SaraaReviews: Of K-Drama OST

Can you believe that we're already halfway through the year 2020? I suppose the 'new decade, new me' didn't turn out as what we expected isn't it? Well that's kinda how life is - the unexpected roller coaster ride where you are strapped on without knowing when is the next 'high' or 'low'.

It's okay, don't beat yourself up. What matters more is to keep in mind that we will make it through this. 

At the same time, I've just realized something as we enter the third month of writing. All this while I've been talking about Korean dramas yet I didn't mention anything about their amazingly curated soundtracks or OST that comes with each drama. These beautiful music not only pleases the ears but it also helps in stirring up the emotions at just the perfect timing. 

The classic one is the cue when the main leads first met or walked past each other in slow-mo effect. You just can't hate such moments like this in the K-drama world. Alright, let's head on to the best K-OST for the dramas I've previously talked about ;)

When the Camellia Blooms - Like a Heroine in the Movie

Anyone else fell in love with the lovely voice that harmonizes with Chen(첸) in the OST for Descendants of the Sun (태양의 후예) called Everytime? Yes, this is also the same voice that complements Chanyeol's (찬열) rap in Stay With Me, the OST for Goblin (도깨비). 

Yes, she's involved in the two legendary Kdrama of 2016 - that's how good she is. Presenting Punch (펀치) and this time singing for When the Camellia Blooms OST called Like a Heroine in the Movie (영화 속에 나오는 주인공처럼).

The song talks about what it likes being a heroine in the movie, the beauty and the happiness when meeting 'the one'. The lyrics are clearly written from Dong-baek's perspective as all she felt was happiness since meeting Yong-Sik in Ongsan. The song just filled you up with love as you're being reminded of the moments they both shared as they grew closer together. 

그댄 나를 꿈꾸게 만든 사람 (You are the one who made me dream)
그댄 나를 미소 짓게 한 사람 (You are the one who made me smile)

Wish you, Need you, With you
지금 이 순간 나는 너무 행복해 (I am so happy in this moment)

For me, I think this songs gives off a feeling of happiness that sometimes seems unreal - just like how a heroine in a movie would feel. Like a dream that you just don't want to wake up from because you get to meet someone so wonderful then. 

Hi Bye, Mama! - Time Shining Like a Star

Honestly speaking, I've only known of Jamie Park (박지민) for her podcast on Dive Studios. After some Google search, it turns out that she is the champion for K-Pop Star season one and later debuted solo under JYP Entertainment. 

When I first heard of this song in this drama, I had to find out who sang it because it instantly became my favourite OST of this drama. I just love this song because I feel that Jamie's voice did justice in bringing the emotions and I loved it more after understanding the beautiful and meaningful lyrics of Time Shining Like a Star (별처럼 빛나는 시간).

Listening to the first verse of this song already brings tears to my eyes because it reminded me of Cha Yu-Ri (played by Kim Tae-Hee) as a ghost whenever she sees Seo-Woo. 

날 봐요 보여요 내가 여기 있죠 (Look at me, Can you see me, I'm here)
천천히 그렇게 내게 와요 (Slowly, come to me)

더 크게 더 많이 너 웃을 수 있게 (So you can laugh harder)
두 팔 가득 널 안을 수 있게 이렇게 (So I can hug you tight)

저 별처럼 빛나는 시간들 (Like the stars, time shines bright)
너를 만난 매일이 선물같아 (Every day felt like a gift since I met you)
추운 계절 내린 따스한 저 햇살처럼 (Like the warm sunshine in the cold)
날 숨 쉬게 해준 니가 참 고마워 (Thank you for letting me breathe)

The lyrics goes on about the thoughts of a mother who can't embrace her own child physically yet she is thankful for her child's presence that warms her up like the sunshine in the cold weather. With reference to the drama, Yu-Ri is thanking Seo Woo for being born and seeing her every day feels like a gift even when she longs to spend eternity with her child and watch her grow. 

This song essentially just goes about a mother's unconditional love for her child and the longing to be with her child - covering the same elements as Hi, Bye Mama drama. I highly recommend this drama and you will know how it feels each time this OST plays in the background. 

Itaewon Class - Sweet Night 

You know how seeing actors who still kept in touch long after their drama ended feels like an extension of the drama? Only for this case, it's the boys from Hwarang - a K-drama in 2016 where Park Seo Joon and V from BTS first met. You can tell that their bromance have grown since then and occasionally you may see photos on their Instagram accounts supporting each other. 

From the description, it is said that V produced this track to comfort Park Sae-Royi (played by Park Seo-Joon in the drama) who has had countless painful nights and with hopes that he will only have sweet nights in the future. Apparently, V himself is a fan of the webtoon years ago and the main character left a great impression. 

My favourite part of the lyrics has to be the entire first verse because it portrays the vulnerability of one person towards another with the 'fragile truth' and the hope that 'the door is open'. The last two lines is just beautiful as if to question if it's still worth it to keep holding on to an idea or a person. 

On my pillow

Can't get me tired

Sharing my fragile truth

That I still hope the door is open

’Cause the window opened one time with you and me

Now my forever's falling down

Wondering if you'd want me now

I guess the beauty of this song is that it not only comforts Park Sae-Royi but also the hearts of ARMYs who listens to it and may be struggling. Maybe it's how the melody blends so well with his voice, this song provides some sort of comfort in knowing that 'we were ships in the night'. One thing for sure, I doubt it's an easy feat having to compose a song entirely in English despite his busy schedule with BTS prior the release of this song. This speaks talent and hard work, undeniably. 

[Special Mention] Crash Landing On You - A Song For My Brother

Other than a tale of forbidden love that prevails through the distance and nationalities, I'm sure a lot of the Crash Landing On You fans started searching for the music sheets when they first heard this song in the drama. As it is in the title, this is composed by Ri Jeong Hyuk (played by Hyun Bin) for his brother and he played it at the pier for his first audience, a little girl (or so he thought). 

At first, you will feel bits of sadness especially in the parts when it is played slowly. As you learn about the story and see how the relationship between Yoon Se-Ri (played by Son Ye-Jin) and Jeong-Hyuk evolves, listening to this tune kinda brings a different feel as you watch the drama - maybe a little happier than before. 

It's amazing how a tune can remain the same yet it brings different feelings to the listeners. Ah, the beauty of instrumental music. Occasionally I will listen to this song as I find it calming or just want to be transported back to the scene where they show the beautiful alps of Switzerland. 

 

That's all for now since these are the dramas I've reviewed so far. Hopefully I'll remember to include the OST section in my next Kdrama review! 

Love, Sara