"Kilitkomori, Kilitkomori.” Does this lyric sound familiar? As a member of TERRA, Korea University’s (KU) central club for black music, Cold Bay (’12, Chemical and Biological Engineering) participated in the viral diss track “Kilitkomori,” which gathered over 6 million views on YouTube. Since the track’s release in 2017, Cold Bay has become an aspiring rapper in the hip-hop field. With his unique music style and genuine lyrics, he is rapidly building his career and proving his potential in the music industry.

About Cold Bay

Oh In Seoup, better known as Cold Bay, was recognized for his performance in “Killitkomori” by Ravi, a member of K-pop group VIXX and a music producer who recruits and fosters ambitious artists. Upon being scouted, Cold Bay signed a record deal in 2019 with Ravi’s selfmade label GROOVL1N, which represents famous rappers such as Xydo and nafla. Since then, Cold Bay has produced multiple albums and been featured in several projects. Cold Bay is striving to produce music that fits not a singular frame but rather possesses different traits, from a depressing and melancholic mood to bright, soft songs reminiscent of early spring. His latest album, LIP (Love is Poison), released in July, 2021 portrays heartbreaking relationships and pain that comes with heartfelt love.

GT: What is the meaning behind your rap name Cold Bay?

Cold Bay: The story behind my rap name is a little bit embarrassing. I got the idea for my rap name when I was serving in the military. When I was in the navy, I was on a ship in around February and March. A sense of restlessness and melancholy came over me during that cold winter season, but I found comfort while looking at the cold sea. Connected to this story, I wanted to be an artist who provides comfort to the listeners. Just like how I was given warmth and comfort from the winter sea, I hope I deliver the same emotions to the listeners, and thus my rap name signifies my will and objective.

GT: Why did you decide to become a rapper?

Cold Bay: At first, I simply liked listening to music, which was why I joined TERRA. However, in the club, I became attracted to hip-hop. One of the reasons for its appeal was that I was able to express myself better through music. I was originally timid by nature, so conveying my emotions was difficult. But I could articulate my feelings clearly through hip-hop so I naturally fell in love with it. This is why I decided to seriously pursue a path as a rapper.

GT: Has KU played any role in contributing to your growth as an artist?

Cold Bay: First of all, my experience in KU enabled me to enter the current company I am in. A video I shot while working in TERRA received a lot of attention, and through various preparations, I was able to sign a contract with the company. In indirect terms, I think I gradually discovered my identity as an artist while making music with the friends I met at KU.

GT: What difficulties did you face while working as a rapper? And (if you overcame them) how did you overcome those troubles?

Cold Bay: Since my job inevitably requires attention from the public, I was sometimes pressured to meet expectations. There were times when I was swayed by opnions and intervention from other people while making music. This hindered me from enjoying and appreciating the music producing process. Thankfully, I gradually learned how to overcome them. Whenever something like that happens, I try to remember why I first started making music and set my primary goal as enjoying music itself.

GT: Are there any particular values or goals regarding the music you make?

Cold Bay: Just like when we meet people, where there is a lasting impression or an image of them, I wanted my music to leave a clear, definite image in the minds of the listeners. Regardless of whether that image creates positive or negative feelings, I am focused on producing songs that compel strong and powerful impressions.

GT: What meaning did you want to convey in your latest album LIP? What characteristics of this album should the listeners focus on?

Cold Bay: LIP is an album about the feeling of loss. The subject of loss can be love or trust, or about any other topic. But this song mainly describes the sentiments when you experience betrayal from the loved or believed in, or when the attachments are gone. Nevertheless, I would like the listeners to pay attention to the contrast between the outer and inner emotions of an individual. While the song pictures a person who seems to be indifferent and nonchalant on the outside, deep inside there is an emotion of sadness along with a consistent need to be loved. This contrasting feature is also reflected in the sounds as well. While the sound consists of a cool guitar loop, the lyrics are very emotional. Overall, the listeners should focus on the contradicting emotions that are the main theme of this album.

GT: Any advice to the students of KU who are pursuing their dreams?

Cold Bay: I want to tell you to believe in yourself. In our generation, there is always a certain level of uncertainty in whichever situation we encounter. In this case, since we are not walking on a well-paved road, I think we have no choice but to believe in ourselves and go straightforward towards our goal. Even if the path you choose seems isolated, there is no need to be anxious. I encourage KU students to have more confidence in themselves.