25

It’s hard not to hum along to the songs/melodies that form the complete original soundtrack (OST) in one of the latest Netflix series, which has batch of episodes released every Friday from 7 March 2025, with the final batch releasing on 28 March 2025. These are some of the songs and music, handpicked for your listening comfort.

• There’s something calming and uplifting about the opening theme Spring that makes you want to listen every single time, despite the length of each episode. If there’s one introduction that I wouldn’t skip (streaming services allows each subscriber to skip the introduction to get to the actual show/episode a little faster), it would be this. It’s easy to mistake/assume that IU is the vocalist behind this. However, after some digging, it turns out that this song is a classic in the 1970s and can be traced back to a Kim Jung Mi, a psychedelic rock singer who delved into the genres of folk and blues. She however faced challenges pertaining to censorship as well as the 1975 marijuana incident, prompting all her work to be seized by authorities and her unfortunate departure from the music scene.
• Wind in the Trees comes on when Ae-sun and Gwan-sik run away. Notice how the songs are very nature-centric, which is pretty apt for those living the island life and also a reminder that we should always treasure Mother Nature. Otherwise, natural disasters can strike as a result of the actions of mankind.
• You’re A Fool by Kim Choo Ja plays when Gwan-sik’s mum gets hold of their bags, after an attempt at running away to Busan.
• Ode to Green Spring really is one thoughtful song to include when Gwan-sik runs to catch/punch the one who robbed them both of their catch for the day, which is how Gwan-sik works to put food on the table.
• Neoyeong Nayeong is a folk song that’s been performed countless times, using the sogeum. It helps bring out the character of Jeju Island, South Korea.
• 당신의 모든 것을 plays once Ae-sun tells Gwan-sik -go – and he turns off the light . The original 1973 version is sung in the series.
• Haenim by Kim Jung Mi plays when viewers see Ae-sun running to her mum’s house.
• Yang Hee Eun’s Without Me Knowing plays during that powerful yet everyday scene at the marketplace. 나도 몰(Nado Mollae) is its Korean equivalent.

All in all, with its excellent cinematography, exceptional acting and occasionally witty and sharp dialogue, its original soundtrack (OST) deserves a nod from the Dragon King. The music and songs definitely elevate your streaming experience by accentuating what the characters feel/think/experience. After all, this is an emotional drama showcasing the best/dark scenes of South Korean culture.