Top 10 Music K-Dramas Every K-Pop Fan Should Watch in 2025!
- Kumari Khushboo
- Sep 2
- 7 min read
If there is a dream crossover that exists in the world of Korean culture fans, then it's a blend of K-drama and K-pop. The success of K-pop Demon Hunters is the most recent proof of that. Ever thought about how it feels to watch the real stories of K-pop idols or Korean soloists, simply the people who get inspired by Korean music every day? We have curated a list of the K-dramas that show the journey of musicians and music lovers. For K-pop fans, it's almost like getting a glimpse of their idols' lives.
These stories are woven around not just one genre, from K-pop to Opera, bands to soloists, and simply the people who keep music alive in their lives every day. And it's not all dramas that are from the Gen Z era, some of them marked their place way back, and for the new watchers, about these can be even more impactful.
For K-pop lovers, music is not just watching your idols sing and dance. It's the healing journey that comes from it, the inspiration that they get from idols, as dreaming high doesn't feel too ambitious for them, taking aspirations to the next level. Isn't that the whole point anyway?
If you have read till here, we believe you're also a music lover, and these might be your dream recommendations. They inspire, make you emotional, some have revenge, and some are simply feel-good. It's indeed a roller coaster, and who doesn't love that? So let's begin finding your next wish list addition.
Do You Like Brahms? (2020)
This one is a quiet masterpiece. Classical music meets youthful love, but don’t expect a light, bubbly rom-com. It’s slow, deliberate, and full of emotions that simmer under the surface more than they explode. If you like self-narrative, introspective dramas with close-up emotions and character depth, this is for you. But if you’re after a flashy plot or endless twists, it might feel underwhelming.
We loved it. Park Eun-bin and Kim Min-jae deliver realistic portrayals of two introverts who struggle to communicate but strive to be open with each other. Their chemistry feels raw and real. The OST is on another level, carrying the weight of every emotion you feel while watching. It’s not just a drama about music, but about persistence, evolving dreams, and learning not to give up. Slow burn? Definitely. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
The Liar and His Lover (2017)
This is the kind of drama you watch when you want something sweet, comforting, and easy on the heart. Joy from Red Velvet brings charm to her role; it’s enjoyable in its simplicity.
The characters face challenges, but instead of dragging things out in heavy melodrama, they move on with life. That’s what makes it feel refreshing. The pacing is smooth, the music is soothing, and Joy’s voice in the OST is a highlight. It’s not the kind of show that keeps you on the edge of your seat — it’s more like the cozy drama equivalent of a guilty pleasure. Except, we don’t even feel guilty about enjoying it.
Dream High (2011)
If you’ve been into K-dramas for a while, you already know this one is legendary. Dream High was a cultural moment. It’s the story of young students chasing K-pop stardom, filled with campy humor, a little cheesiness, and a lot of heart.
The cast was young, with many of them being idols just starting out. But that’s also what makes it work. Now they are all huge stars in the entertainment industry as the series has Bae Suzy, Kim Soo-hyun, Ok Taecyeon, Hahm Eun-jung, Jang Wooyoung, and Lee Ji-eun (IU). It feels like watching actual trainees trying to prove themselves, mirroring the storyline. The underdog energy is strong, and the characters grow in ways that stay with you.
Fun fact: The actors sang most of their songs themselves, making it worth watching just for that. It's one of those dramas that still makes you smile and root for the characters, even years later.
You’re Beautiful (2009)
The classic band drama that shaped so many of the tropes we still see today. Watching it now, you’ll notice the flaws — messy storytelling, exaggerated characters — but it’s impossible not to be entertained.
The debate over Tae Kyung versus Shin Woo still lingers among fans. Tae Kyung, played by Jang Keun-suk, may come off harsh at first, but his character growth feels much more natural and genuine. Shin Woo was sweet, yes, but his kindness always had the undertone of wanting to win the girl over. Tae Kyung’s moments, from protecting her identity to encouraging her music, felt real and selfless.
What makes the drama so iconic, though, is how it set the stage for music-themed K-dramas that followed. And honestly, Jang Keun-suk’s performance alone makes it unforgettable.
The Sound of Magic (2022)
This drama is not the kind you watch for big twists or heavy action — it’s something that slowly pulls you in with its mix of fantasy, music, and quiet emotions. It almost feels like watching a stage play at times.
The songs linger even after they end, and Na Il-deung’s story feels the most real. If you’ve read the webtoon, you’ll notice some things didn’t carry over fully, but the performances still give it a certain charm. The ending may not hit everyone the same way, but the journey itself is what makes it worth watching.
Persevere, Goo Hae Ra (2015)
This drama is one of those underrated gems you either love or can’t stand. The music is emotional, the story has heart, and some performances will stay with you — especially the rain song.
It's a slow-paced drama, and if you can look past the flaws, there are touching moments, and the music is still a highlight. It’s not for everyone, but if you like underdog music dramas, it might win you over.
Page Turner (2016)
For anyone who loves the beauty of music and the spark of youthful friendship, Page Turner is a short but unforgettable drama. Starring Ji Soo, Kim So-hyun, and Shin Jae-ha, the story follows Yoon Yoo-seul, a piano prodigy whose world changes overnight after a tragic accident leaves her blind. What unfolds is an inspiring journey where music becomes more than just a career — it turns into a lifeline, a way of rediscovering herself, and a bridge to new relationships.
Despite being only three episodes long, Page Turner captures the emotional weight of an entire series. With heartfelt performances and a moving message about resilience, passion, and the bonds we create along the way, this gem of a drama leaves you thinking long after it ends. It’s the kind of story that proves you don’t always need a long runtime to make a lasting impact.
Penthouse (2020–2021)
If you're a fan of opera and revenge dramas, this one is for you. Penthouse is pure chaos, and that’s exactly why people love it. It’s dramatic, over-the-top, and packed with shocking twists — murder, betrayal, bullying, and secret identities. It’s not about subtle storytelling; it’s about keeping you glued to the screen, wondering what wild thing will happen next.
Penthouse is unapologetically designed to rile up your emotions. By season two, the whole power dynamic flips, and characters you once hated start to grow on you. If you’re looking for a thrilling rollercoaster ride rather than thoughtful storytelling, Penthouse delivers.
This drama is the definition of heartwarming. It follows five doctors who are longtime friends, and their bond is as much a part of the story as the hospital setting. It’s slow, wholesome, and charming, with music woven beautifully into the narrative.
What makes it so special is the ensemble cast. With so many characters, you’ll end up attached to at least one deeply. It's about everyday life, friendship, and healing. The romance is subtle, more of a background note than the main focus, but it adds warmth without overwhelming the story. It’s one of those dramas that feels like a hug and a cup of coffee.
Cheer Up (2022)
Cheer Up captures youth in a way that feels nostalgic and bittersweet. At first, it might test your patience with its love triangle and mystery subplot, but stick with it. By the end, the cheer squad’s reunion scene is going to make you smile like never before.
What really stands out is how much the cast seemed to enjoy making it. You can feel the bond between them, and it makes their performances so genuine. The drama also captures that confusing time of college — becoming an adult overnight, facing failures, learning, and still trying your best.
The OST hits hard, the characters grow in real ways, and it’s one of those shows you might want to revisit someday just for the feels.
Final thoughts
Dramas based on music are not a new finding in the K-drama world. They have always been highlighting music as their primary ornament in the stories they tell. It's almost impossible not to check out the K-dramas' OSTs and search for the singers after watching any series. We have all been there, but seeing your idols’ journey and the characters who are devoted to music every day is a different kind of experience. And one of the best parts is that some of the OSTs were sung by the actors themselves. Music has always been an integral part of K-dramas and will always be.
Let us know in the comments section if you love these recommendations and which one is your favorite. Stay tuned with Dojeon Media for more such recommendations featuring the crossover of K-dramas with K-pop!
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