South Korean singer and actress IU has once again demonstrated her multidimensional artistry by contributing her voice to the official soundtrack of My Sweet Mobster (Korean title: 폭싹 속았수다), Netflix’s latest hit series. The streaming platform confirmed on March 22 that a new three-part OST package was officially released, featuring music from the recently aired episodes.

Leading the release is IU’s Night Stroll, a reinterpretation of a song originally written by singer-songwriter d.ear. The track blends gentle acoustic instrumentation with introspective lyrics, and IU’s signature warm vocal tone brings a nuanced emotionality that resonates with the drama’s nostalgic atmosphere. The piece has already drawn praise for elevating key narrative moments with its subtle melancholy.

Also featured in the soundtrack is By Your Side (내 사랑 내 곁에), a poignant cover of the late Kim Hyun Sik’s iconic 1991 ballad. Sung by vocalist Hong Isaac, the rendition is marked by a minimalist arrangement and a calm but emotionally potent delivery, aligning with the show’s thematic focus on enduring love and memory across decades.

IU stars in My Sweet Mobster as Ae Soon, a rebellious and spirited young woman born in 1950s Jeju. Her character’s feisty disposition and emotional complexity are amplified through her own vocal performance in the OST, adding a meta-layer of authenticity to the storytelling. Fans have lauded the synergy between her acting and singing roles, calling it one of the drama’s standout elements.

Music director Bang Sung Il oversaw the composition and arrangement of the series’ extensive soundtrack, which spans over 60 years—from 1960s Jeju to 2025 Seoul. His work plays a pivotal role in maintaining emotional continuity across timelines, guiding viewers through multiple eras without disorientation.

My Sweet Mobster traces the intertwined lives of Ae Soon and Gwan Shik, two characters whose bond endures through life’s seasons and generational shifts. The series, written by Im Sang Chun and directed by Kim Won Seok, has received acclaim for its cross-generational storytelling and universal themes of love, resilience, and identity.

As of its second week of release, the series has amassed over 6 million viewing hours (measured by total watch time divided by runtime), securing the No. 2 position on Netflix’s global non-English series chart. Critics and audiences alike have praised its sensitive direction and compelling performances, with the soundtrack becoming a defining element of its emotional texture.

IU’s contribution to the My Sweet Mobster OST not only reinforces her status as a versatile performer but also highlights the growing importance of soundtrack curation in modern K-dramas. As Korean content continues to dominate global streaming rankings, integrated musical storytelling is proving essential in distinguishing standout productions.

Sayart / Sharon Jung, guhuijeong784@gmail.com