The Best Korean Drama OST Albums of 2016

Every winter, I turn to the warmth and comfort that Korean dramas and OSTs radiate. I decided to look back and put the spotlight on some of the releases that caught my eye. Nothing quite captures the cozy aura of winter better than emotional Korean drama ballads. Also, the fact that I'm writing this as a new year begins is mostly because of Age of Youth, the beautifully written drama, that captured my attention and became one of favorite dramas of all time. Thus began my deep dive yet again into the world of Korean dramas (Signal, Misaeng, My Lawyer, Mr. Jo, Angry Mom, etc) and its soundtracks. 

There was a span of about a year where I hardly watched any dramas because of a lack of interest and disenchantment. Because of that, I missed last year's OST scene. It was unfortunate because dramas and OSTs introduced me to world of South Korean cinema and since then, I have even become a dedicated OST listener more than a drama viewer.

The 5 Best Korean Drama OST Albums & Songs of 2013

After You Who Came From The Stars and Miss Korea finished their respective runs, I was mentally drained. Both dramas were so engaging and charming yet different that it was hard waiting each week for another episode to come around. Maybe I'm still recovering but since then, I haven't had the desire to see any new dramas. Recently, my younger sister told me about High School - Love On and even managed to persuade my older sister to watch it. She's now equally as avid about it and waits for new episodes to come around. I haven't watched it yet but did download the first two episodes, which my younger sister proposed to watch together even though she's seen it about three times already. It must be that good, but I feel like I've already moved on from K-Dramas. Maybe that will change after I finally get around to watching High School - Love On and no one can say no to the lovable Kim Sae-ron, the brilliant youngster with an illustrious career ahead of her. 

Even though I didn't see that many dramas before either, I always kept up with the OST releases because I always welcome new music. Following are the top albums and songs that gave me a familiar feeling of dramas even though I never got around to watching half of them.

The Monologue [Ep 12-16]: The Queen's Classroom

There were many things I wanted to write about after watching The Queen’s Classroom till the end but lazily putting off the post about the final five episodes has made my memory weak. I’m literally skipping fragments of the episodes while writing this and some of what I wanted to say are fortunately coming back. ...Something about character development, social issues, adolescence anxiety and farewells.

My appetite for dramas has dwindled quite a bit, even though I wasn’t exactly an avid watcher before, I used to keep up with the network releases and checked a lot of them out. I’ve only watched a few till the end this year along with this one, Good Doctor, I Hear Your Voice, That Winter, The Wind Blows and the wishy-washy Heirs... Actually, that’s quite a lot!! I underestimated quite a bit, haha. Anyways, currently watching You From Another Star, and just loving Jeon Ji-hyun’s character and acting.

Back to the awesomeness that was The Queen’s Classroom.

The Conversation [Ep 7-12]: Talking About The Queen's Classroom with Analogueblues

Since our last exchange or review on The Queen’s Classroom, there's been a lot more developments than before and this post as always, strives to come full circle on those turn of events. At this point, the unexpected story-line and behavior has managed to become habitual. As a viewer, this familiarity offers rare insights into the thoughts of the characters and the situations they face.

As always, Analogueblues has agreed kindly to join me as we try our best to explore the drama. For the delay in posting, I apologize and even though the final episode of The Queen’s Classroom has already aired, looking back at a show as profound as this one should be the one splurge of the moment every blogger wishes for. Watching the show with a new lens, I found a special appreciation for its cinematography and superb writing. I report with pleasure that the new episodes did not disappoint and went a long way in making the overall significance of the drama more powerful.

The Conversation [Ep. 1-6]: Talking About The Queen's Classroom with Analogueblues

Recently, I started following a Korean drama titled The Queen’s Classroom, a remake of a Japanese drama by the same name. It recently aired its sixth episode and in total will consists of 16 episodes. It has captured my interests to a degree similar to Gaksital and That Winter, The Wind Blows. It is one of the two dramas I am currently watching, both of them excellent, the other one being I Hear Your Voice.

Without further ado, I would like to introduce you all to a special guest who has traveled across the blogosphere to lend her time to this special conversation. Blogger Analogueblues from the fabulous blog linked [here] and I will be sharing our thoughts on the first six episodes of The Queen’s Classroom, trying our bests to delve deep into its themes, characters and the meaning behind it all.

For those curious, we hope to reconvene in the future to publish two additional posts, covering Ep. 7-12 and Ep. 13-16. I hope that all of you will enjoy our posts and feel the sheer joy I felt during this collaboration with Analogueblues, who graciously dedicated her time and made this collaboration truly enjoyable.

The 15 Best Korean Drama OST Songs of 2012

@Star1 Magazine

Individual songs are tricky, especially when one's establishing one over the other based on qualifications that are murky at best. In 2012, Korean drama viewers witnessed a wide range of talents that shined onscreen as well as on the music scene. 

There were obvious OST songs that stood out from the rest while others stayed comfortably within the OST blueprint. Many music producers during this year's run were rewarded for taking an unconventional approach with their tunes and blending it within the fold of the drama in a manner that was fresh and awe-inspiring. Powerhouse vocalists gathered heavily under each project this year and made the releases more relevant.

The higher relevancy that the soundtracks saw could be attributed to the fact that the releases stayed current with a hint of nostalgia infused with youthful energy. Let's explore some of the biggest releases in 2012. At the end, leave me with your thoughts on this year's releases.

The 10 Best Korean Drama OST Albums of 2012

This year's notable OST albums, as selected by your one and only k-ballad crazed admin. If a plot of a drama makes up its body of work, then the soundtrack provides it with the much needed soul. This year was a good year in terms of the variety aspect since more than 90 South Korean dramas were released this year. There indeed was something for everyone and while I did not watch that many dramas, I definitely kept up to date with all the OST (Original Sound Track) releases so I could precisely make up such a list as this. 

Don't let the adorable picture faze you, this is serious business!

On a personal note, hope this new year brings forth lots of happiness and meaning. Let me know your choices for top Korean drama soundtrack albums and what you liked this year.

[Solo] Best K-Pop Idol Solo OST Releases

Flying Petals

This second post in the series detailing idols' solo ventures will focus on Solo Ost Releases. The first part [read here] detailed the individual solo track releases. Within the last decade, the film industry, particularly drama-land, has with open arms been welcoming a huge influx of idol actors. In addition to taking over roles reserved for veteran actors, the newer generation idols have also been popping in the OST market. Nowadays, music directors are without hesitation bringing in idols from popular groups to sing for the OST of their dramas. Due to the changing market, popular idol singers are nowadays preferred because the drama in the process gets some exposure as well.

Whenever quality starts withering away from the kpop world, I turn to the massive OST land for solace because it doesn't disappoint quite as often. This year alone, releases such as Taeyeon's Missing You Like Crazy and Lee Jong Hyun's My Love managed to take top spots on music charts, further solidifying idol stronghold in this huge market. Without further ado, check out this extensive list to feel an appreciation for when talents meet expectations.

[2010-2013] Korean Dramas with the Best Soundtracks (OST)

Korean Dramas were one of the earlier premier exports of the Hallyu Wave beginning at the turn of the century. To this date, it is riding high on its popularity with the music industry along its side. It has continued to achieve global recognition that began with classics such as Winter Sonata, Autumn in my Heart and Dae Jang Geum. Often times, the sound track of a Korean Drama plays a pivotal role in its perception and recognition. Within its scenes, music scores are blended in onscreen to tell a deeper story, foreshadowing a lurking evil or returning happiness. In the case of Autumn in my Heart, it can move the viewer to tears with its sad instrumentals accompanying the heart-breaking scenes.

As a fan of Korean Dramas, I am often times captivated by many original soundtracks with its quality sound and complete package. I often like soft ballads with piano tunes that often makeup the track-listings of an OST. Therefore, I have decided to make a list of OSTs that in my opinion are the most enjoyable and feature several valuable tracks. Let me know as well which soundtracks were the most enjoyable in your opinion.

Alphabetically. Yearly.

Rooftop Prince and the Case of a Missing Song

The plot line was more than complicated, Lee Gak, a Joseon crown prince transported to modern day Seoul along with his three loyal colleagues where he tries to solve the mystery behind his wife's death in Joseon. Rooftop Prince (Romanized: Ok-tab-bang Wang-se-ja) aired from March 14, 2012 to May 24, 2012 on SBS and competed directly with 'The Equator Man' and 'The King 2 Hearts'.

Now that the series is over, I have been gripped by another aspect of the show, a missing song...