like rain, calling out love, like spring rain
You, like rain, seeping into the wind like heat.”
Our interpretation is that throughout the early episodes it was like being outdoors in a lightweight rain and simply getting a bit damp after which operating for canopy. No drawback. Just a bit moist right here and there.
However after many journeys out into the mist, you end up soaked to the bone when it was only a mild rain. The remainder of the track lyrics echo this sentiment.
The track, so fantastically written by Jung Jae Hyung, is the whole drama in track.
It tells how their love will develop slowly till they’ve gathered one another into their hearts.
As a result of we knew this in regards to the track going into the final half, all of it made extra sense. Their love wasn’t a leap. As soon as they had been soaked, there wasn’t something left however to leap into the thunderstorm.
Atypical Household Track – I See You
Atypical Household Track – I See You with Lyrics
Lyrics as translated by Papago for a fundamental understanding however translation can also be in step with every thing I can discover from varied on-line lyric websites.
Like rain, calling out love, like spring rain
You, like rain, seeping into the wind like heat
Unable to precise every thing, so many phrases, choked up
Like rain, dividing time, that rain-like
You, like rain, the extra I see you, like a longing gaze
Shyly holding palms, main me by holding palms
You’re there, watching me, in that considerably unfamiliar distance
Hoping for a slight pull, one way or the other it feels good
You’re there, watching me, smiling, promising to not change
Gathering my coronary heart as if embraced in my very own arms
Gathering prayers
Like rain, dividing time, that rain-like
You, like rain, the extra I see you, like a longing gaze
Shyly holding palms, main me by holding palms
You’re there, watching me, in that considerably unfamiliar distance
Hoping for a slight pull, one way or the other it feels good
You’re there, watching me, smiling, promising to not change
Gathering my coronary heart as if embraced in my very own arms
Gathering prayers
JJ: Ohhhh, I simply love what Deni has to say about Atypical Household 🤩🥰🥰🎶❤️
The one factor I’ll add is that Jung Jae Hyung has been round for a really very long time within the trade. He’s recognized by many and has his personal YouTube Channel the place he interviews plenty of Actors and Idols and Singers whereas he cooks for them.
Do try his channel whenever you get an opportunity ❤️
FAVORITE INSTRUMENTALS FOR 2024
Deni: We love the instrumentals of our Okay-Dramas. My husband is the instrumental aficionado in our home. I’ve created a playlist of all his favourite choices. Don’t ask how lengthy it’s.
Deni’s Husband’s Spotify OST Instrumental Playlist
The one which caught with us probably the most from 2024 was Like Flowers in Sand.
Nevertheless the instrumentals are usually not accessible anyplace for downloading or streaming. We’ve got been robbed of listening to some pretty guitar work.
One little aspect story right here since we’re already being very verbose.
As we watched this, I acknowledged a voice for one of many songs. First phrases and I’m like I do know that singer. I used to be so proud. O.When. I knew that voice. I imply I actually know that voice.
To acknowledge a voice is an accomplishment for me. I’ve no musical expertise, no musical ear, can’t carry a tune in a bucket or elsewhere, can’t play any instrument….
My Most Stunning Day – O.When
However selecting one drama the place the instrumentals spoke to us was nearly not possible. 2024 runner’s up are instrumentals from Destined with You, Cinderella at 2AM, The Atypical Household, and Serendipity’s Embrace to say those at present on replay.
Destined with You Full OST together with Instrumentals – Spotify
Cinderella 2AM – Full OST together with Instrumentals (Deni’s Husband Favourite)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries
JJ: ROBBED! TOTALLY ROBBED 😭 It’s such a fantastic unhappiness the powers that be have denied us the complete OST which has not been launched so far as we will inform 😭😭😭😭
However, do give a hearken to what they did launch. Higher, but. Simply go watch Like Flowers in Sand to listen to the complete OST and watch a fantastic Drama ❤️🤩🥰🥰🎶❤️
MOST FUN, HAPPIEST OST FOR 2024
Deni: My Candy Mobster, significantly the instrumental items are as hysterical because the drama. We don’t hearken to this one alone however have many of the instrumentals in different playlists.
JJ: I’ve to wholeheartedly agree with Deni right here about My Candy Mobster. Only a completely happy OST within the Drama. I attempted to hearken to the OST outdoors of the drama and it didn’t work for me outdoors, however is ideal contained in the drama 🥰
My Candy Mobster – Full OST Spotify Playlist
FAVORITE OST SONG FOR 2024
Deni: My choice is ‘Boyfriend’ by YeonJun from Tomorrow x Collectively (TXT) for the OST for Cinderella at 2AM. Whereas not a very compelling watch this track is on fixed replay at our home.
It’s not one thing I might have anticipated. We aren’t Okay-Pop followers generally preferring the less complicated music of Okay-Indie artists.
My companion in watching and music is my husband. He, as a common rule, can not stand Okay-Pop. BUT, this OST track is his favourite for the 12 months palms down. It makes me chuckle each time he performs it. YeonJun is simply so cute singing within the MV.
JJ: My favourite track selection for the 12 months is from Knight Flower by Youngji !
I’ve been following her for a while on her YouTube Channel and he or she is one very proficient Artist.
First, she is a solo artist which is tough to do within the panorama Okay-Pop that depends so closely, nearly solely, on teams.
And he or she is a feminine Solo artist. I like her voice a lot and I like that she raps and sings. And many Idols wish to collaborate along with her, even Crush. GAH! I hope she continues to do nice issues. Spoilers for Knight Flower within the MV hyperlink!
FAVORITE SINGERS FOR 2024
Deni: See the title right here? It’s Favourite Singers. Nothing about OSTs. JJ did that.(JJ: Ospies 🤭😂) So I’m going to comply with her lead and skip the whole OST factor and go together with my favourite Korean Singer for 2024.
In fact it’ll be nobody that anybody acknowledges. His music has been accompanied many nights whereas cooking dinner or operating errands.
His identify is Chanmin. His Spotify Wrap listed the beneath track as his hottest. I’ve additionally included a few his music movies.
Give this proficient younger man a pay attention. He composes, writes and produces all of his music. He launched one album (his second) and two MVs in 2024. He’s solely 20 years previous!
Wave – Chanmin – Spotify Playlist
[MV] CHANMIN(찬민) – CINEMA
찬민(CHANMIN) – 10월 [Official Music video]
JJ: I’m going to need to go together with Lee Youngji 🥰🥰🥰🥰
I’m simply smitten along with her and whereas this track shouldn’t be in a Drama, I’m going to incorporate it anyhow as a result of so many (Elaine! MC!) cherished this one with Youngji and D.O. 🥰
Deni: I don’t find out about calling her my favourite singer however I like this track a lot. The lyrics are so poignant and catchy on the identical time. Guess you may’t pay attention with out it operating round in your head for days.
FAVORITE 2024 OST SONG WRITER
Deni: Kim Kyung Hee (and Nam Hye Seung) for ‘The Causes of My Smiles’ sung by BSS of Seventeen and winner additionally of nineteenth Seoul Worldwide Drama Awards for Most Excellent Okay-drama OST Award from Queen of Tears.
I’ve gushed extensively about Kim Kyung Hee over on Patreon’s Water Cooler.
In case you are unfamiliar together with his work, he sings, composes and performs. He works extensively with Nam Hye Seung on OSTs with this being their newest collaboration.
He’s my old flame within the Korean music scene. He was the primary singer I adopted on Instagram, the primary to be in my Spotify library, the one I return to at all times and whose voice is now immediately recognizable, to me that’s.
In case anybody is involved in exploring Kim Kyung Hee, listed here are two of my Spotify playlists.
The primary one is for all of his OST carried out songs from Okay-Dramas from Goblin to Our Beloved Summer season to CLOY in addition to choose songs from his band April 2nd (he has two Spotify profiles so this fixes that).
The second playlist is for all of the OST songs he has written however doesn’t sing.
Kim Kyung Hee – His OST performances – Spotify Playlist
Kim Kyung Hee – OST Written however not carried out by him – Spotify
A second word, in early December we began Inform Me That You Love Me. We didn’t have the emotional fortitude to maneuver previous the primary two episodes which is a mirrored image on our temper NOT the drama.
Nevertheless, I’ve been listening to this OST because it dropped as a result of effectively, it’s one other Nam Hye Seung directed OST. The BEST LOVE SONG FOR 2024 must be To Your Residence carried out by Kim Kyung Hee and written additionally by him in addition to Nam Hye Seung.
Inform Me That You Love Me Track:
Inform Me that You Love Me OST:
Here’s a music video of him singing!!!! That is Rosie, launched by April 2nd earlier in 2024. Watching this once more, simply made me fall in love with him throughout, if that’s doable.
JJ: GAH! Songwriter? Oh geez. I gotta take into consideration this one as a result of I’m extra of a push and play and dive in particular person reasonably than analysis into who wrote a track….hmmmmm. Deni? Assist!
Gaemi(TKEM)? So many to choose from, however I don’t know their names. Deni??? Who’re my favorites?? 🤭🤣
Deni: JJ should determine this out for subsequent 12 months. I’ll give her a go this 12 months 😂 I’ve been taking note of the track writers because the very starting. JJ has some catching as much as do.
2024 OSTS TO CHECK OUT
JJ: Whereas Deni and I can speak about every OST eternally and ever, we understand when you made it this far your eyes may be glazed over, so we are going to shorten this part and simply listing out shortly a few of faves of 2024 we would like you to take a hearken to 🙂
Deni: I believe we would start repeating ourselves? We don’t watch dramas usually as they’re launched.
We’re bingers and we don’t thoughts the sensation of being omitted when everyone seems to be gushing in regards to the newest drama.
My favourite OSTs for 2024 launched Okay-Dramas: Cinderella at 2AM and Inform Me That You Love Me. We watched many dramas from earlier than 2024 and that may be a dialogue for one more time.
JJ: Oh I’ve so many to inform individuals about for 2024!!!
My picks are the next – Beautiful Runner (Solar Jae-a!), Midnight Studio (Good Mixture of Songs), Romance within the Home (Unexpectedly Pleasurable), and When the Telephone Rings (Intense) are some I’ve loved for 2024.
Beautiful Runner OST
Midnight Studio OST – Spotify
Romance within the Home OST
FAVORITE OST FROM PRIOR YEARS
Deni: We’re ONLY selecting ONE to debate right here in hopes of avoiding glazed eyes and ringing ears. It is usually the story about how our friendship advanced over our love of music.
Early in our discussions over on Patreon Water Cooler, we requested one another about our favourite OSTs. On JJ’s listing was Acquainted Spouse.
I had at this level not seen it (since corrected that deficit) however determined to pay attention anyway.
I used to be listening and was completely having fun with the vocals and wandering about doing chores. THEN, the instrumentals popped up. Wait. Cease. I do know that sound, not the music however the distinctive type.
It was Ji Pyeong Kwon. How did I do know? As a result of he additionally did the OSTs for Procuring King Louis in addition to My Holo Love.
I used to be very acquainted with these OSTs. So we did an extended backwards and forwards about Ji Pyeong Kwon.
At this level JJ had probably not explored the underpinnings of OSTs. The tie between all 3 Okay-dramas, which has superior OSTs, is one musical director. This was the start of many deep dives into Korean music.
Sooner or later, I created a Ji Pyeong Kwon instrumental playlist, accessible right here in Spotify. He has one of the distinctive voices in Okay-Drama OSTs.
Ji Pyeong Kwon Instrumental Playlist-Spotify Playlist
Months later, JJ discovered her personal hyperlinks to Acquainted Spouse within the vocal portion.
JJ: Oh Acquainted Spouse OST, how I like you, so ❤️❤️❤️❤️150 OSTs later and nonetheless on the lookout for your equal. Severely. I’ve not been capable of finding one which I can play from begin to end with none skips.
I, do, additionally, love TKEM (sure, Sean. TKEM), nevertheless it’s vastly completely different from Acquainted Spouse and for much longer as effectively.
TKEM is my second favourite, however actually nothing takes the cake like Acquainted Spouse.
Bride of Habaek is a superb OST and considered one of my faves, however there’s one track I have to skip every time. Okay, two.
After which, Romance is a Bonus Guide has a fantastic OST, as effectively, with some superior songs and a pair skips. I’m not certain how Acquainted Spouse does it, however I can hearken to that album from starting to finish with out challenge.
Let me let you know in regards to the enjoyable rabbit gap with Acquainted Spouse which truly occurred to be two of them!
First Rabbit Gap occurred with the track Love Me Once more by SF9.
Who’s SF9? I didn’t take note of who sang the songs for years generally. Some, certain, I might discover, however not generally. And never with the identify SF9.
Then, one way or the other, I discovered that Rowoon was in SF9 and my mind finally put two and two collectively and I went to take a look at the music video for “Love Me Once more” as a result of I imply come on its Rowoon.
Who by the way is in She Would By no means Know which I’ve seen a number of instances which does have a very good OST within the Present. Anyhow….
So right here I’m all excited to take a look at a stay efficiency of the track and see Rowoon sing which I had not prior as a result of I simply by no means paid consideration. Prepared? Watch for it. Have a watch to see him carry out with SF9. It’s solely 3 minutes and eight seconds. You’ll be able to spare that, proper?
Effectively, I sat by means of the entire efficiency ready simply ready to see Rowoon sing. And GUESS WHAT? We do NOT see him sing. NOT ONE NOTE 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣Not One. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Did I blink and miss it? Or did the fan cam miss him??? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I went again to observe once more as a result of this fancam missed generally when somebody was singing specializing in different members. And, actually, I had not heard Rowoon’s voice previous to this track. So I assume we missed his half when he was singing?
I went to search out one other video with a purpose to determine which half was his so I can hear his voice. So I sat by means of the track once more, not that that’s very tough for me as a result of I like this track a lot, however I used to be a bit impatient to search out Rowoon’s half. However, this time, I had the colour coded lyrics matched to every member.
And he has TWO, depend them, TWO very quick traces 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣Per this coloration coded thingy.
May this be any funnier???? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
YES! It may well!🤣
Took me years (and simply did it now whereas scripting this publish) to determine simply to go discover the precise Present from the fan cam. YEARS, individuals. YEARS 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
And right here we lastly see Rowoon singing his TWO traces 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 On the 1:53 mark and the two:35 mark for these . Anybody? 🤣
Am I the one one who finds all this hysterical ???🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
And now for the second Rabbit Gap with Acquainted Spouse. This one is fast and straightforward and never very humorous. Simply kinda of “stunning” within the type of pay higher consideration, JJ!!!!
Most of us (not j3ffc although, however I’m not bitter about it and never calling out j3ffc in any form or kind. I imply how can I when he wrote Darkish for us 🥰 ) fell for Beautiful Runner and the OST, too! Particularly this track, Star, from N. Flying
Effectively, sooner or later I’m taking a look at all of the names of the singers/teams on Acquainted Spouse as a result of Deni has completely began to rub off on me now 🥰🥰🥰🥰 and I observed N. Flying’s identify. Wait? What?
N. Flying on Acquainted Spouse? Whoa.
And I match them as much as the track which occurs to be my second favourite off the OST! Spoilers for the Drama within the MV when you haven’t seen it, but!
MOST SURPRISING OST FROM ANY YEAR
Deni: Goong. It’s KFG’s gateway drama and a number of other of us watched it spring 2024 whereas KFG was on hiatus and to remain out of hassle (taking a look at you j3ffc). The OST was a shock which we mentioned over on Patreon Water Cooler.
It appeared foolish to generate my very own evaluate and JJ concurred since @j3ffc nailed it precisely.
Right here is a part of that dialog between @j3ffc and me and KFG (used with permission). And here’s a plug for becoming a member of Patreon.
This dialog could be very typical of what occurs each day. That is solely the portion referring to the OST. @j3ffc wrote a superb evaluate of his impressions of Goong in Spoiler Free.
j3ffc: The soundtracks had been additionally properly carried out. I exploit the plural as a result of there are two various kinds of tunes in it. On the OST, the primary half is the type of pop love ballads that had been in style in 2006 (and, which kind of nonetheless are), together with the lead track, “Maybe Hours”, which has wormed its means into my coronary heart.
However my favourite facet of the OST is the instrumental incidental music that seems all through the present. It confused me at first because it hit my ears as Irish influenced, however it’s carried out by a Korean group known as 2nd Moon, who say they concentrate on conventional Korean music, up to date.
This was additionally the primary time shortly that I’ve skilled that gap in my coronary heart left when a present ended. I’ve had the OST on the final week.
KFG: The OST of this present actually has caught with me over time, and I’d imagined that that was principally as a result of it was my gateway drama and I’d watched it a number of instances, so to listen to that you simply’ve additionally taken to the OST, actually brings residence how sensible the OST is, each in its creation and its utility.
Deni: I’m listening once more to the OST and bear in mind how we had been thrown by the music too. It’s a stunning OST though I’ve to say as a whole package deal it’s a bit disjointed as a result of the “Irish affect” appears out of kilter after the vocals. However it certainly labored throughout the watch. Thanks for citing the music. And reminding me how a lot I cherished the present. It’s a gem.
j3ffc: Deni, I do know, proper? My answer is to hearken to the 2 components individually. And thank YOU for the thought of watching the present within the first place.
JJ: Thanks j3ffc for letting us use your evaluate for Goong! What a enjoyable watch that was; all of us did it sorta collectively and a really enjoyable dialogue within the Water Cooler!
SPECIAL MENTION
A-LIST TO PLAYLIST
JJ: I needed to give an enormous shout out to considered one of our favourite actors round these components Jo Jung Suk /Cho Jung Seok (JJS). Many people had such excessive hopes for his drama this Yr Charming the King!
Whereas he delivered a mesmerizing efficiency, the Drama total didn’t stay as much as his efficiency. He was flat out wonderful and beautiful. He utterly owned that position. Some individuals are simply born for the stage and he’s considered one of them, I imagine.
As everyone knows he oozes expertise as a triple risk, however did anybody understand how a lot he cherished music? Effectively, we had been fortunate sufficient Netflix did a Present on simply how a lot he loves music AND how ridiculously proficient JJS actually is. ❤️
One of many highlights of the Present for me is the bromance between JJS and PHS. Who’s PHS chances are you’ll ask ? YAY! I haven’t digressed an excessive amount of on this publish, so right here I’m going
PHS is brief for Park Hyo Shin who’s a legendary singer in Korea. And the way do I do know this? I do know this due to phl1rxd. I swear all good issues come from pretty phl1rxd 🥰❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️
In the future phl1rxd randomly despatched me this track out of the blue and I swear time stopped whereas repeat didn’t.❤️❤️❤️❤️
박효신(Park Hyo Shin) – 야생화(Wild Flower) Particular Video
PHS is a legend and has been quiet for a few years not releasing something new. Nevertheless, it seems like that can be altering quickly! YAY!
Deni: Inserting myself for a fast second. PHS modified our lives.
My husband fell in love and right here is the picture for you. An previous white man, residing in midwest US, hanging out within the barn/store, putzing away on little initiatives, all of the doorways open, and PHS’s music blasting out of the doorways for everybody to listen to.
I’ll depart it at that as a result of I’m behaving once I might go on and on. Go hearken to his new track Winter Forward with V after which Hero which is popping out subsequent week. The Captain is BACK and life can be higher.
JJ: Again to the A Checklist to Playlist, seeing JJS and PHS Bromance in motion was superior. OMO! So actual and so they each have such affection for one another. AND Gummy (spouse to JJS) and PHS go WAY again. WHO KNEW??? Now we all know ❤️❤️❤️❤️
For an additional one his songs from the Present that’s my favourite is known as Buddy.
As smitten as so many had been with the forged in Hospital Playlist, they themselves had been smitten with one another in actual life! They’ve maintained a friendship amongst the group since then and so they all appeared on this Present and on considered one of his songs.
I imply come on, can we are saying AWWWWWW 🥰❤️🥰❤️
Buddy – Spotify
One in all my different favourite moments was when JJS met with Dynamic Duo to work on a track. I like the track they made collectively “Like a film, Like music”. I usually don’t take note of lyrics, however for that track I held on each phrase. Beloved. It. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
After which, when Dynamic Duo confirmed as much as carry out the track they co-wrote with JJS. Sigh. So good. Dynamic Duo gave it their all and it wasn’t even their Present. I’m so impressed they did that for him. AND they respect him as a musician. ❤️
JJS was simply so particular ❤️
I like his voice ❤️ I cherished his stage presence. He held his personal with seasoned singers (his personal spouse, even) who’ve been doing this for years. Wonderful, actually.
How typically can actors make the transition to singers? I believe it’s simpler the opposite means (singers to actors) I imagine from what I’ve seen over time.
What blew me away probably the most was JJS wrote ALL the music. One factor if he did simply the lyrics, however he WROTE all of the music. He. Wrote. His. Personal. Music. GAH. He’s ridiculously proficient.
Even Gummy mentioned (paraphrase in fact), “I knew he cherished music, however didnt understand how creatively proficient he was with making music.” ❤️🥰
When you’ve got not checked out, but, A Checklist to Playlist, be sure to give the Netflix Particular a while. I believe you’ll completely get pleasure from this very heartfelt and endearing watch. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Deni: I additionally watched this however this was JJ’s publish from the get go together with all her love, enthusiasm and emoji’s. Go watch it. It’s certainly heartwarming and filled with the love of buddies.
JJ: Oh, and eventually, I needed to embody this acoustic cowl of Love Wins All JJS “mysteriously” did many months in the past.
아이유(IU) – Love wins all 커버 (COVER) by 청계산댕이레코즈
And, right here is his cowl he did on IU’s Present. He’s a HUGE fan of IU and this track. He and IU truly, additionally, go means again collectively after doing a drama collectively in 2013 known as You’re the Greatest! ❤️🥰
And IU revealed, he was one of many first individuals to succeed in out to her as soon as Love Wins All had been launched ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
SHOUT OUT FOR C-DRAMA OSTS
JJ: I needed to take a second to offer a shout out to C-Dramas OSTs as a result of alas, I’ve not been in a position to persuade Deni, but, to dip their toes within the water for C-Dramas. I’m patiently ready. So, she kindly let me have this part. Thanks, Deni!!!🥰🥰
I do love me a fantastic C-Drama OST similar to Love Just like the Galaxy’s! Which was on repeat for a lot of weeks after ending that drama. A favourite of mine and MC’s 🥰
Lots of the Fantasy and/or Wuxia Dramas have epic scores and plenty of instrumentals within the background together with some pop songs or songs with lyrics which generally work for me and generally do under no circumstances.
For 2024, I did watch plenty of C-Dramas and whereas I loved my watches total, solely three actually stand out probably the most to me that are the next; Legend of Shen Li, The Story of Rose and Angels Fall Typically 🥰🥰🥰
The OST that has stayed in my ears all 12 months is the one from Legend of Shen Li 🎶❤️
Take heed to the opening track for the OST! Doesn’t that simply suck you proper into this World?
Ugh. I find it irresistible a lot I listened to the intro each time and that’s 39 instances ❤️
The opposite hyperlink is simply the songs with lyrics solely. Oh and track quantity 14 takes parts of the Opening Track and makes into a lovely mild calming piece in distinction to the large daring opening track.
Here’s a hyperlink for simply the Songs from the OST
I’ve to digress per normal as a result of I want to offer a nod to this Drama and each leads. I imagine phl1rxd is the one who advised me to have a look at this one. All the time, phl1rxd having my again with C-Dramas. Thanks, phl1rxd ❤️🥰
We’ve got two mature leads in a Wuxia each delivering very spectacular performances individually and collectively.
A very mature relationship in a Wuxia with nice dialogue and only a great a number of starting episodes. Actually, a few of the finest I’ve seen out of Wuxia. With a splash of nice comedy thrown in there as effectively with beautiful CGI. Only a whole feast for the eyes.
A lot so when the ML, performed by Ling Geng Xi, appeared in a contemporary drama subsequent, The Story of Rose, I didn’t understand it was him for a number of episodes.
And, truly, needed to look him up to determine why he appeared acquainted. He principally is an unimaginable actor. I recommend to observe each Exhibits 😀
As for the FL, performed by Zhao Li Ying, we have now a robust and utterly succesful on this Wuxia Fantasy World.
For me, this was my first time seeing her and he or she utterly blew me away in her display screen presence, character supply and to not be overshadowed by the very highly effective ML.
I appeared her as much as see what else she has been in and no shock she is the FL in The Story of Minglan which has been on my watchlist eternally, however even for me who loves the 40 episode Cdramas, 78 episodes is kind of daunting!
Additionally, I needed to incorporate the OST for The Story of The Rose which I simply cherished as effectively. The opening track is simply lovely and feels very epic. The singer simply sounds beautiful and their identify is Lei Jia ❤️
And the second track is sung by my all time favourite Charlie Zhou Shen 🥰❤️🥰❤️I believed he would have had the opening track, however he takes a quieter track this time. Each lovely of their other ways.
THE END
(however probably not as there’s by no means an finish to music)
JJ & Deni: Effectively, people, we made it to the tip of this publish, BUT by no means worry this isn’t the tip of Deni and JJ discussing music! You will discover us discussing it almost every day over on the Water Cooler in KFG’s Patreon Group 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Thanks a lot for studying our publish about OSTs. We had a lot enjoyable doing this collectively! ❤️
Do be sure to share your favourite OSTs for 2024 and total with us. We at all times love listening to about new music and love to search out others who love the identical music we do. So remark away please
❤️❤️🎶🎶Could 2025 carry you all a lot pleasure in your dramas and music! 🎶🎶❤️❤️
🥰❤️🫶🫰
OH and OUR SURPRISE…
A tidbit of one thing to return sooner or later.
JJ and Deni discovered one another over on Patreon as we talked about earlier.
After months, JJ misplaced persistence with the Patreon incapacity to handle our long-winded multi-month conversations. Time for motion.
With KFG because the preliminary middleman, we started conversing outdoors of the Patreon group about music.
This was a fated friendship, similar to in a Okay-Drama. It has been greater than a half-century within the making, lengthy earlier than both of us had been born. So we’re going to regale you with the craziest USA-based drama someday subsequent Spring.
Put together yourselves. And know that destiny, of which many people assume as a Okay-Drama trope, of which we get very drained, is possibly an actual factor ❤️
~Deni & JJ
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