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[Music and Dramas] That extra something special when actors sing for the OST


Suspicious Partner

By @whoopeeyoo

I had just finished the first twelve episodes of Strongest Deliveryman. I was riding the high it gave my heart and after rewatching my favorite scenes, I eventually had to sleep. But even before sleeping, I wanted to relish the feelings the show gave me. So naturally, I started listening to the soundtrack. Then I discovered that both Go Kyung-pyo and Chae Soo-bin sang for the OST. I liked the sound of Go Kyung-pyo’s “La La La,” but I ended up loving the song after I searched for the lyrics translation. It felt like his character Kang-soo was singing the song to Chae Soo-bin’s Dan-ah. Typical of my obsessive behavior, I then ended up listening to OSTs sung by the lead actors and actresses of various K-dramas. (And I didn’t get much sleep, obviously.)

Despite My Secret Romance getting uncharacteristically and unnecessarily angsty towards the end, listening to “Same” by Song Ji-eun and Sung Hoon from the OST still brings a smile to my face. It got stuck in my head and I remember listening to this song again and again because it was just too cute. Even now, whenever I listen to this song, I flash back to the hilarious and sweet interactions their characters Jin-wook and Yoo-mi shared.


My Secret Romance, “Same”

Really, down the rabbit hole I went. I then listened to Ji Chang-wook’s “101 Reasons Why I Like You” from Suspicious Partner, which he also sang a capella on the show, when his Ji-wook was proposing to Nam Ji-hyun’s Bong-hee. Every time I hear this song, a montage of their scenes plays in my head because I feel like the song is truly theirs, and one that Ji-wook certainly dedicates to Bong-hee. (And in my shipper heart, Ji Chang-wook to Nam Ji-hyun.)

There’s also Song Joong-ki’s “Really” from Nice Guy. His character Maru was so frustrating—you think you know his motivations but you actually don’t. That he’s such an opaque character makes this OST such a bonus for me, because I feel like it’s the only time that I know of his true feelings. Or do I? Joo Won’s “Love Medicine” for Good Doctor went in the same vein, where I felt like it was Shi-on expressing the feelings he couldn’t process or understand at first.

I’m currently watching Oh My Ghostess and every time I hear Park Bo-young’s “Leave,” I feel that sadness her Bong-sun feels, of her desperation to hold onto memories. I already saved the song for those days when I just have to drown in my feelings. That instrumental bit? My heart aches whenever I hear it.


Oh My Ghostess, “Leave”

Then there’s the whole gamut of idols and professional singers singing for their dramas. Park Hyung-shik has “Because of You” in Strong Woman Do Bong-soon, which makes me feel swoony. Min-min! Seo In-gook and Jung Eun-ji’s “All For You” in Answer Me 1997 was just so apt for the drama. Every time I hear it, I am reminded of not only the drama, but of my own youth. But Jaejoong’s “I Will Protect You” in Protect the Boss takes the cake for making me feel all sorts of things. Even with the OST, he’s giving off Second Lead Syndrome vibes, for singing the couple’s theme song.

Great K-drama OSTs are a dime a dozen. But I think it’s such a blessing when an actor or actress sings for a drama. I think these songs just fire on all cylinders for me because the voice I hear singing is the voice of the actor and thus, the character he or she is playing. It immerses me in the story even more because in my mind, the character is the one singing and the song feels all the more special. Sometimes, it even lets us into how the character really feels, more so than what he or she is showing on the screen. Coupled with what seems like the character’s inner voice, these scenes just end up so much more emotional for me.

 

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Coffee Prince

By @joanne

I’m biased towards people who sing well. If an actor in a drama I’m watching suddenly belts out a tune, my love for his or her character multiplies. The fangirl in me gets awakened, and I scour the internet for all the videos of that actor singing. I’m not really into K-pop, though a lot of songs on my playlist are Korean. Usually, these come from drama soundtracks or those I discover because of dramas.

Most of them are sentimental ballads, maybe because they’re slower and the lyrics are easier to follow and digest, or because they are usually the ones with strong or memorable melodies that tell their own stories. And when paired with great dramatic moments, the tension is retained in the music. Just hearing the song again would bring back all the feels, even when I don’t remember the specific scenes anymore. For example, my heart still aches for Jung-hwan (and makes me miss the kids and their parents from Hyehwa-dong) every time I hear Answer Me 1988’s “Hyehwa-dong.” Stories, once accompanied by great music, are automatically elevated and become easily engraved in my memories.

One thing I really enjoy in terms of drama-watching and music is when actors lend their own voices to the characters, either for a song on the OST or in a simple serenade for their beloved (blame the romantic in me). And the best ones are those who sing because it is essential to the plot. For me, it adds something magical to a drama, especially when I discover people with good voices, or when I realize that he or she was actually a singer-turned-actor.


Healer, “I’ll Protect You”

Bong-sook-ah! I love how this MV for Healer’s “I’ll Protect You” contains the best scenes of their love story. Ji Chang-wook’s voice is just icing on the (very sweet) cake. Because I can relate the voice of the characters to the songs, whenever they fill the background of the scenes, there is that additional emotion. Some favorites include Kang-ah’s “Even If I Live Just One Day” for 49 Days, and Secret Garden’s Kim Joo-won singing “That Man.” There are also some cases where I just like certain songs from the soundtrack, without liking the drama itself. Case in point, I loved the song Gong Yoo sang from Big’s OST, “Because It’s You.”

There’s no better way to make me (and the other half of your OTP) love you more than to serenade them. The most iconic example for me is Han-kyul’s wake-up song “I Love You” for Eun-chan (lucky girl). Oska’s “Here I Am” in Secret Garden made me wish for a Christmas concert that is just for me. And more recently, Tae-swoon in School 2017 was “Like a Child” in his pursuit of Eun-ho, but his singing and smooth advances were not child-like at all. The same song was also sung in Flower Boy Next Door: Enrique’s rendition of “Like a Child” (or panda or puppy).


Dream High, “Dreaming”

And finally there are songs that are essential to the plot. This is commonly found in musical dramas, such as Monstar, Shut Up: Flower Boy Band, and Dream High. I loved the collaborations and the covers of well-known songs in Dream High, but Sam-dong singing the song “Dreaming” really got me. Those tears! I felt his struggle due to his loss of hearing, his trust in Hye-mi, and finally the relief of being able to follow his dream. That scene really made me believe in the genius that he is, and had me amazed at that awesome adjusting and matching of pitch.

Another actor I started following mainly due to his voice and musicality is Jo Jung-seok. His duet with Kim Ji-won in What’s Up showcased his strong vocals, and his guitar playing in Oh My Ghostess was sweet as chocolate, but it was his Shi-kyung in King 2 Hearts that made me a big fan. The first time Lee Yoon-ji sang the song “First Love” for him, it was because he felt mocked and she felt sorry. But throughout the song, through the secret glances between them, we could clearly sense the feelings of respect and love starting to grow between them. When it was his turn to sing “First Love” to his first love, it was to give her courage to sing again. That scene was so sad! Oh how I longed for a duet with the princess and the Earnest Bot.


Answer Me 1997, “Memories”

How could a song hurt so bad and so good at the same time? Yoon Yoon-jae singing “Memories” and his eventual confession during the noraebang party in Answer Me 1997 had me questioning how timing and brotherly love could be such a hindrance to these two childhood friends. But at least they had a happy ending, and two lovely duets to boot: “Our Love Like This” for reminiscing that heart-crushing scene, and “All For You” to give us back the happy vibes). Another win because it also introduced me to Seo In-gook as an actor and a great singer.

But who am I kidding? I just want to hang out with all of these guys and sing our hearts out at the noraebang. Even if I won’t understand half of what we’ll be singing.

 
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The first song I thought of was Joo Won's "Love Medicine". Something about his voice feels so pure that it warms my heart.

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I just saw some clips of the American remake Good Doctor and was thinking to myself that Joo Won did quite a good job.

One of my favorite Joo Won's OSTs is Innocente.

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He just sounds so earnest, in my opinion. I really love that song!

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Yes! Earnest is the perfect word.

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I absolutely loved that scene of Han-Gyul (Gong Yoo) waking up Eun-Chan with a song in Coffee Prince. That whole scene was one of my favourites.

I had no clue that Park Bo-young sang "Leave" from Oh My Ghostees. I really loved that song. Her co-star Jo Jung-suk is a really good singer as well.

Recently, I fell in love with Go Kyung-pyo’s “La La La.” Before that, I really didn't care if an actor sang a song or not--well, besides that Coffee Prince scene which was a scene and not really for the OST kinda thing. There's something about that song though that got me--most probably the tone of his voice. When I found out he sang it and not someone else I was incredulous, but came around very very quickly.

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I wish we could embed YouTube videos on here. While it's not OST related, I loved this scene of Jo Jung-suk et. al. singing.

https://youtu.be/4Ar_ng_f8v8

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Jo Jung-seok is such a great singer that I felt like he didn't need to be spotlighted anymore. Haha! But I do really like his voice too and that he almost always sings for his dramas! I was surprised that Park Bo-young sang "Leave" too so I knew I had to include her in my post. And because I love that song.

I always smile whenever "La La La" was playing when I was watching Strongest Deliveryman!

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OMGGGG “Same” by Song Ji-eun and Sung Hoon, the feels! I remember pausing while watching the 1st episode because of it, I badly need to find it asap that for a moment I even ignore the 'sweet scene' just to get the song. Trust me that's how important it is to me, for me to pause at the climax. HAHA!

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Right? It's so good! As for me, I didn't realize I was singing along to the "kkung kkung kkung" parts whenever it was playing during the first episode. Until I got to the end and I just HAD to listen to it again and again. Hee!

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Lmao @ "kkung kkung kkung" but right! I just found myself listening to it in the car, shower, office, while eating and simply just everywhere! Definitely got me!

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Yes, JCW's " I Will Protect You" in Healer is full of emotions, I love his rendition , and the whole Healer OST's is perfect!!... Actually,, most KBS drama OST are perfectly awesome!!.. Applause to the music in charge of their dramas...

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Thank you so much Dramabeans for posting my submission! And yay to us, @joanne! You're so much more eloquent than I am and I'm so glad to have you discuss our topic more!

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yay! I didn't think mine would get posted because it was more of me fangirling over my favorite OST's :p

Thanks dramabeans! and @whoopeeyoo for giving me more songs to listen to (and dramas to watch)

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Haha, that was how I felt too! That I'm just fangirling and not really doing something even remotely like a ~discussion~. Thanks for your recs too!

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On a not musically related note:

Who else clicked on this because Ji Chang Wook was on the featured photo? It definitely lured me to read the article! 😂

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i am with you lol

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Haha! Ji Chang-wook is indeed clickbait.

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Me three! Moreover his singing is marvellous. It all started with his OST To a Butterfly for Empress Ki. 💓

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I honestly think it doesn't make a difference. If the song's good, the singer doesn't matter. I think it's more to do with the bias when you know that the lead actor's singing the song.

Personally, when everyone was going on about Park Bo-gum's OST track in Moonlight, I was pretty meh about it because it's such a mediocre song. You can get Lee Seung-chul to sing it and it'll still be mediocre. Hyun Bin, and Gong Yoo's songs were good, but the melody was the reason, not because they sang it. Joo Won and Ji Chang-wook have never gotten good songs before iirc (I tried searching because they were musical actors, but I actually don't like their vocal colours anyway*). Jang Nara's best OST was for Dong Yi even though she sings pretty regularly for her own dramas. I can go on and on about it.

* On vocal colours, Yoon Sang-Hyun probably has the best voice out of all the actors.

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I actually agree. I don't automatically like OSTs that are sung by the actors. It's a combination of good melody + good match on the actor's voice + strategic use in memorable scenes :)

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Oh, I do admit that there's bias when it's an actor singing. I do admit that I don't love every OST sung by the actor but it's kinda rare. Song quality and placement in the drama must be good so a track can be elevated and be brought to my attention. While I'm not knowledgeable in the more technical aspect of music, I'm easy to please so I might have a lower standard than most. Hahaha

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I love the scene in coffee prince it felt so sweet and real, but I don't think Gong Yoo has a great voice in general 🙊 So I guess its more important to me that the songs are good/memorable than who sings them.

One exception is Lee Joon Gi, he has a fantastic voice. His 'one day' for Arang and the Magistrate is amazing and did add to the character's emotions.

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I love that scene in Coffee Prince because it just feels real. Waking Eunchan with a serenade of an absolutely wonderfully written song is so sweet. Gong Yoo can sing but he is not trained so I find him to be just ok. I do love the few songs he recorded.

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He doesn’t have a very strong voice, I agree, but he’s such an amazing actor it really doesn’t take away from his charm and actually enhances it for me, that he’s not perfect and therefore more humanly attainable. (Not that I’d ever try to snag him—at least not while my husband is alive. 😜)

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Oh goodness, out of all of the posts for this month’s theme, this one hit me in the feels the most, so thanks @whoopeeyoo
for your insights!!!
For me, every time a cast member sings an OST song for their own drama *melts* And every time that song they sing is basically the own feels and motions of the character they are portraying in the drama, especially if the character is the Second Male Lead, or a tragic character you know is doomed in the love department??? MY HEART!!!!! 😩😩😩😩 It hurts so GOOD!!! 💕💕💕🤣
JYJ Kim Jae Joong’s “I’ll Protect You”, all and every one of Park Hyung Sik’s OSTs that he’s sang for all his dramas, the “Dream High” S1 OST (which has the contributions of the entire cast, basically), the songs sang by Park Bo Young & Jo Jung Seok for “Oh My Ghostess”, every time Jo Jung Seok pulled out his guitar and played something in “The Best, Lee Soon Shin”, “All for You” by EunJi and Seo In Guk, “Promise” by Ryu Shi Won (an older OST from the drama “Beautiful Days” that he was in)— and so, so, so many more OSTs By the cast members of their own dramas I just love love love 💕💕💕💕💕💕

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Glad that you enjoyed our contributions, @bebeswtz! It just adds an extra oomph, right? Whether more giddy feelings or more heartache, especially if the mood (and when I hunt it down, the lyrics) fits the characters' scenes or emotional arc.

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I can so relate to @joanne. I'm not exactly a die-hard-fan of kpop (although EXO is love), but most of the songs in my playlist are in korean, mostly drama OSTs. They do bring out the emotions and scenes kinda flash through the whole time the ost plays out.

I was just about to suggest the song 'I'll Protect You' sung by Ji Chang Wook in Healer, and there it is in your post. Great minds do think alike lol. And another, Attraction by Tearliner, sung by Kim Go Eun aka Hong Seol. I love love love that OST. She's a surprisingly good singer and Tearliner's songs are love. Those lyrics <3

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"They do bring out the emotions and scenes kinda flash through the whole time the ost plays out."
Right? It's like you could read my mind. Sometimes I could even forget the main plot of a drama, but I'd remember certain scenes while listening to the OSTs.

The only song of Tearliner that I know is Ocean Travel from the Coffee Prince OST (which was also covered by actor Lee Seon-kyun!). Thanks for the suggestion! :)

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There's also Hwarang where both Park Seo Joon and Park Hyung Sik sang :)

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Oh yes.

I love the fan service that k-drama gifts to fans, when actors sing for the OST. It's truly the icing on the cake :)

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OhEm! Jo jung seok is gold when it comes to singing. And i really love it when he sings on a drama his in. It's my first time to see him in King2Hearts and I fell in love with him right away. Been following him since that drama. I love his My Darling in YTBLSS. Chocolate in OMG. And the Wedding Song in JI. Just watched the YOF in Iceland and their singing moments are amazing. Will play those songs again now. Hihihi. 💛💜💙🎵🎶

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I find that it is a bonus when a favorite actor or actress sings a song for the their drama. However, it all boils down to the melody for me. The melody and how it fits with drama scenes are what makes me hunt down the OST for another listen or two (or hundred times more hehe).

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I do agree with you! I carefully picked the songs that I featured because there are actor-sung OSTs that don't elicit this special feeling in me. Song quality and placement is definitely more important.

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CHoi JIn Hyuk Best wishes to you is one of my favourite Wul Ryong and Seo Hwa's love story in Gu Family Book is so sad...
I love Ji Chang Wook and his voice.. Park Seo Joon is also good in singing and I like his songs in some of his drama... Lee Seung gi and Jo Jong Seok is also a good singer

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It really is a big plus when actors sing the OST though I do enjoy the songs more when it is sung well and the right emotions are put into it. It is I think for this reason why I seem to like songs sung by idol actors more, such as Jung Eun-ji and Seo In-guk's All for You, IU and Kim Soo Hyun's Can't I Love You, Suzy's Ring my Bell and recently, Im Si-wan's My Heart.

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101 reasons why I love you that song gives me so much feels.. Indeed it feels like a song by Ji chang Wook for Nam Ji Hyun

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*shippers unite*

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Totally agree. Icing on the cake when the actors sing the OST and adds another dimension to the overall enjoyment of the drama

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Got excited when I saw the article's title and somehow i want to brag about something that is a bit off in the drama conversation.

My Annoying Brother — DO Kyung Soo and Jo Jung-suk.

I know. It's a movie. But i just can't let an open opportunity like this to brag about the movie and the theme song sang by the main cast.

The movie made me cry not just once and the song simply bring tears — their combined voices are just perfect to feel again the warmth and longing between brothers as portrayed in the movie.

As for dramas… I appreciate it if the actors get to sing the theme or at least one of the songs. The latest i get to love is Ji Hyun Woo's acapella in Bad Thief series. The mood was right, his tone was just enough to feel thrilled and elated by Dol Mok's love for So Joo…

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Oooh I love that song, too! It's not actually their original song though. The melody and D.O and JJS's voices together are sweet <3

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I actually wanted to segue into My Annoying Brother in my submission but I figured I might even reduce my chances of the essay being accepted if I go off-tangent. That movie gave me ALL THE FEELS. I thought it was more of a comedy movie so I didn't expect to be soooooooo moved!

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I’m always impressed when I hear an actor sing, play an instrument, dance, etcetera. I don’t know why it surprises me that they would be multi-faceted and multi-talented; their job is to entertain, after all. But I’m still awestruck and my respect for that individual goes up exponentially.

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You're not alone! I also get this way with Hollywood actors. Like, you're not just pretty/handsome but you're a great and ALL-AROUND ARTIST too? Meanwhile, I'm here, who's borderline tone-deaf and who has two left feet. Great, just great. Hahaha!

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Park Seo Joon in Witch Romance though..

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Thanks for the post. I do love OSTs and buy them.

This is the 3rd time returing to this post now as I have time to listen to the songs. The Kings 2 Hearts " First Love" made my heart bleed listening to it again. It was early in my Kdrama days and the drama made a big impression on me. Or rather JJS. And to this day, the ending to that OTP makes me so sad.

@joanne I think you would have probably read the lyrics for the R 1988's Hyewa- doong/ Ssangmoon-dong song? My heart just aches listening to it. Credit to cgwm808@viki ( yes I went to team notes to get it...).

Today, from a forgotten friend,
I got a call
that he will be leaving far away tomorrow

when we were young,
where we used to run and play together
he wants to meet in that alley
tomorrow he will go far, far away

riding a bumpy subway
and finding my way back
so many things
we have forgotten, as we live

When we were young, this narrow alley looked so wide
My beloved old friend runs to greet me

What we dreamed about together when we were young
the big world full of hope, he wants to meet it
tomorrow, he will go far, far away

on the day he returns
let us meet again with a wide smile
tomorrow, he will go far, far away

Korean drama OSTs are the best, I have never ever felt such emotions as when I listen to their songs. Honest to god, I have absolutely no idea how their lyrics can be so beautiful and meaningful. Makes me wish and miss my childhood and the friends I grew up with. Youth can never be recaptured but Kdramas and the Reply series- does a darn good job at making me feel my youth.

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Just hearing the first few notes make me want to cry. The lyrics just make that urge stronger. Junghwan-aaaaahhhh!!

I love songs that are able to make my heart ache. And K-drama OSTs are awesome sources since you get the actual story behind the songs, to make them hurt more.

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Aw, I loved your closing line! Goals for sure to be at the norabaeng with these cute talented singer/actors!

It amazes me how talented all these korean actors are and I'm always blown away to hear the songs they contribute to the dramas...some of my favorites from actors singing for OSTs are: Kim Go Eun "Attraction" from Cheese in the Trap, Joo Won "Innocente" from Tomorrow's Cantabile, and Hyun Bin "The Man" from Secret Garden.

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This post is worth everyone's attention. When can I find out more?

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My first OST encounter was with Park Seo Joon singing "Long Way" from "She Was Pretty". Sung-joon (Park Seo Joon) not recognizing Hye-Jin (Hwang Jung-eum) because she was no longer the beautiful high school first love he remembered. The lyrics describes the love that has been rediscovered and the resolve that they will be together forever because of "LOVE".
Park Seo-joon is my favorite actor/singer!

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I liked Hearstring's song Because I Miss You. I found the story with his father so sad but I really liked the moments where they played guitar.

I want a new drama with Nam Ji Hyun ! I loved her so much in Suspicious Partner :D The song was really cute and was so good for their story :)

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Oh I forgot Puberty Medley ! The scene when Kwak Dong Yeon is singing "Things being forgotten" under his umbrella was really beautiful !

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