21
35
7
WandereR
Borneo
This review may contain spoilers
Music and Lyrics
Soundtrack #1 is my number one feel-good and comfort drama of the year, or any year for that matter. Yes, there have been many great productions in the past but perhaps none as short or as sweet, and certainly as satisfying as this one, as far as friendship and romance-themed stories are concerned.
Truth be told, this isn’t my go-to genre and I only watch dramas of this nature probably once or twice a year, if not less. I’ve dropped or put on hold many of such dramas in the past. For 2022, the only one that I’ve completed to-date is 25-21 which is a remarkable production in its own right, but what Soundtrack #1 does so well is how it provides closure in the most satisfying, realistic and inspiringly hopeful and positive manner that most ordinary folks could relate to, in particular those who are going through a similar experience as well. And of course, this drama stars Park Hyung Sik and Han So Hee as the leads. That fact alone provided more than enough motivation to give this one a shot and I’m glad I did.
One of the rising number of K-dramas to be produced and streamed exclusively on Disney+, Soundtrack #1 is based on the original screenplay written by Ahn Sae Bom in what is his first screenwriting credit. Kim Hee Won, the prolific director of dramas including the likes of Vincenzo and The Crowned Clown, serves as director.
What I Liked
First and foremost, obviously the leads. Park Hyung Sik impressed me in Happiness but I was already a fan after the South Korean remake of Suits. Despite having not seen most of his wide repertoire of works, something that I’ll have to remedy in the near future, one could tell how well cast he is in pleasant good guy roles, especially the wholesome boy-next-door kind of vibes. Nothing flashy, OTT or extreme but rather just down-to-earth and ultra low-key type of personas suit his overall demeanour and style of acting. That said, I’m sure he possesses a lot more range that’s just waiting to be unleashed.
Han So Hee took my breath away in My Name. I just had to see more of her and in a completely different setting.The feedback on her performance, especially at the initial stage, wasn’t too promising where many viewers were either not convinced by her chemistry with Park Hyung Sik or felt that her acting was lacking. Personally for me and given the context of the narrative, I wasn’t expecting powerful award-winning type of performances from anyone. The bare minimum for me for a story of this nature is to be convinced of the interactions and connection between the leads. In that regard, I am not disappointed. I really enjoyed seeing how well both leads articulated their roles to imbue much realism into the depiction of a healthy and organic relationship development stemming from the unique backstory that they share.
In terms of the narrative, stories about unrequited or repressed romance with friends-to-lovers and co-habitation themes are a hit or miss for me but in this case, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the viewing experience. Perhaps it’s because of how much I adore the leads that I bought into the storytelling. Another possible reason is how short it is. Any longer than 4 episodes or the usual 12 or 16-episode format and I might have bailed. But given how compact the structure of the story is and the rather entertaining pace as well as the sequencing of key plot points, I was honestly not bored out of my mind at all.
Another crucial selling point is the production values. From the first minute of the first episode, one could tell this drama has quality written all over it. The magical snowfall effect, the tasteful set designs including the charming little roadside diner, the adorable home that the leads share, the chic photography studio, among others. All of these aspects are presented beautifully with the kind of warm colour palette that makes this a cosy and inviting little drama to savour.
For a drama entitled Soundtrack #1, its soundtrack truly is deserving of the title. Featuring no less than 12 songs, perhaps the ones that speak to me would be the evocative love ballads which are amongst the best that have been released this year thus far.
The full list are as follows:
Kyuhyun (규현) - Love beyond words (사랑은 말로 표현하는게 아니래요)
Park Boram (박보람) - Want to be happy (행복해지고 싶어)
Davichi (다비치) - Your tender heart hurts me (소녀 같은 맘을 가진 그댈 생각하면 아파요)
Kim Jong Kook (김종국) - My Love
Kim Jae Hwan (김재환) - Talk to me (나에게 말해요)
Standing Egg (스탠딩 에그) - Prettiest One (너만 예뻐)
DOYOUNG (도영) - A little more (아주 조금만 더)
Monday Kiz (먼데이 키즈) - Wanna be your lover (이젠 친구에서 연인이 되고 싶어)
LeeHi (이하이) - We'll shine brighter than any other stars (우린 어떠한 별보다 빛날 거야)
SEOBIN (서빈) - Love Love Love
LEE YEJOON (이예준) - Miss You More, I'm Sorry (더 보고 싶고 미안하고 그래)
DOKO (도코) - Love Beyond Words
Final Thoughts
Most aspects are so well executed in this short production that I can’t find many, if any, faults about it. The conclusion to the story is extremely well written which leaves me with such an uplifting feeling. All things considered, this is job well done by everyone involved in Soundtrack #1 and definitely worth checking out or even a re-watch.
Truth be told, this isn’t my go-to genre and I only watch dramas of this nature probably once or twice a year, if not less. I’ve dropped or put on hold many of such dramas in the past. For 2022, the only one that I’ve completed to-date is 25-21 which is a remarkable production in its own right, but what Soundtrack #1 does so well is how it provides closure in the most satisfying, realistic and inspiringly hopeful and positive manner that most ordinary folks could relate to, in particular those who are going through a similar experience as well. And of course, this drama stars Park Hyung Sik and Han So Hee as the leads. That fact alone provided more than enough motivation to give this one a shot and I’m glad I did.
One of the rising number of K-dramas to be produced and streamed exclusively on Disney+, Soundtrack #1 is based on the original screenplay written by Ahn Sae Bom in what is his first screenwriting credit. Kim Hee Won, the prolific director of dramas including the likes of Vincenzo and The Crowned Clown, serves as director.
What I Liked
First and foremost, obviously the leads. Park Hyung Sik impressed me in Happiness but I was already a fan after the South Korean remake of Suits. Despite having not seen most of his wide repertoire of works, something that I’ll have to remedy in the near future, one could tell how well cast he is in pleasant good guy roles, especially the wholesome boy-next-door kind of vibes. Nothing flashy, OTT or extreme but rather just down-to-earth and ultra low-key type of personas suit his overall demeanour and style of acting. That said, I’m sure he possesses a lot more range that’s just waiting to be unleashed.
Han So Hee took my breath away in My Name. I just had to see more of her and in a completely different setting.The feedback on her performance, especially at the initial stage, wasn’t too promising where many viewers were either not convinced by her chemistry with Park Hyung Sik or felt that her acting was lacking. Personally for me and given the context of the narrative, I wasn’t expecting powerful award-winning type of performances from anyone. The bare minimum for me for a story of this nature is to be convinced of the interactions and connection between the leads. In that regard, I am not disappointed. I really enjoyed seeing how well both leads articulated their roles to imbue much realism into the depiction of a healthy and organic relationship development stemming from the unique backstory that they share.
In terms of the narrative, stories about unrequited or repressed romance with friends-to-lovers and co-habitation themes are a hit or miss for me but in this case, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the viewing experience. Perhaps it’s because of how much I adore the leads that I bought into the storytelling. Another possible reason is how short it is. Any longer than 4 episodes or the usual 12 or 16-episode format and I might have bailed. But given how compact the structure of the story is and the rather entertaining pace as well as the sequencing of key plot points, I was honestly not bored out of my mind at all.
Another crucial selling point is the production values. From the first minute of the first episode, one could tell this drama has quality written all over it. The magical snowfall effect, the tasteful set designs including the charming little roadside diner, the adorable home that the leads share, the chic photography studio, among others. All of these aspects are presented beautifully with the kind of warm colour palette that makes this a cosy and inviting little drama to savour.
For a drama entitled Soundtrack #1, its soundtrack truly is deserving of the title. Featuring no less than 12 songs, perhaps the ones that speak to me would be the evocative love ballads which are amongst the best that have been released this year thus far.
The full list are as follows:
Kyuhyun (규현) - Love beyond words (사랑은 말로 표현하는게 아니래요)
Park Boram (박보람) - Want to be happy (행복해지고 싶어)
Davichi (다비치) - Your tender heart hurts me (소녀 같은 맘을 가진 그댈 생각하면 아파요)
Kim Jong Kook (김종국) - My Love
Kim Jae Hwan (김재환) - Talk to me (나에게 말해요)
Standing Egg (스탠딩 에그) - Prettiest One (너만 예뻐)
DOYOUNG (도영) - A little more (아주 조금만 더)
Monday Kiz (먼데이 키즈) - Wanna be your lover (이젠 친구에서 연인이 되고 싶어)
LeeHi (이하이) - We'll shine brighter than any other stars (우린 어떠한 별보다 빛날 거야)
SEOBIN (서빈) - Love Love Love
LEE YEJOON (이예준) - Miss You More, I'm Sorry (더 보고 싶고 미안하고 그래)
DOKO (도코) - Love Beyond Words
Final Thoughts
Most aspects are so well executed in this short production that I can’t find many, if any, faults about it. The conclusion to the story is extremely well written which leaves me with such an uplifting feeling. All things considered, this is job well done by everyone involved in Soundtrack #1 and definitely worth checking out or even a re-watch.
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