Kim Soo Hyun May Have K-Pop Artists Flocking To The 'Producer' OST

On April 9, Sports Chosun published a report which speculated about the impact Kim Soo Hyun may have on the original soundtrack (OST) for his upcoming drama, “Producer.”

The report referred to the Kim Soo Hyun Effect, a Korean entertainment trend attributed to the actor which was exemplified by the explosive popularity of “My Love From The Stars.” According to Sports Chosun, there has been a frenzy within the K-pop community, with artists competing to have their songs featured on the “Producer” soundtrack.

Many artists recognize the potential for the “Producer” soundtrack to reach audiences within the lucrative Chinese market. The article cited the increased popularity of Lyn, a solo vocalist who was previously unknown outside of Korea, until she released the love theme “My Destiny” for the “My Love From The Stars” soundtrack.

The success of the drama and “My Destiny” had a positive impact on her career, particularly within China. She has since accrued a large fan following within the region and was the recipient of several honors at the 2014 QQ Awards, a ceremony which recognizes performance on the QQ charts and measures the success of artists in Chinese music. Sports Chosun also noted that Lyn received several endorsement offers, after appearing on CCTV for the QQ Awards ceremony.

Several vocalists have been nominated for the project including soundtrack queen Baek Ji Young and Kim Bum Soo.

While the article focused on the Kim Soo Hyun Effect, the casting of Gong Hyo Jin will also positively impact the original soundtrack. MFBTY's Yoon Mi Rae has been known to contribute to soundtracks for dramas which star the actress including “Touch Love” for “Master's Sun” and “I Love You” for “It's Okay, That's Love.”

The Korean hip-hop artist and K-pop vocalist spoke positively about working with the actress, who is also her friend, during a 2014 interview with MTV Iggy. “I know the actress, Gong Hyo Jin personally and I have always been a huge fan of hers,” she said. “I think she is a phenomenal actress. Whenever she is involved in a drama, I try to become involved in it.”

A representative for the project spoke positively about the soundtrack, providing information that several artists are interested, including IU. The representative said, “This could be one of the best soundtracks ever created.”

“Producer” is scheduled to air on KBS2 on May 8.