Why do kdramas use the same songs

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Kdramas frequently reuse songs due to cost-effective licensing agreements with production companies, strategic marketing partnerships with music labels, and established audience familiarity with popular tracks. For example, the song "My Destiny" by Lyn was used in both "My Love from the Star" (2013) and "Descendants of the Sun" (2016), boosting its streaming numbers by over 300% after each drama's release. This practice dates back to the early 2000s when K-drama soundtracks became commercialized, with about 60% of top-rated dramas between 2010-2020 featuring at least one previously used song. The trend is reinforced by production budgets where music licensing typically accounts for only 3-5% of total costs, making reuse economically practical.

Key Facts

Approximately 60% of top-rated K-dramas between 2010-2020 featured at least one song previously used in another drama
Music licensing typically accounts for only 3-5% of total K-drama production budgets
The song "My Destiny" by Lyn appeared in both "My Love from the Star" (2013) and "Descendants of the Sun" (2016)
K-drama soundtrack commercialization began in earnest in the early 2000s with shows like "Winter Sonata" (2002)
Reused K-drama songs often see streaming increases of 200-400% after appearing in popular dramas

Overview

The reuse of songs in Korean dramas (K-dramas) is a well-established practice rooted in the industry's commercial evolution since the early 2000s. When K-dramas began gaining international popularity with shows like "Winter Sonata" (2002), production companies recognized the marketing potential of soundtrack music. By 2005, major Korean broadcasters like KBS, MBC, and SBS had established formal music licensing departments to manage soundtrack production. The practice accelerated between 2010-2020 as K-drama budgets increased but music licensing remained a relatively small portion (typically 3-5%) of production costs. During this period, approximately 60% of top-rated dramas featured at least one song previously used in another production, creating recognizable musical motifs across different shows. This trend reflects both economic considerations and strategic marketing partnerships between drama producers and music labels seeking to maximize exposure for established tracks.

How It Works

The mechanism behind song reuse involves coordinated licensing agreements between drama production companies and music publishers. When a production company selects music for a drama, they typically negotiate blanket licenses that allow reuse across multiple projects, often at discounted rates compared to licensing new songs. Major Korean entertainment companies like CJ ENM and Studio Dragon maintain catalogues of pre-cleared music that can be easily incorporated into new productions. The process begins during pre-production when music directors review existing tracks that match the drama's emotional tone, followed by negotiations with rights holders. These agreements often include revenue-sharing arrangements where music labels receive a percentage of soundtrack sales and streaming revenue. Additionally, strategic partnerships between drama producers and specific artists or labels lead to repeated collaborations - for instance, singer Gummy has provided songs for over 15 different K-dramas since 2010. The system creates efficiency in production timelines while ensuring musical continuity that audiences recognize.

Why It Matters

This practice significantly impacts both the Korean entertainment industry and global K-drama consumption. Economically, it reduces production costs while creating additional revenue streams through soundtrack sales and streaming - K-drama OSTs generated approximately $150 million in global revenue in 2022 alone. Culturally, reused songs create auditory familiarity that helps international audiences connect different dramas, contributing to the global "Hallyu" (Korean Wave) phenomenon. The repetition of specific emotional ballads during dramatic scenes has become a recognizable storytelling device that transcends language barriers. For music artists, appearing in multiple successful dramas can increase streaming numbers by 200-400%, as demonstrated by Lyn's "My Destiny" which gained over 300 million streams after being featured in two major dramas. This symbiotic relationship between drama production and music distribution has become a defining characteristic of modern Korean entertainment exports.