The musical adaptation of one of South Korea’s most beloved coming-of-age dramas has reached a significant milestone with the release of its final soundtrack offering. Fourteen years after the original series captivated audiences with its heartfelt portrayal of young artists chasing their dreams, the “Dream High” musical has brought together an impressive collaboration of K-pop royalty for its culminating musical statement. Released on April 5, 2025, via Spotify, the title track brings original series star Bae Suzy full circle as she joins forces with EXO’s powerhouse vocalist D.O (Doh Kyungsoo), rising musical theater star Jeong Dong-won, P1Harmony’s Sejun, and emerging talent Yoon Seo-bin.
This nostalgic yet fresh interpretation bridges generations of K-entertainment, offering longtime fans a meaningful callback to the 2011 phenomenon while introducing the story’s timeless themes to a new audience. The track’s release, accompanied by a vibrant neon-themed promotional poster featuring dream-like bubbles and bold typography, marks the completion of the soundtrack that has been supporting the successful stage adaptation since its premiere at Seoul’s Kwanglim Arts Center in 2023.
Table of Contents
Dream High Musical Journey: From K-Drama Phenomenon to Stage Adaptation
The journey of “Dream High” from television screens to theatrical stage represents one of South Korea’s most successful media adaptations in recent years. The original 2011 KBS drama—which starred a remarkable ensemble including Bae Suzy, Kim Soo-hyun, IU, Ok Taec-yeon, and other now-iconic figures in the Korean entertainment industry—told the story of students at the prestigious fictional Kirin Arts School pursuing their dreams of becoming K-pop stars. Its authentic portrayal of the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs involved in the entertainment industry resonated deeply with viewers, making it a cultural touchstone for an entire generation of K-drama fans.
The stage adaptation, which debuted at the Kwanglim Arts Center in Seoul on May 13, 2023, and ran through July 23 of that year, successfully captured the heart of the original series while reimagining it for a theatrical format. The musical gained particular attention for providing ONEWE’s Dongmyeong with his musical theater debut in the role of Donghwi, continuing the tradition of idols transitioning to musical theater that has become increasingly common in South Korea’s diversified entertainment landscape.
What makes the musical adaptation particularly compelling is its faithful preservation of the original story’s emotional core—following Song Sam-dong, a 17-year-old boy from the countryside who transforms into a Grammy-winning superstar over the course of a decade. The narrative explores his journey from humble beginnings to international fame under the stage name “The K,” while navigating relationships with friends Jin-gook, Jason, Baek-hee, and his love interest Hey. The musical expands upon themes only touched upon in the original series, including the psychological toll of stardom and the sacrifices made in pursuit of artistic recognition.
Star-Studded Final OST: A Celebration of Past and Present
The final OST released on April 5, 2025, represents much more than just another soundtrack entry—it serves as a symbolic bridge between generations of Korean entertainment. The title track “Dream High” features an intergenerational collaboration that perfectly encapsulates the musical’s ethos of honoring the past while embracing the future. Original “Dream High” drama star Bae Suzy, whose career was launched in part through the series, returns to her roots by lending her vocals to the track, creating a poignant full-circle moment for fans of the original drama.
EXO’s D.O. brings his renowned vocal precision and emotional depth to the collaboration, continuing his successful parallel careers in K-pop, acting, and musical contributions. His participation is particularly notable given his own journey mirroring some aspects of the “Dream High” narrative—transitioning from idol trainee to successful multifaceted entertainer. Joining these established stars are musical theater performer Jeong Dong-won, whose powerful vocals have earned him acclaim in productions across South Korea; P1Harmony’s Sejun, representing the newer generation of K-pop talent; and promising vocalist Yoon Seo-bin.
The soundtrack as a whole features eleven diverse tracks that capture the emotional range of the stage production, from the introspective “I Can’t Forget It” to the energetic “Fever” and the inspirational title track “Dream High,” which appears both as a standalone song and as a reprise finale. The musical numbers balance nostalgia for fans of the original series with fresh arrangements that update the sound for contemporary audiences. Particularly noteworthy are “Starlight” and “Your Stage,” both written specifically for the musical adaptation and highlighting the enhanced emotional complexity the stage version brings to the familiar story.
| Track Number | Song Title | Featured Performers | Musical Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I Can’t Forget It | Cast Ensemble | Opening reflection |
| 2 | Look in the Mirror | Eum Min-seok, Kim Dong-hyun | Self-discovery scene |
| 3 | My Valentine | Jeong Dong-won, Park Gyu-ri | Romantic duet |
| 4 | Fever | Cast Ensemble | High-energy dance number |
| 5 | Dream High | Suzy, D.O, Jeong Dong-won, Sejun, Yoon Seo-bin | Inspirational anthem |
| 6 | Dreaming | Jin Jin, Lee Hyun | Aspirational duet |
| 7 | Hyana Swing | Oh Jong-hyuk, Jeon-hwi | Upbeat ensemble piece |
| 8 | Starlight | Yoo Tae-yang, Lee Seung-hoon | Emotional ballad |
| 9 | Celebrity | Cast Ensemble | Fame reflection sequence |
| 10 | Your Stage | D.O, Suzy | Climactic confrontation |
| 11 | Dream High (Reprise) | Full Cast | Finale celebration |
Legacy of Dream High: From 2011 Phenomenon to 2025 Revival
The release of this final OST provides an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable legacy of “Dream High” within Korean entertainment. The original series, which aired from January 3 to February 28, 2011, on KBS2, was groundbreaking in several ways. It was among the first K-dramas to authentically portray the grueling process of becoming a K-pop idol, foreshadowing the global Korean Wave that would explode in subsequent years. It also served as a career launchpad for several of its cast members—Kim Soo-hyun transitioned from this role to becoming one of Korea’s highest-paid actors, while Suzy established herself as both an enduring idol and respected actress.
The musical adaptation and its soundtrack represent not just nostalgia but the evolution of Korean entertainment into a more diversified ecosystem where stories can transition between mediums while maintaining their emotional impact. The choreography by industry veterans Choi Youngjun and Kim Hyojin brings contemporary dance sensibilities to the production while honoring the original series’ emphasis on performance showcases.
For fans of the original drama, the musical and particularly this final OST offer a meaningful reconnection with characters and themes that defined a formative period in K-entertainment. For newer audiences discovering the story for the first time through the musical, the soundtrack provides an entry point to explore the original series that inspired it. This cyclical relationship between original content and adaptation illustrates the enduring power of compelling storytelling in Korean entertainment.
Heesu in Class 2 Episodes 3-4 Recap: Seung-woo’s Confession Shakes the Love Triangle
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Dream High musical differ from the original 2011 K-drama series?
While the Dream High musical maintains the core storyline of Song Sam-dong’s journey from countryside hopeful to international superstar, it offers several significant differences from the original 2011 KBS drama. The musical format naturally emphasizes the performative aspects of the story, with expanded musical numbers and choreography showcasing the talents of its cast. Structurally, the musical condenses the 16-episode television narrative into a two-act theatrical experience, focusing more intensely on Song Sam-dong’s psychological journey and the price of fame.
The stage adaptation introduces new characters not present in the original series while also developing certain relationships that received less attention in the television version. Perhaps most notably, the musical explores deeper themes about the Korean Wave phenomenon from a contemporary perspective, incorporating reflections on how K-entertainment has evolved since the original series aired.
he character of “The K” (Sam-dong’s stage persona) receives more development in the musical, serving as an almost separate identity that reflects on the duality of fame. While the television series concluded with an optimistic portrayal of achieving dreams, the musical offers a more nuanced examination of success, including its potential costs to personal relationships and identity.
Will there be an international tour or recording release of the Dream High musical with the original cast?
While no official announcement has been made regarding an international tour of the Dream High musical with its original cast, industry sources suggest preliminary discussions are underway for potential performances in Japan, Southeast Asia, and possibly North America in late 2025 or early 2026. The strong reception of the musical during its initial Seoul run at Kwanglim Arts Center has created international interest, particularly in markets with established K-drama and K-pop fandoms. Regarding a full cast recording, producers have confirmed that following the April 5th release of the final OST featuring Suzy and EXO’s D.O, a complete cast recording is scheduled for digital release in May 2025, with physical CD and vinyl editions planned for later in the year.
This recording will feature the primary cast from the 2023 Seoul production, including performances by Eum Min-seok, Lee Seung-hoon, and other principal performers. Additionally, a concert version of selected musical numbers is being considered for a limited streaming engagement, though this remains in early planning stages. Fans interested in potential international dates are encouraged to follow the official Dream High Musical social media accounts for forthcoming announcements.
