Soundtrack #1 (2022)

Short, Sweet and Decent.

This drama reminded me of a excerpt from "Me Before You", a romance novel by Jojo Moyes with a successful movie adaptation, which goes like: "...I told him a story of two people. Two people who shouldn't have met, and who didn't like each other much when they did, but who found they were the only two people in the world who could possibly have understood each other."

Created by NHN Bugs and Produced by Red Nine Pictures plus Xanadu Ent., "Soundtrack # 1 (사운드트랙 #1) [2022]" is one of the initial Disney+ Original Korean Drama ventures. Written by Ahm Sae Won and directed by Kim Hee Won, the drama got only 4 short episodes with approx. 45 mins runtime, and stars Park Hyung Sik & Han So Hee as leads.

Soundtrack #1 is a story of two best friends of two decades at their early 30s, who have stayed together through thick and thins, but the fine edges of friendship & love becomes hazy as they are attracted towards each other while staying with each other for two weeks. Will they end up together?

Even so it is this short, given the title, characters living through words, lyrics and music was expected (at least it was me who did), however, this wasn't true for most of the part; not disappointed, still.

I think the synopsis and the concept of "friends to lovers" trope tell it all and provided a total of around 170 minutes short runtime, it's pretty much guessable what's gonna happen; but what we should be looking forward to are: the execution and the ending, while peeking through the messages. In my opinion, the show was able to revive and relieve the hidden thoughts within us, while attempting to achieve a decent score. Although the show feels short and felt lil off at few instances, the development was squeaky clean and satisfactory.

Han So Hee plays Lee Eun Soo, a struggling lyricist who strives to do better with her own accord and is honest & outspoken in nature. Han Sun Woo played by Park Hyung Sik is a budding photographer with aweing skills who has a shy yet warm personality. We have Kim Joo Heon, Park Min Jung, Park Hoon and Yoon Byung Hee as supporting cast, while Lee Jung Eun and Seo In Guk play guest roles.

Wishing Ahn Sae Bom jakkanim a goodluck for his future endeavours for he was able to make an up to snuff delivery through this, and,also, congratulations on his debut. Kim Hee Won PDnim surely is one of the leading lady directors who has created qualitative up&down shows through years. And, for a short show like this, she has indeed carried out the overall execution well. The cinematography along with light hue and warm pallettes, made it an easy watch though I am a bit unsatisfied about the sound editing.

There are a total of 12 OSTs which is actually a lottttt for a show of apprpx. 3hours, but would you say you didn't want it? No, bcs the quality is so majestic to just not ask for. Not gonna write a lot but surely wanna mention all of them, for I have come to love all of them...

# "Want to be happy" by Park Boram
# "Love beyond words" by KYUHYUN
# "Your tender heart hurts me" by DAVICHI
# "My Love" by Kim Jong Kook
# "Talk to me" by KIM JAE HWAN
# "Prettiest One" by Standing Egg
# "A little more" by DOYOUNG
# "Wanna be your lover" by Monday Kiz
# "We'll shine brighter than any other" by Lee Hi
# "Love Love Love" by SEOBIN
# "miss you more, I'm sorry by" Lee Yejoon
# "Love beyond words" by DOKO

What I didn't like...

# Han So Hee seemed to struggle a little; which wasn't really visible but for someone who has watched almost everything she has acted in, she appeared to be having a difficult time to fit into a role which is radically opposite from others played by her.

#Even though I am fond of all the OSTs, I believe the show needed to be longer particularly to utilize them well in the story.

# Given the title, characters living through words, lyrics and music was expected (at least it was me who did), however, this wasn't true for most of the part; not disappointed, still.

Final Remarks... "Soundtrack #1" is indeed a satisfactory delivery about love & friendship and the essence they offer you in life, even for a short period. Screenwriting, direction, performance and execution are overally good and up to par. Won't say it's a must watch, but definitely a short and sweet journey, that will entice you to core. Please go ahead :)

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Short and Sweet

Soundtrack #1 tells the story of two individuals who have been best friends friends since childhood and are now in their early thirties. They've been through a lot together, through many ups and downs in life. However, certain circumstances led them to live together for two weeks. Is it possible that these two weeks will help them realise their emotions?

Soundtrack #1 feels like a typical romance drama, except it's only a few hours long. But, t he portrayal of the "friends to lovers" trope feels very realistic and pragmatic. The story is straightforward, but the manner in which it is told is entertaining. The story moves at a good pace, which, combined with the cast and their performances, makes it enticing to watch.

Han Sun Woo and Lee Eun Soo are played by Park Hyung Sik and Han So Hee, respectively. Han Sun Woo is a charming and attractive photographer who struggles to conceal his feelings for his best friend, Eun Soo. Lee Eun Soo is a lively and straightforward budding lyricist who is still unaware fo her feelings for Sun Woo.

Their acting was excellent, and they were able to accurately convey the emotions of the characters. I don't have much to say about their performance. I enjoyed their chemistry and hope to see them in more dramas.

The music was lovely, and I have grown fond of it. The soundtracks are fantastic, with a well-balanced selection of songs that fit the story's mood. There are 12 tracks in total:
 "Love beyond words" (사랑은 말로 표현하는게 아니래요) by KYUHYUN
 "Want to be happy"(행복해지고 싶어)  by Park Boram
"Your tender heart hurts me" (소녀 같은 맘을 가진 그댈 생각하면 아파요) by DAVICHI
"My Love" by Kim Jong Kook
"Talk to me"  (나에게 말해요) by KIM JAE HWAN
"Prettiest One" (너만 예뻐) by Standing Egg
"A little more" (아주 조금만 더) by DOYOUNG
"Wanna be your lover" (이젠 친구에서 연인이 되고 싶어) by Monday Kiz
"We'll shine brighter than any other stars" (우린 어떠한 별보다 빛날 거야) by Lee Hi
"Love Love Love" by SEOBIN
"Miss you more, I'm sorry" (더 미안하고 보고 싶고 그래) by Lee Yejoon 
"Love beyond words" by DOKO
 "I'm more sorry and miss you" (더 미안하고 보고 싶고 그래) by Twenty
All of their songs elicit such vibrant feelings in the listener that he or she can't help but love the music. My personal favourites are Love Beyond Words and Wanna Be Your Lover.

Finally, there isn't much else to say about this brief drama. This drama was enjoyable and satisfying. Everything went off without a hitch. I'll gladly rewatch this drama at some point in the future, owing to its length. This is a good drama to watch if you want something short and sweet that will captivate you to the heart.

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