Big Ocean is breaking barriers and bringing a fresh breeze to the Hallyu wave. Big Ocean is K-Pop industry’s first deaf and hard-of-hearing band that has gained global accolades for its top-notch musical pieces and performances. KCrush America Magazine had a conversation with the talented trio to get to know them better.
You all had different jobs before becoming Big Ocean. How did you meet and why the name ‘Big Ocean’?
Chanyeon: Before debuting, we each had different paths—Hyunjin was a content creator raising awareness about hearing disabilities, I worked as an audiologist, and Jiseok was a competitive alpine skier. We all had unique experiences, but what brought us together was our passion for music and the opportunity to express ourselves in a way that felt meaningful.
Hyunjin: We met through Parastar Entertainment. The name ‘Big Ocean’ represents something vast, deep, and limitless—just like music and sign language, which connect people across different backgrounds.
Jiseok: There’s also a deeper meaning to the name. Underwater, divers communicate using signs because verbal language doesn’t work there. Similarly, sign language is a natural and universal form of communication that transcends barriers. We want our music to be like the ocean—welcoming, boundless, and a space where people can find their own rhythm.
What is your song recording process like and how do you synchronize with the music and stay on beat when performing live?
Hyunjin: Recording songs is always an exciting challenge for us. Since we have different hearing abilities, we use a combination of methods to ensure we stay in sync with the rhythm. During recording sessions, we rely heavily on vibrations, visual cues, and metronomes to guide our timing. We also work closely with our producers to fine-tune our vocal delivery and make sure our emotions come through in the song.
Chanyeon: Performing live requires a lot of teamwork and trust. We use vibrating smartwatches that act as metronomes to help us feel the beat, and we take cues from each other and the stage lighting. The bond we’ve built as a group plays a huge role in how well we synchronize on stage—we’ve learned to communicate instinctively.
Jiseok: Another important factor is the energy from our fans. We recently introduced performance start signals and fanchant guides to help the audience engage with our shows. Seeing their excitement and feeling their support gives us an extra boost of confidence, making every performance even more special!
The ‘FLOW’ track, from the ‘Follow’ EP is such a blast with powerful lyrics and vibe. What’s the message behind the song?
Chanyeon: ‘FLOW’ is about finding your own rhythm in life and embracing the journey with trust and confidence. The song encourages people to let go of fear and move forward naturally, like the flow of water.
Hyunjin: More than just a song, ‘FLOW’ is also our love letter to PADOs. It carries the message that we’re all on this journey together, and no matter where life takes us, we’re connected through music. We wanted PADOs to feel that sense of freedom, warmth, and encouragement when they listen to it.
Jiseok: Filming the ‘FLOW’ music video at the National Institute for Deaf Youth in Paris made the song even more meaningful for us. Being in a place with such deep history in the Deaf community reminded us of the importance of inclusivity and communication. Through this song we hope to inspire others to move forward with confidence, knowing that every step they take is part of their own unique path.
You’ve done several performances, including internationally. How do fans, both deaf and hearing, engage with your performances?
Hyunjin: One of the most beautiful things about our performances is how both Deaf and hearing fans experience them in their own way. Some fans follow along with our sign language choreography, while others connect through the music and energy of the stage.
Chanyeon: We also encourage the audience to engage actively. During our fan meetings and concerts, we introduce performance start signals and fan chant guides so PADO can feel more involved. Seeing fans, regardless of their hearing ability, sign along, cheer, and move with the music makes every stage feel even more special.
Jiseok: Music is about connection, and it goes beyond sound. The energy, the visuals, the rhythm—we want everyone to feel included. Whether through vibrations, visuals, or movement, we hope our performances create an experience where everyone can enjoy music together.
Fans are going crazy over your latest “brighT” addictive single. What was the first idea or feeling that sparked the creation of this song?
Chanyeon: ‘brighT’ was created as part of SK Telecom’s Happy AI Coding Challenge 25th anniversary, with its lyrics written by two students with intellectual disabilities using AI-assisted tools. From the very beginning, the song carried a powerful message of hope and perseverance, and we wanted to bring that message to life through our voices.
Hyunjin: When we first heard the lyrics, we were amazed by how they captured determination and optimism so beautifully. The song speaks about chasing dreams, embracing challenges, and never giving up, which resonated with us deeply.
Jiseok: The melody is uplifting and energetic, making it even more special. Knowing that ‘brighT’ was created through collaboration, inclusivity, and technology, we felt honored to be part of something so meaningful. The first idea behind this song was simple—to remind everyone that their light can shine bright, no matter what obstacles come their way.
What keeps you going despite the industry challenges?
Hyunjin: More than anything, our love for music and performance keeps us going. There are difficult moments, but every time we step on stage, we remember why we started. The connection we have with PADO gives us the strength to keep moving forward.
Chanyeon: The support from our fans and team motivates us. Knowing that our music reaches people, inspires them, and even encourages some to learn sign language makes every challenge worth it.
Jiseok: We also remind ourselves that every step forward, no matter how small, is still progress. Challenges come and go, but our journey with Big Ocean is something we cherish. As long as we have music, our message, and PADO by our side, we’ll keep pushing forward.
What are some of the memorable feedback you have received from fans?
Hyunjin: One of the most touching messages I’ve received was from a fan who said that our music gave them strength during a difficult time. Knowing that our songs can bring comfort and encouragement makes everything we do feel even more meaningful.
Chanyeon: A fan once shared that they started learning sign language because of us. That was really special because it shows that our music isn’t just about sound—it’s about connection. Seeing people embrace sign language and make efforts to communicate inclusively is incredibly heartwarming.
Jiseok: A moment I’ll never forget was seeing fans sign along with us during a performance. Whether they are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or hearing, PADO finds ways to express their support in a way that makes us feel truly connected. It reminds us that music is something that can be felt in many different ways.
As the first deaf K-pop group, what has been the biggest challenge in establishing yourselves in such a competitive industry?
Hyunjin: One of the biggest challenges was changing perceptions. Some people had doubts about whether a Deaf and Hard of Hearing group could succeed in the industry, but we wanted to prove that music is more than just sound—it’s about emotion, expression, and connection.
Chanyeon: Synchronization was also something we had to approach differently. Since we all have different hearing abilities, we developed our own methods, like using vibrating smartwatches, visual cues, and strong teamwork to stay in sync during performances. It was a challenge at first, but it became one of our strengths.
Jiseok: Another challenge was making sure that our performances were accessible to everyone, both Deaf and hearing audiences. We worked hard to integrate sign language naturally into our choreography so that our music could be experienced visually as well. Seeing how people have embraced this has been incredibly rewarding.
What’s one thing that fans are yet to learn about each of you?
Hyunjin: I’ve been really passionate about learning English lately. I even bought the entire Harry Potter series in English, but… I haven’t actually started reading it yet! (laughs)
Chanyeon: People often think I’m very outgoing because of my performances, but I’m actually quite introverted. I love spending time alone, especially at cafés, just enjoying the quiet.
Jiseok: I’ve been working hard on my fitness recently, especially my abs. It’s a personal goal of mine, and let’s just say… it’s still a work in progress! (laughs)
You already have several confirmed performances for 2025. What should fans be expecting?
Hyunjin: We’re thrilled to have a busy year ahead, starting with our first solo concert, ‘Follow’ in Toyota City, Japan, on March 9th. It’s a special milestone for us, and we’re working hard to make it an unforgettable experience for everyone attending.
Chanyeon: We’ll also be performing at Polymanga 2025 in Lausanne, Switzerland, in April, followed by the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, in July, and the K-Pop Revolution Festival in Mainz, Germany, also in July. Each of these events is a great opportunity for us to connect with more fans around the world.
Jiseok: Fans can expect new performances, fresh arrangements of our songs, and even more engagement with PADOs. We’re always looking for ways to bring our music to life in a way that everyone can feel and experience together. We can’t wait to meet you all!
What does the future hold for Big Ocean?
Hyunjin: We want to keep growing as artists and sharing our music with more people. We’ve already taken big steps this year, and we hope to continue expanding our sound and message to reach even more listeners worldwide.
Chanyeon: Our journey is still unfolding, and we’re excited about the possibilities ahead. We’ll continue to explore new musical styles, improve our performances, and find new ways to connect with PADO.
Jiseok: The future is full of opportunities, and we’re ready to embrace them. Whether through new music, performances, or collaborations, we’ll keep pushing forward and breaking barriers. Most importantly, we want to create music that speaks to people’s hearts and reminds them that they’re never alone.
What would you like to say to your fans?
Hyunjin: Thank you for always supporting us and believing in our music. Your love and encouragement give us the strength to keep going, and we hope our songs bring you comfort and inspiration in return.
Chanyeon: Every step we take is because of PADOs. Whether near or far, we feel your energy and support, and it means everything to us. We’ll continue working hard to create music and performances that make you proud.
Jiseok: No matter where you are in the world, we are connected through music. Thank you for being with us on this journey—we’ll keep growing, challenging ourselves, and sharing meaningful moments together. Let’s continue to walk this path hand in hand!
—-Karen Mwenda
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