Ever since I was little, soundtracks have always played an absolutely essential role in any film or TV show I watched. As a kid, I remember scouring those Columbia and BMG mail-order CD subscription clubs for movie soundtacks — I built my collection that way.

Decades later, it has been a pleasure discovering a whole swath of new music through Asian dramas. Sometimes the music, especially the instrumental portions, are so jarring you really wonder if the music director mailed it in. Othertimes, you’ll discover a soundtrack so fantastic, the melodies linger long after the drama has concluded. The Untamed OST is one such example. Nearly two years later, it remains among my favourites.

If you loved it too, and also love going down mini rabbit holes and getting nerdy about behind-the-scenes production details, you have to read my friend Wuulongcha’s latest blog post.

I loved the post because it’s exactly the kind of informative deeper dive into C-drama pop culture that is not always accessible to non-Chinese readers, making it a unique and valuable bridge for international fans who want to learn more.

From a look at how new age jazz musician, pianist, composer and university professor Lin Hai 林海 was recruited to be the Music Director for The Untamed (including his original distain for the source material and how he became a die-hard fan) to a closer look at some of the drama’s most famous pieces, the whole thing is an interesting and fun read for anyone who is a fan of the soundtrack.

Want to read more? Wuulongcha also did a shorter post about the music in The Long Ballad (I’ve avoided listening to it so far, because I haven’t watched the drama yet and want to discover the music as the story unfolds).