On August 9, 2025, the music scene welcomed a new addition as singer Jang Hye-ri released the original soundtrack (OST) "Because of the Wind" for the popular webtoon Mechidorok Norman. The song, made available on various online music platforms, quickly drew attention for its emotional depth and the unique voice of Jang Hye-ri, who continues to expand her artistic reach across genres and formats.
According to Newsen and Sports Seoul, Jang Hye-ri, a former member of the girl group Girls Day, took the lead as the main vocalist for this OST project. Her involvement is seen as a significant moment, both for her career and for the webtoon’s growing fanbase. "Because of the Wind" is described as a warm, harmonious piece, blending gentle melody with sincere lyrics that offer comfort and encouragement. The song’s message is encapsulated in lines like, "The high mountains tell me / Why not take a rest / Lean on me / Feel the wind and trust yourself / Lock away your fears / The road ahead will soon become clear." The lyrics, as reported by Newsen, are meant to provide a sense of gentle solace, resonating with listeners who might be seeking reassurance in their own journeys.
The OST’s composition is the result of a collaboration between composers Ko Byung-sik and Lee Hyung-sung, both known for their work on numerous hit soundtracks. Their partnership has produced a piece that is both moving and meticulously crafted, elevating the emotional resonance of the webtoon’s story. The song’s arrangement and production have been praised for their sophistication, with Jang Hye-ri’s performance described as "subtle yet captivating," offering listeners a soothing embrace through her expressive delivery.
Jang Hye-ri’s journey to this point is a story in itself. She made her debut in 2010 as a member of Girls Day, a group that quickly found success in the competitive K-pop industry. After her time with the group, she transitioned into band activities with Bebop and later appeared on MBN’s "Hello Trot," where she showcased her versatility as a trot singer—a genre deeply rooted in Korean musical tradition. This transition was met with positive reception, and she has since continued to diversify her portfolio, participating in various OST projects and further establishing her presence as a solo artist.
The webtoon Mechidorok Norman—to which the OST is dedicated—has captured the imaginations of readers with its heartfelt narrative. The story revolves around an intern named Se-hee, who, while searching for a temporarily sheltered cat, finds herself entering a hotel guesthouse. Coincidentally, this is also the residence of Lee Jae-hyun, an executive of the prominent Hana Group. The plot quickly unfolds into a suspenseful and heart-fluttering romance, drawing a passionate response from its audience. As Sports Seoul notes, the webtoon’s blend of everyday struggles and extraordinary encounters has made it a standout in the digital comics landscape.
The emotional tone of "Because of the Wind" mirrors the webtoon’s themes. The song is characterized by a gentle and somewhat melancholic mood, reflecting the challenges and hopes of the characters. Jang Hye-ri’s voice, described as "plain yet charming" with "rich expressiveness," delivers a subtle comfort that aligns perfectly with the story’s atmosphere. The OST is not just a background score; it is woven into the fabric of the narrative, amplifying the reader’s experience and deepening their connection to the characters.
This release is part of a larger project that features a series of heartfelt and emotional trot songs, each selected to match the evolving moods of the webtoon. The project aims to bring together the best of Korea’s musical and storytelling traditions, providing fans with a multi-sensory experience that goes beyond the page. By enlisting artists like Jang Hye-ri, the creators hope to bridge the gap between music and comics, offering something truly unique to their audience.
Jang Hye-ri’s involvement in the OST is seen as a natural progression in her career. Her ability to adapt to different genres and mediums has set her apart in the Korean entertainment industry. As Newsen highlights, she has "successfully transformed into a trot singer" and continues to "expand her range by participating in a variety of OSTs." Her journey from idol group member to solo artist and now to OST vocalist is a testament to her resilience and versatility.
The song’s release has been met with enthusiasm from both music fans and webtoon readers. Many have praised the synergy between the track and the webtoon’s storyline, noting how the music enhances the emotional stakes of the plot. The collaboration between established composers and a talented vocalist like Jang Hye-ri has raised the bar for what fans can expect from webtoon OSTs, a genre that has grown in popularity alongside the rise of digital comics.
It’s worth noting that the integration of OSTs into webtoons is a relatively recent trend in South Korea, reflecting the country’s innovative approach to cross-media storytelling. By pairing evocative music with serialized narratives, creators are able to engage audiences on multiple levels, creating a more immersive and memorable experience. Jang Hye-ri’s "Because of the Wind" stands as a prime example of this approach, offering both a standalone musical work and a complementary piece to the webtoon’s unfolding drama.
As the boundaries between music, comics, and other forms of entertainment continue to blur, artists like Jang Hye-ri are leading the way in redefining what it means to be a multi-faceted performer. Her latest project not only showcases her vocal talents but also highlights the potential of collaborative creativity in today’s digital age. For fans of Mechidorok Norman and K-pop alike, "Because of the Wind" is more than just a song—it’s a heartfelt message carried on a gentle breeze, inviting listeners to take a moment, lean in, and feel the comfort it offers.
With each new release, Jang Hye-ri demonstrates that the power of music lies not just in its melody, but in its ability to connect, comfort, and inspire—no matter the medium.
