The Queen of OST: LYn’s “Back in Time(시간을 거슬러)” – The Story Behind the Legend[Kmusic]

 In the winter of 2012, one drama completely captivated South Korea.

It was Moon Embracing the Sun, a series that surpassed an incredible 40% viewership rating. At the heart of that drama was the voice of LYn(린). Every time the ending scene played and this song began, it felt as if the emotions of the characters were flowing directly into the listener’s heart.

That song is none other than “Back in Time(시간을 거슬러)”, the official OST of Moon Embracing the Sun, sung by LYn(린). Even beyond the drama, the track became a massive hit, receiving immense love from the public.

❤The Story Behind

When LYn was first offered the OST, she hesitated for quite a while, saying, “I wasn’t sure if my voice would suit a historical drama.”

But the reason she eventually accepted is surprisingly charming. She later revealed, “When I heard that Han Ga-in was the lead actress, I thought I had to do it.”

A decision driven purely by admiration ended up creating a legendary OST that dominated the music charts for nearly two months in 2012.

Even more interesting is LYn’s confession that she didn’t originally like singing OSTs. She felt they were more like outsourced work—songs she didn’t create herself but was simply hired to perform. However, over time, she came to regret that mindset, saying she wished she had poured more affection into them.

In the end, this song became one of the defining tracks of her career.

❤Artist Profile

Artist: LYn (Lee Se-jin)
Line-up: Solo
Identity: Often called the “OST Queen,” known for a voice that breathes emotion into visual storytelling
Key Career: Debuted in 2003, gained recognition with her second album title track “I Loved You” (2004), and later achieved over 1.6 million downloads on the Gaon Chart in 2012 with “Back in Time”

📑 Lyric Highlight

“As my longing grows deeper with time”
“Can I turn back time?”

These lines capture the paradox of longing—rather than fading as time passes, it only becomes more vivid and intense.

Knowing that the past cannot be undone makes the desire to turn back time even more desperate. When paired with LYn’s deeply emotional voice, this feeling resonates powerfully, stirring something deep within and bringing listeners to the verge of tears.

🎧 Sound & Vibe

“Back in Time” is built upon an orchestral sound rooted in traditional Eastern melodies, creating a grand yet sorrowful atmosphere.

LYn’s signature vocal style—effortlessly moving between delicate head voice and emotional, breathy tones—feels as though she is unraveling deeply buried emotions one by one.

Rather than relying on flashy techniques, the song gradually builds from beginning to end with a restrained, emotional progression. Listening to it feels almost like watching a full-length drama unfold.

Back in Time(시간을 거슬러)

구름에 빛은 흐려지고

The light fades behind the clouds

창가에 요란히 내리는

And outside the window, the rain falls loudly

빗물소리 만큼 시린 기억들이

Cold memories, as piercing as the sound of rain

내 마음 붙잡고 있는데

Are holding onto my heart

갈수록 짙어져간 그리움에 잠겨

As I sink deeper into a longing that only grows stronger

시간을 거슬러 갈 순 없나요

Can I turn back time?

그 때처럼만 그대 날 안아주면

If only you could hold me like you did back then

괜찮을텐데 이젠

I think I’d be alright, even now

젖어든 빗길을 따라가

I follow the rain-soaked streets

함께한 추억을 돌아봐

And look back on the memories we shared

흐려진 빗물에 떠오른 그대가

Your image appears through the blurred rain

내 눈물 속에서 차올라와

And rises within my tears

흩어져가 나와 있어주던

The moments when you stayed by my side

그 시간도 그 모습도

And even those times, even you, are fading away

다시 그 때처럼만 그대를 안아서

If I could hold you once again like I did back then

시간을 거슬러 갈 순 없나요

Can I turn back time?

한번이라도 마지막일지라도

Even if it’s just once, even if it’s the last time

괜찮을텐데

I think I’d still be alright

❤Cultural Impact & Moment

This song set a new standard for historical drama OSTs in the 2010s. Alongside the drama’s record-breaking ratings, it dominated the music charts and firmly established the formula: “LYn equals OST success.”

OSTs are more than just songs. They are essential elements that capture the mood of a drama and the emotions of its characters, drawing viewers deeper into the story.

That is why LYn’s performance in such a successful drama feels even more remarkable—her voice didn’t just accompany the story, it elevated it.

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