The Enduring Appeal of Music-Themed Dramas: A Look at Recent Hits and Upcoming Releases

Music-themed dramas continue to captivate audiences, with classics like 'Beethoven Virus', the idol band story 'You're Beautiful', and the growth of art school students in 'Dream High' leaving a lasting impact. Recently, 'Run On' has continued this trend, while 'Namib' and 'Suspicious Her' have further demonstrated the genre's enduring power.

Last year's sensation 'Run On' highlighted the crucial role of music in its storyline. The fresh pairing of Byun Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon, along with their captivating chemistry, drove its popularity. The show's OST, performed by Byun Woo-seok's character, topped music charts, showcasing the drama's influence.

Byun Woo-seok's portrayal of a singer was marked by powerful stage performances and nuanced acting, winning over global fans. The harmony between the character's background and musical elements enhanced the show's immersive experience.

Concluding in November 2023, 'Shining Watermelon' is a fantasy youth drama about a musically gifted CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) boy, Eun-gyeol (played by Ryeoun), who time-slips to 1995 to form a band with his father (Choi Hyun-wook). The blend of music and an emotional storyline captivated viewers.

The show opened new doors for Ryeoun, leading to his casting in 'Namib' by director Kang Min-gu, who was impressed by 'Shining Watermelon'. Yoon Sang-hyun, known for his singing in 'Secret Garden' and 'Queen of Housewives', also joined 'Namib' due to his interest in music-themed projects.

'Namib', featuring Go Hyun-jung and Ryeoun, tells the story of a fired star producer and a released long-term trainee striving to achieve their dreams. Set against the backdrop of the idol entertainment industry, it adds realism and musical detail, deeply engaging viewers. Go Hyun-jung's son, Lee Jin-woo, a member of the idol group Ghost9, brings his musical talent to his role, enhancing the show's quality.

Premiering on KBS2 last month, 'Suspicious Her' also centers around music. It follows the story of a grandmother, Oh Doo-ri (played by Jung Ji-so), who dreams of a second heyday after returning to her twenties. Jung Ji-so's impressive singing highlights the drama's musical appeal, with performances captivating audiences. The sixth episode, aired on the 2nd, featured a joint busking performance by Jung Ji-so and Chae Won-bin, achieving a series-high rating of 4%.

In June, another music drama, 'Spring of the Four Seasons', is set to air on SBS. Featuring FNC Entertainment artists Ha Yoo-jun and Lee Seung-hyub, known for bands like FT Island, CNBLUE, and N.Flying, the show raises anticipation. It tells the story of a top band star starting anew with love and music on a college campus.

Music-themed programs are not limited to dramas; variety shows continue to thrive, reflecting high public interest and demand. From survival shows to busking, these programs depict artists' growth in a realistic and dramatic manner, enhancing interest through the element of art. While genre preferences vary, music alleviates daily monotony and fatigue, elevating a show's appeal. This is why art-themed dramas enjoy longevity.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr