Edited by Hwang Hong Sun
Translated by Kim Hoyeun
Though they are not made specifically for the films, soundtracks that blend in well with the films are loved for a long time along with the films. This article will introduce Korean movies that added unexpected emotions and fun with the ear-catching soundtracks.
The Contact – “A Lover’s concerto”
The romance film The Contact, which revolves around PC communications, received positive reviews for its delicate portrayal of the main characters expressing loneliness online. Also, the soundtrack that delivered the overall tone of the movie was much loved. Especially, Sarah Vaughan’s “A Lover’s concerto” captivated the viewers so much so that the song was played all over the street at the time.
If Sun Rise Up From West – “Early in the morning”
If Sun Rise Up From West is about a professional baseball referee and a star actress falling in love with each other. Like The Contact, it inserted old pop songs as their soundtracks, drawing attention. Cliff Richard’s “Early in the morning” that flowed out when Im Chang Jung and Go So Young shared a kiss in the stadium, wonderfully blended with the scene, leaving behind a strong afterglow.
Who Are You? – “Chow Chow“
Who Are You? is the film that made “Chow Chow,” the song by an indie band Deli Spice, well known. The story is about game developer Hyung Tae and aquarium diver In Joo meeting in the cyber world, healing their pain and dream of falling in new love. The song came out the moment their “cyber love” is continued in reality.
The Classic – “I to You, You to Me”
The Classic, which tells the story of an affectionate love, left an afterglow by placing the K-POP songs in the right places. Among them, the best is Scenery of Riding Bicycle’s “I to You, You to Me” that flowed out in the scene where Son Ye Jin and Jo In Sung ran together in the rain. Ths song harmonized with the lyrical atmosphere of the film so well that it is considered an impressive scene for the perfect use of music.
Architecture 101 – “Etude of Memory”
Architecture 101 drew much attention for using popular songs in the mid-90s as soundtracks. Songs like 015B’s “Love of New Generations,” and Marronnier’s “Cocktail Love” added to the memories of those days. But Exhibition’s “Etude of Memory” left a deep impression to the point where it was called the main theme of the movie. “Etude of Memory” was used as a device to close the distance between awkward Seung Min and Seo Yeon, and to prove that they have always been missing each other when they met 15 years alter.
Nameless Gangster: Rules of Time – “I Heard a Rumor”
Nameless Gangster: Rules of Time was well received for its sharp satire of the 80s and 90s. The best soundtrack is Ham Jung Ah and Yankees’s “I Heard a Rumor.” When Choi Ik Hyun, a customs officer, meets Choi Hyung Bae, the gang leader, and gets on his high horse, the song comes out, adding to the humorous fun of the movie. A remake version of the song sang by Kiha & The Faces was played once again in the ending credit.
The Good, The Bad, The Weird – “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”
Called the Korean-style western film, The Good, The Bad, The Weird is famous for “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” which is inserted in the scene where Jung Woo Sung participates in a gun battle and wipes out the Japanese troops. The song is also famous for being inserted in director Quentin Tarantino‘s Kill Bill. In Korea, netizens parodied various versions fo the song (and the scene) after the release of the movie.
On Your Wedding Day – “Smile Again”
On Your Wedding Day, considered a movie that depicted the story of first love realistically, is famous for Rumble Fish’s “Smile Again,” which was released in 2007. In the movie, it is a song that Seung HEe listens to whenever she is facing a hard time, and the song is also used as a device that allows Seung Hee and Woo Yeon to be together. The scene where Kim Young Kwang took over the school’s broadcasting club and passionately sang “Smile Again” has some big laughs.
