'Heirs', Like 'Gossip Girl' And 'The O.C.' Utilizes Music To Create The Perfect Drama Soundtrack

Stylistically and musically <em>Heirs</em> is more <em>Gossip Girl</em> than <em>Boys Before Flowers</em>.

Heirs bears an uncanny resemblance to Gossip Girl." width="492" />

On November 4th, SBS released a preview for their teen drama "Heirs," in which the network poked fun at the fact that the program is almost a direct correlation with the American drama "Gossip Girl." Heirs has become a cultural phenomena with its sweeping scenes filmed in California and its depiction of wealthy Korean youth. The feel of "Heirs" from its cinematography to the way in which the musical score provides a backdrop for its scenes are like an homage to the American teen dramas, "The O.C." and "Gossip Girl" than Boys Over Flowers.

Whereas "Boys Over Flowers" featured a soundtrack that was heavy on Korean pop music, specifically featuring the bands T-Max and SS501, Heirs has more of an indie pop sensibility. Songs such as "Driving Road" and 2AM's Changmin's Moment, serve to capture the audience and maintain a role beyond what is normally intended for music in a Korean drama. While both songs maintain qualities that are unique to K-Pop, they are also very rock influenced. What results, especially in the scenes that were filmed in California, is the sense that Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye are strangers in a strange land, who drift towards one another from sheer familiarity.

While the television productions of Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage's Fake Empire Production group tended to be heavy on sex and drugs, the duo emphasized rock music as a key component of the story lines of the program. This introduced a concept that was similar to what is seen in Korean dramas with the original soundtrack, which was a practice that had fallen by the wayside in American television. Regardless of whether or not the programs were well written, "The O.C." and "Gossip Girl" revolutionized the way in which American television incorporated music in its programming.

The "O.C." was the first attempt by Josh Schwartz to create a television program that depicted the lives of wealthy California teenagers, who often were left to be alone, with little adult supervision. The main character, Ryan Atwood, was a troubled teenager who is taken in by a very wealthy family. While the Cohen Family lived in the main part of their Newport Beach house, Ryan resided in the pool house, in a manner similar to the hired help. Early episodes focused heavily on the economic disadvantages that separated Ryan from the upper class students he attended school with. His love interest was the beautiful, yet seemingly unattainable Marissa Cooper, whose home life was revealed to be much more damaged than Ryan's. The nature of their tumultuous relationship was chronicled through the rock-infused soundtrack, including the opening track "California" which featured the virtually unknown group Phantom Planet.

Following "The O.C.'s" run from 2003 through 2007, was "Gossip Girl," a melodrama that heavily focused on the sexual escapades and relationship manipulations of the descendants of the wealthiest members of New York's Upper East Side. The storyline, based on Cecily von Ziegesar's book series, centered on those who were from new money and those who were part of the socioeconomic class that founded America. The first seasons revolved around the school life of the students at Constance Billard prep school. One of the most memorable scenes was depicted when Serena van der Woodsen returned from boarding school while Peter, Bjorn, and John's  "Young Folks" played in the background.

While "Heirs" is not nearly as salacious as Gossip Girl, the concept of rivalries and keeping ones enemies close are extremely similar. Kim Tan and Young Do maintain a relationship that is very similar to Gossip Girl's Nate and Chuck. Once friends, the two boys transition towards being enemies, over the years. Bo Na and Rachel bear uncanny resemblances to the frenemy relationship that played throughout the series of Gossip Girl between Blair and Serena. With those similarities, it is clear to see that "Heirs" takes more from the playbook of "Gossip Girl" than "Boys Over Flowers."

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heirs
Changmin
Lee Min Ho
Park Shin Hye
boys over flowers
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