Translate This Page

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Korean Drama/Film Soundtrack - Acoustic Tunes Selection

Here I'd like to share my selection of acoustic tunes, picked from several Korean dramas and movies. Regardless the films or the dramas, (I believe) the tunes offer a calming, comforting atmosphere for melancholic rainy days, quiet sunny afternoons, and calm starry nights. 

Full House (2004)
Paradiso (by Jung Tae Yoo)

Full House (풀하우스) is a Korean TV series, starring Rain and Song Hye-Gyo, aired in 2004. The series focuses on the life of Lee Young Jae (Rain) and Han Ji-eun (Song Hye-Gyo) who set up a contract for marriage, despite their hatred towards each other. However as they live under the contract, both start to love each other. 

"Paradiso" could be found in several scenes (notably in a scene where Yoo Minhyuk realizes Ji-eun's feelings towards Young Jae, he cries in the shower). It is a melancholic tune, showcasing guitar melodies accompanied by piano riff. As for me, this is a perfect acoustic tune to accompany my quite sunny afternoon. Well, better listen to this tune while enjoying sunny afternoon in a quiet beach. 


Haru: An Unforgettable Day in Korea (2010)
Coffee or Tea (by Oh Joon Seong)


Haru is a Korean film released in 2010. It is actually a short movie promoting the tourism of South Korea, starring U-Know Yunho from TVXQ, Lee Dae Hee, Kim Bum, Han Chae Young, Park Shi Hoo, and BIG BANG. The film showcases landscape of Korea, the beauty of its nature, as well as fascinating small towns. The promotion is cleverly packaged through the scenes. 

"Coffee or Tea" is a short piece that could be heard during the scene of Kim Bum chatting with Lee Dae Hee in a train. It is an acoustic guitar piece that plays in D major, bringing sense of soothing. I love listening to this song on cloudy days, for sure. 


Jungle Fish (2010)
Knockin' on Heaven's Door (by Taru)


I kind of like this version of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", followed by Avril Lavigne's live version. It's basically a vocal-guitar song, with melody of slow, string-section after the second verse accompanying in the second chorus. As you listen to the song, pay attention to the second chorus and you may think that Taru cried on that verse! 


Two Weeks (2013)
The Day You Come (by Yoo Seung Woo)


Two Weeks is a Korean TV series starring actor Lee Junki, Park Ha Sun, Kim Soyeon, and Ryu Sooyoung. Aired in 2013, the series focuses on the life of Jang Tae San (Lee Junki). He is accused of a murder that he is sent to jail. However, he breaks out and has to survive in order to save her daughter within two weeks. "The Day You Come" is a soft, melancholic guitar pop, exposing its guitar arrangement and Yoo Seung Woo's soft voice, ornamented by slow string-section and melodic piano tunes. The song is usually played during sad scenes. 


Heartstrings (2011)
Because I Miss You (Guitar Version)
Original song performed by Jung Yonghwa


This is the solo guitar version from the original "Because I Miss You" (그리워서...), performed by Jung Yonghwa from CNBlue. I refer the song as "a summer breeze kissing dandelions and apple leaves".


City Hunter (2011)
Memories of Love (Guitar version by Park Joo Won)
Original song titled 'Love' (사랑), performed by Im Jae Beom


This version of 'Love' (사랑) is arranged in a guitar solo performance. For those who are looking for easy listening guitar solo tunes, this song may be a good choice (I recommend you listening to this song in a quiet noon, while enjoying cool summer breeze). Better listen to the original song first, and then compare to this guitar version. The solo piano version is available as well in the tracklist. 


Sad Love Story (2005)
Sad Aria (by Yoon Gun)


The song features soft vox, accompanied by classic guitar arrangement and string section. Opened by guitar melody and dominated with minor chords, I don't recommend you listening to this song while feeling blue (unless you want to have a kind of soundtrack for your blue moment).