Top 5 K-Drama OSTs That Became More Famous Than the Dramas

Discover K-Drama OSTs that outshined their own shows.
From viral ballads to global chart-toppers.
Music that lives on beyond the drama.

When a Korean drama airs, one of the most captivating elements besides the story and acting is the original soundtrack (OST). Sometimes, the theme song ends up becoming far more popular than the drama itself, turning into an anthem on music platforms and endlessly covered on social media. This phenomenon proves that the power of music can surpass a drama’s performance. Here are five K-Drama OSTs that went viral and achieved massive success, even though their dramas weren’t as iconic as the songs.

1. “Stay With Me” – Chanyeol & Punch (Goblin, 2016)

While Goblin was already one of tvN’s most talked-about dramas, its first OST release, “Stay With Me,” pushed the series to a whole new level of global recognition. Performed by EXO’s Chanyeol and powerhouse vocalist Punch, the track blended soft, haunting melodies with emotional rap lines that resonated deeply with listeners. The song dominated Korean digital charts for weeks and made its way to international playlists, becoming a staple for K-pop and K-drama fans alike. On YouTube, its official video soared past hundreds of millions of views, with countless covers and acoustic renditions posted by fans worldwide. Many netizens even confessed that they first discovered Goblin because this track went viral, proving how a single OST can serve as a gateway to a drama.

Spotify streams (as of September 2025): approximately 420 million.

2. “Sweet Night” – V BTS (Itaewon Class, 2020)

Itaewon Class was already a hit thanks to its underdog storyline and Park Seo Joon’s charismatic performance, but V BTS’s self-composed “Sweet Night” became a phenomenon of its own. Sung entirely in English with a soothing indie-pop style, the track resonated beyond K-drama audiences and topped iTunes charts in over 100 countries, an unprecedented feat for a Korean OST. Its intimate, warm tone made listeners feel as though they were being comforted personally, and ARMYs across the globe streamed it endlessly even if they had not seen the drama. Many described it as one of V’s most personal songs, with simple yet heartfelt lyrics that paired perfectly with his deep, honey-like vocals. The success of “Sweet Night” demonstrated how a drama soundtrack can break language barriers and reach mainstream global audiences.

Spotify streams (as of September 2025): approximately 310 million.

3. “Say Yes” – Loco & Punch (Scarlet Heart Ryeo, 2016)

Although Scarlet Heart Ryeo built a loyal following, it struggled with domestic ratings and critical reception. Yet one of its soundtracks, “Say Yes” by rapper Loco and vocalist Punch, became a hidden gem that outlived the drama’s mixed success. The playful yet romantic vibe of the song made it a popular choice for fan edits, couple-themed TikTok, and Instagram reels. Its mellow rap verses and sweet chorus created a nostalgic yet youthful energy, keeping the series alive in digital spaces long after it finished airing. For many younger K-drama enthusiasts, this OST is remembered more vividly than the show itself, proving how social media virality can sustain a song’s relevance even when the drama fades.

Spotify streams (as of September 2025): approximately 190 million.

4. “Everytime” – Chen EXO & Punch (Descendants of the Sun, 2016)

Descendants of the Sun was already a massive cultural moment, especially with the iconic pairing of Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo, but Chen EXO and Punch’s “Everytime” became a soundtrack classic that continues to echo years later. The upbeat yet emotional song dominated charts during its release and remains one of the most recognizable K-drama OSTs ever. Its catchy chorus and uplifting melody made it a favorite for variety shows, commercials, and background music across Korean entertainment programs. Even people who have not watched the drama can often recognize the tune from countless social media clips and TV appearances. “Everytime” perfectly captured the heart-fluttering moments of the series, ensuring its longevity as a beloved K-drama anthem.

Spotify streams (as of September 2025): approximately 360 million.

5. “Once Again” – Mad Clown & Kim Na Young (Descendants of the Sun, 2016)

Another unforgettable OST from Descendants of the Sun is “Once Again,” a duet by rapper Mad Clown and emotional ballad singer Kim Na Young. While the drama had explosive viewership, this particular song carved out its own identity beyond the storyline. Its soulful melody and heartbreaking lyrics about love and longing turned it into a karaoke favorite and a go-to soundtrack for romantic or breakup-themed social media edits. Younger listeners who may not have watched the series still regard it as a classic heartbreak anthem. Many covers, from acoustic guitar renditions to piano ballads, keep this track alive on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, proving that some OSTs can achieve timeless appeal separate from the drama’s era.

Spotify streams (as of September 2025): approximately 250 million.

The phenomenon of OSTs overshadowing their dramas highlights the strength of Korea’s music industry in reaching global audiences. Many people end up watching dramas after falling in love with the theme songs, while others enjoy the music without feeling the need to follow the story. This trend shows how K-Drama and K-Pop continually reinforce each other in the Korean entertainment ecosystem.

Source: Gaon/Korea Music Content Association data, global iTunes charts, netizen discussions on X/Twitter and K-Drama forums