BTS songs being played in K-dramas is perhaps the most exciting and intriguing crossover ever. The combination of these two crafts ensures a delightful time. Whether one is a K-drama enthusiast or an ARMY, they are bound to have a blast.
The Hallyu wave has engulfed people with its Korean influence. From binge-watching K-drama episodes to attempting various K-pop choreographies, Koreaboos have done it all. BTS's ever-growing and expanding fandom has also contributed to attracting more audiences to the industry. This is also cashed upon by K-drama makers who sneakily add their references and songs to garner more support.
Multiple K-dramas such as Goblin, Business Proposal, and Hwarang, among others, have featured BTS songs in the most sneaky and clever ways. These songs make up for an excellent element and keep their viewers hooked.
Six BTS Songs that were sneakily added to K-dramas
1) Go Go - Racket Boys
The 2021 popular K-drama Racket Boys was a fun and refreshing watch for many. Among the many memorable moments from the show, the sneaky addition of a BTS song takes the trophy. After losing all their badminton matches, the boys make their way back, however, they have a unique way of having fun. They celebrate by singing BTS' Go Go, and the scene exudes joy.
2) Tomorrow- Record of Youth
Starring Park Bo-gum, Park So-dam, Byeon Woo-seok, and Kwon Soo-hyun as the main leads, the 2020 K-drama Record of Youth revolves around the fashion industry. During a karaoke session in episode 2 of the show, Park Bo-gum’s character, Sa Hye-jun, lends his voice to BTS’ 2014 release, Tomorrow. More specifically, he sings SUGA’s part of the track. Additionally, Park Bo-gum shares a close friendship with BTS’ Jin, therefore making this sneaky addition even more interesting to watch.
3) The Truth Untold - My ID is Gangnam Beauty
Starring Cha Eun-woo, Soo-hyang, Jo Woo-ri, and Kwak Dong-yeon as the main leads, the 2018 K-drama My ID is Gangnam Beauty was a massive hit worldwide. The credit for its popularity lies not only in the plot but also in the choice of songs. Added with extreme subtlety, as a backdrop song in the club, BTS' The Truth Untold was the perfect fit for the scene. The show also featured DNA in episode 7.
4) Dynamite - Business Proposal
The 2022 rom-com Business Proposal met with immense success both domestically and internationally. The show stars Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Kim Min-kyu, and Seol In-ah and is based on the webtoon of the same name. While it was full of comedic scenes, episode 9 brought its A-game to the table. The drinks were named after famous BTS songs such as Dynamite and Blood, Sweat and Tears, which cracked up the audience.
5) Boy in Luv - Goblin
Starring Gong Yoo in the lead role with Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na, and Yook Sung-jae, this 2016 show was sole-handily responsible for expanding the K-drama viewer base. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, also known as Goblin, did not shy away from mentioning the biggest K-pop boy band sneakily. Secretary Kim performed the 2014 BTS song Boy in Luv while proposing a potential gift for Ji Eun-Tak to Duk-Hwa.
However, Goblin is not the only K-drama to have mentioned this song, as it also made its way into School 2017, starring Kim Jung-hyun, Kim Se-jeong, Jang Dong-yoon, Han Sun-hwa, and Han Joo-wan.
6) Blood, Sweat, and Tears - Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo
The 2016 K-drama Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo is another drama that added a BTS song. Episode 3 of the show featured BTS' Blood, Sweat, and Tears playing as the backdrop track at the restaurant where the scene is set up. The show stars Lee Sung-kyung with Nam Joo-hyuk in the lead role and is inspired by the life of Olympic gold-medalist Jang Mi-ran.
These BTS songs form the tip of the iceberg. Many K-dramas, Life On Mars, Imaginary Cat, My Golden Life, Second 20s, and Kill Me Heal Me, among others, have also mentioned BTS tracks innovatively. BTS members have also reciprocated this generosity by recommending various K-dramas through social media.