The TvN epic fantasy drama The Heavenly Idol was one of my favorite series of 2023. Airing on Rakuten Viki here in the West, it was set against the backdrop of both a magical realm and the mysterious world of Korean Idols, it’s just an incredibly well-done series, and a big part of what made it so special was its Original Soundtrack.

The score, composed mostly by Seongjin Heo and Diori is incredible. Fitting the fantastical journey of the series, it’s 33 tracks of radiant brilliance. truly one of the best scores I’ve ever had the chance to listen to, incredibly inspiring.

The OST portion of the album is also packed with perfectly placed songs by some of South Korea’s biggest artists.

Suddenly(문득 내게 와) – YU SEUNGWOO(유승우)
The series closing theme is incredibly fun. I love the piano, and how there seems to be just a touch of fantasy in the song. It’s a common theme that weaves its way through most of the OST songs.

In Those Days(그 시절) –  O.WHEN(오왠) 
There’s a comfortless in this song. It’s got a calm 60’s / country music sort of vibe. Plus, the range of O.WHEN’S voice is just dreamy.

Please –  Onestar(임한별)
A power ballad, there’s a charm to Onestar’s voice. This is one of those songs that you can chill too and let the music drive your imagination.

The Moments Of Us(서로로 채워 나갈 순간들) – MRCH(마치)
This song is probably my favorite on the album – it’s pure pop-rock goodness.

Be all right(아무렇지 않다고) – Motte(모트)
Like with “In Those Days”, there’s something nostalgic about this song. It’s very easy to listen too, and like Onestar, Motte’s voice

When I Met You(너를 만나 알 수가 있었다) – Lee Young Hyun(이영현)
One of the series’ most emotional tracks.

All Of My Heart(아주 잠시만이라도) – Byeol Eun(별은)
Closing out the OST portion of the album with another power ballad, Byeol’s voice adds an ethereal sort of level to the OST.

After the success of the series, a separate “Special Track” album was released, including songs from both Wild Animals, the protagonist group in the series, and Evil Boys, their rivals. Though only 3 tracks (six if you count the instrumentals) it’s also a very enjoyable audio experience.

Tasty – Wild Animals
Sleek and sexy, it’s an incredibly fun track.

전하지 못한 말 (Words I couldn’t Say)
Another Wild Animal song, this song was actually the audiences introduction to Wild Animals performance.

Nightmare
For a song by the series’ antagonist group, Evil Boys (who have been possessed by the darkness), it’s a damn good (and incredibly catchy) song.

All-in-All while I’m not normally a fan of the slower tracks, the ones chosen for The Heavenly Idol were clearly done so with care. Each one of them plays a pivotal moment during very important scenes. The OST to The Heavenly Idol is a very well constructed journey through a fantastical world of sound.

All tracks can be streamed via Apple Music / Spotify.

More OST / Drama reviews soon so…

Stay Tuned!