Episode 35
Episode 35: Recording ‘K’ OST
There were many advantages when an actor sang the OST themselves.
First, it allowed the emotions of the character to be delivered with sincerity, and hearing the voice of the actor appearing in the drama increased viewers’ immersion.
There were also commercial benefits.
Yet despite this, not all actors sang OSTs themselves for one reason.
Singing ability.
If the singing was mediocre, it could actually have a negative effect.
That was why, unless they were singer-turned-actors or particularly skilled, actors usually didn’t participate in OST work.
However, Director Go Jin-seok insisted on Baek Seung-chan.
Since the OST would be ‘K’s only voice—the equivalent of his dialogue—he believed it would lose meaning if someone else sang it.
He wasn’t worried about singing ability.
He had already heard from Director Park Tae-ho that Baek Seung-chan sang better than most singers.
Baek Seung-chan visited music director Yang Bok-seon’s studio.
"Hello, Director Yang."
"Seung-chan, welcome."
Having already become acquainted on set, Yang Bok-seon greeted him warmly.
"As I mentioned on the phone, just listen to the songs and tell me honestly which one feels like ‘K.’"
"Understood."
He had come to help choose ‘K’s theme, which hadn’t been decided yet.
"Give me a moment to set things up."
While waiting, Baek Seung-chan looked around the studio.
It was spacious and luxurious, like the studios of famous composers seen on TV.
"What, are you planning to open your own studio?"
Yang Bok-seon joked.
"Yes."
"Really?"
His serious answer surprised him.
"Setting something like this up must cost a lot, right?"
"It does. Were you always interested in music?"
"It’s not for me. I thought it would be nice for my younger sister."
He thought of Baek Seung-hui.
At home, she either worked quietly in her room or went up to the rooftop to avoid making noise.
It always bothered him.
"Ah, that sister I saw before."
"Yes."
"I thought you were interested in music yourself."
"I’m not."
"Let me know if you ever decide to build one. I can help."
"Thank you."
"So your sister studies music?"
"Yes, she’s preparing for entrance exams."
"Then she must be good."
"She’s very good."
Baek Seung-chan smiled proudly.
"Alright, let’s listen."
They played the five candidate tracks.
Some had lyrics, others were hummed.
After listening—
"How was it?"
"None of them really stand out."
He answered honestly.
"The first and third were decent. The first had a good melody but lacked emotional depth, and the third had emotion but felt a bit boring."
"Oh, that’s accurate."
Yang Bok-seon was surprised.
It matched his own thoughts exactly.
"Do we have to pick from these?"
"No. If there’s a better one, we’ll use that."
"Then could you listen to one more?"
"You compose too?"
"It’s not mine. My sister made it as a birthday gift."
"Let’s hear it."
He didn’t expect much.
But the moment the melody started—
His eyes widened.
A strong yet lonely tone.
It perfectly captured ‘K.’
There was some roughness, but the core was professional-level.
"I knew it."
Baek Seung-chan smiled.
Then the voice began.
"Don’t come closer to me, I’m more comfortable alone."
Yang Bok-seon felt chills.
Her voice, combined with the emotion, conveyed exactly what he wanted.
As the song reached its climax—
"I pretended not to notice… because I was afraid you might break like a glass doll…"
He felt a surge of emotion.
The melody, lyrics, and voice exploded together.
He could clearly imagine ‘K’ smiling as he protected Ji-an.
When it ended, he stared at Baek Seung-chan in disbelief.
"How is it?"
"It’s perfect. This is ‘K’s theme."
He was certain.
Nothing else would fit better.
Baek Seung-chan immediately told Baek Seung-hui.
"What? Really?"
"Why would I lie?"
"They want you involved too. What do you think?"
"Of course I’m going! Send me the address!"
She arrived within 30 minutes.
"Hello, Director!"
"Good to see you again."
Her energy was overwhelming.
"Wow! That speaker—can I take a look?"
"Of course."
She explored the studio excitedly.
Soon, they sat down.
"Let’s refine the track a bit before recording."
"Refine it?"
"Just smoothing out rough parts."
"I see… I was just worried."
"Worried?"
"Can my brother really sing it?"
"Hm? He sings well, doesn’t he?"
"Really?"
"I’m not bad."
"Still…"
She was concerned because she had made the song difficult.
"Let’s start working."
Yang Bok-seon guided her.
It wasn’t about changing the composition, but refining the sound.
The melody became smoother and more polished.
"Ah, like this?"
"Exactly."
She absorbed everything instantly.
After over an hour—
"You’ve taken all my know-how."
"Thank you, teacher."
"Seung-chan, let’s do a test recording."
"Okay."
He entered the recording booth.
"Can you hear me?"
"Yes."
"Start when ready."
Before singing, he thought—
What would ‘K’s voice sound like if he could speak?
"I’m ready."
The intro of “Glass Doll” played.
Under Yang Bok-seon’s anticipation and Baek Seung-hui’s concern,
Baek Seung-chan began to sing.