On Air OST (SBS TV Drama)

Punctuated throughout the series as its main theme, Han Gaji Mal drives along at a brisk pace and has a sort of wanderlust about it. Featuring the vocal harmony of mid-tempo crooners F.T Island, the song is awash with delightful hooks that hinge on the central theme of unrequited love. A gentle confession of love, the song unleashes the frustration one experiences while yearning for his or her love interest to reciprocate the love.

Featured more frequently during the earlier episodes, the pop classical score Q bears a likeness to Viva!, a fusion classical hit performed by Bond. The song ushers the listeners into an explosive intro, enhanced by the powerful delivery of teeming string and drum sounds. Eliciting a strong emotional reaction from listeners, the song is perfect for scenes with cliffhangers.

Drowned in the splendor of hope, the fourth track Seol re im can be translated into the palpitating or throbbing of one's heart. Opening with a gentle guitar riff accompanied by gentle rap, the song heads into an upbeat mid-tempo melody which is perfectly aligned with lyrics that speak of the joy of loving someone and the hope that it may lead to something special. Used throughout the series in mostly dialogue-free scenes, the song offers a ray of sunshine, chanting blithely of love that yearns to be revealed.

Not to disappoint his hallyu fans, Park churns out two tracks in On Air OST: Whe Sarang and Goma un saram, both sweeping ballad charmers smoothly coated with Park's husky, masculine vocals. Song Yoon Ah, who gave a frisky performance in the drama's karaoke scene, tones down her act in Geu rim ja ("Shadow"). Exposing her character's vulnerability, the song's dreamy melancholic melody echoes the hidden pain her character hides beneath her eccentric, cheerful mask. With her unadorned vocal style playing to the sparse instrumental accompaniment, the song comes off sounding rather naked, yet the simplicity works in its favor. Conveying the emotional frustration and pain of loving someone secretly in the shadows, the song weeps in tears.

I must admit I like this soundtrack more because of the drama. For carrying its own entertainment value as well as adding much value to the drama's success, I give a thumbs up to its fine leading and supporting performances.