Historical period Korean dramas rely heavily on music to build atmosphere, emotion, and tension. These six (6) historical series have official OSTs. The soundtracks don’t just accompany the story — they elevate it. Each one blends traditional Korean musical elements with modern cinematic scoring that create unforgettable emotional moments.
My K-drama picks represent five distinct historical eras and five completely different musical philosophies — from gritty realism to regal ballads to youthful pop fusion.
(1) Six Flying Dragons (2015)
PLOT: Six political visionaries rise during the turbulent founding of the Joseon Dynasty, each driven by ambition, loyalty, or revenge. Their intertwined destinies shape the birth of a new nation while exposing the cost of power.
- Historical Period: Founding of the Joseon Dynasty
- Soundtrack Style: Epic, traditional, orchestral
Key Tracks:
- Six Dragons Rise — the powerful opening theme
- Muiiya — rhythmic chanting and percussion
- Time Flows Toward You — emotional ballad by XIA
Why OST Deserves 10 Stars
“Six Flying Dragons” uses sweeping orchestral themes mixed with traditional Korean instruments to create a sense of historical gravity. The music feels ceremonial, mythic, and deeply tied to the political stakes of the era. The soundtrack’s blend of ritualistic percussion and soaring vocals mirrors the drama’s themes of ambition, loyalty, and nation-building. THE VOCALS WERE INTENSE!
♦ OST SAMPLE:
Seohwa Lee. “Six Flying Dragons (OST)- Main Theme (Ending Part).” YouTube, 3 Jun. 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utr5e_MZ2Y0&list=PLBp6kdnSmvTijuNg–aJMRu92SeoTOwwl&index=6.
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(2) Chuno (Slave Hunters) (2010)
PLOT: A former nobleman becomes a relentless slave hunter after losing everything, chasing a fugitive who ties into his tragic past. The story unfolds across brutal class divides, betrayal, and a doomed love that haunts him.
- Historical Period: Joseon Era (roughly 15th–19th centuries)
Slave hunters operated until slavery was abolished in 1894 during the Gabo Reforms. - Soundtrack Style: Gritty, percussive, rock-infused (almost sounded like reggae music)
Key Tracks:
- The Mark (Nak-in) — Lim Jae Bum’s iconic anthem
- Rebellion of the People (Mincho-ui Nan) — hip hop fusion
- Biikryeonri — haunting melodic theme
Why OST Deserves 10 Stars
The OST for “Chuno” is raw, intense, and emotionally explosive — perfectly matching the drama’s chase sequences and tragic character journeys. The soundtrack’s fusion of rock, hip hop, and orchestral elements was groundbreaking for historical dramas and remains one of the most recognizable OSTs in K-drama history. A one-word description? LEGENDARY!
♦ OST SAMPLE:
confedrama. “Chuno / the Slave Hunters Opening Theme [Korean Drama].” YouTube, 3 Jun. 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcxoXMn6DUg.
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(3) Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010)
PLOT: A young woman disguises herself as a man to attend the elite Sungkyunkwan academy, breaking strict social rules of the Joseon era. She becomes entangled with three very different scholars as romance, politics, and academic chaos collide.
- Historical Period: Joseon academic life
- Soundtrack Style: Youthful, modern, romantic
Key Tracks:
- Found You (Chajatda) — upbeat, iconic love theme
- Too Love — emotional ballad
- Youth Scandal — energetic and fun
Why OST Deserves 10 Stars
This OST for “Sungkyunkwan Scandal” is bright, cheerful, and surprisingly modern for a historical drama. It captures the youthful energy of the main characters and the playful but serious tone of the series. The modern pop sound contrasts beautifully with the historical setting, making the drama feel fresh and accessible. At the 2011 Seoul International Drama Awards, the OST track “Found It” by JYJ was nominated for Outstanding Korean Drama OST. A++ FOR THE DISTINCTIVE VIOLIN MUSIC. (I heart violin music.)
♦ OST SAMPLE:
OSTCompilation. “Sungkyunkwan Scandal OST- The Lives Of Confucian Scholars.” YouTube, 19 Feb. 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR9PviNY9jo.
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(4) Hwa-Jung, the Princess of Light (2015)
PLOT: Princess Jungmyung fights to survive palace intrigue after her family is destroyed by political rivals. As she grows into a strategic leader, she works to restore stability to Joseon while confronting betrayal and shifting loyalties.
- Historical Period: Mid-Joseon political intrigue after the Imjin Wars
- Soundtrack Style: Regal, emotional, vocal-driven
Key Tracks:
- The Person Living in My Heart — Lena Park’s stunning ballad
- Rust — soulful and melancholic
- Dreaming a Dream — gentle, reflective
Why OST Deserves 10 Stars
The OST for “Hwa-Jung, the Princess of Light” is elegant and deeply emotional, featuring powerhouse vocalists who bring intensity and vulnerability to the drama’s political storyline. The OST’s emotional depth enhances the drama’s themes of loyalty, betrayal, and royal duty.
♦ OST SAMPLE:
Ptimur 1. “[MV] [Hwajung OST Part.1] The Person Living in My Heart (ENG+Rom+Han.SUB.) – Lena Park.” YouTube, 27 Jul. 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CNpQCMk0QE.
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(5) Hwarang: Poet Warrior Youth (2016–2017)
PLOT: Set in the Silla Kingdom, a group of elite young warriors is formed to protect the throne and unify the kingdom. They were youths selected from noble families who were elite warriors trained in arts, ethics, and combat. Their friendships, rivalries, and romances unfold as they train to become political and military leaders.
- Historical Period: Late Silla Kingdom, during reign of King Jinheung (6th century CE)
- Soundtrack Style: Youthful, energetic, pop-infused sageuk
Key Tracks:
- It’s Definitely You (V & Jin of BTS) — energetic and emotional
- Our Tears (Hyolyn) — powerful ballad
- One More Step (Jung Dong Ha) — uplifting and heroic
- Even If I Die, It’s You — alternate English title for the BTS track
Why OST Deserves 10 Stars
Hwarang blends historical storytelling with a modern K-pop-driven soundtrack, thanks to contributions from BTS, SHINee, Hyolyn, and other major artists. The music is vibrant, emotional, and perfectly matched to the K-drama’s themes of friendship, loyalty, and youthful ambition. Hwarang’s OST stands out because it merges sageuk aesthetics with contemporary idol vocals, creating a soundtrack that appeals to both historical drama fans and modern K-pop listeners. THE OST ENHANCES THE POET YOUTH WARRIOR MYSTIQUE.
♦ OST SAMPLE:
reyhana waya. “Hwarang Dance Performance.” YouTube, 11 Nov. 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d2lZRhlLa0.
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(NOTE: Saved the best for last. This Korean drama is set in the Joseon historical period and includes time travel and a gender-body swap.)
(6) Mr. Queen (2020)
PLOT: A modern-day chef is suddenly transported into the body of a Joseon-era queen, forcing him to navigate palace politics, royal etiquette, and a marriage he never asked for. As he struggles to return to his own time, he becomes entangled in conspiracies and unexpected emotional connections that reshape the kingdom’s fate.
- Historical Period: Joseon Dynasty (with a modern-day twist)
- Soundtrack Style: Blends traditional Joseon-era instrumentation with modern, energetic scoring
Key Tracks:
- Bong Hwan’s Theme — playful, modern energy
- Like the First Snow — emotional ballad
- Here I Am — romantic, melodic highlight
Why OST Deserves 10 Stars
Even though the premise involves time travel, the drama is firmly rooted in Joseon palace life, and the soundtrack reflects that duality. Emotional ballads and orchestral cues deepen the political tension and romantic beats. The OST enhances both the body-swap comedic chaos and the royal intrigue. MADE THE K-DRAMA LIVELY AND UNPREDICTABLE.
♦ OST SAMPLE:
Netflix K-Content. “Shin Hae-Sun’s Flashy Dance Moves Leave Kim Jung-Hyun Entranced.” YouTube, 17 Feb. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r28BYYLa8g.
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Do you love the background music in historical K-dramas?
These six (6) dramas show how music can define and enrich a historical narrative, turning each story into a fully immersive experience. Their original soundtracks deserve top marks for emotional power, artistic range, and cultural depth. These OSTs don’t just support the plot — they demonstrate how music can transform history into something cinematic, vibrant, and resonant across generations. And honestly, they deserve an extra star for diversity: from the gritty realism of Chuno to the regal elegance of Hwa Jung to the K-pop-infused energy of Hwarang. Learn the history of ancient Korea — and enjoy every unforgettable note along the way.
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