This Unexpected K-Pop Idol’s Song Is Taking Over the Global Billboard Charts

A Korean song making a surprising climb on the U.S. Billboard chart has captured widespread attention.

The track in question is "See The Light," sung by BTOB's Lim Hyunsik, an OST for the recently concluded MBC drama When the Phone Rings. The song has achieved remarkable success, reaching as high as No. 10 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. Released just a month ago, it has already demonstrated the phenomenon of a "reverse climb," captivating audiences worldwide.

"See The Light" featured prominently in key scenes of When the Phone Rings, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. Beginning with a poignant piano and guitar melody, the song builds to an emotional crescendo with its rich instrumental arrangement, offering listeners a deeply moving experience.

The OST success story doesn’t end there. Another track, "Say My Name," performed by lead actor Yoo Yeon-seok, has climbed to No. 7 on the same Billboard chart. Sung by Yoo himself, the song captures the heartfelt emotions of his character, Baek Sa-eon, earning widespread acclaim. Through this track, Yoo Yeon-seok has proven his talent not only as an actor but also as a singer.

The drama When the Phone Rings is a secret romance thriller that begins with a blackmail phone call and unfolds the story of a couple in their third year of an arranged marriage. Starring Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, the show garnered immense popularity, dominating streaming platform rankings, including Netflix. The OST played a pivotal role in elevating the emotional depth of the drama, maintaining its popularity even after the series concluded.

On January 13, the production team behind When the Phone Rings announced the release of an OST album, responding to the overwhelming support from fans. The album features 20 tracks, including six main songs and 14 instrumental scores. Designed in a unique digipak resembling a mobile phone, the album includes special items like a mini CD and photo cards, making it a highly collectible item for fans.

Pre-orders for the OST album have begun on major online music retail platforms, providing fans with a meaningful keepsake and a way to sustain the drama's buzz.

The global success of the drama and its OST once again highlights the competitive edge of Korean content. It is rare for a drama OST to break into the Billboard chart, showcasing the synergy between Korean storytelling and music that resonates with international audiences. When the Phone Rings is a testament to the growing potential of Korean drama and music content on the global stage.