Imagine hopping on a Zoom call with a K-pop group that’s not just making music but rewriting the rulebook of the South Korean entertainment industry. That’s exactly what happened when I got the chance to chat with the members of Big Ocean (Park Hyunjin, Lee Chanyeon, and Kim Jiseok), K-pop’s first all-hard-of-hearing boy band.
From the moment they logged in, their energy was infectious. What sets them apart from other groups in the industry is their resilience, creativity, and their drive to empower others. As the first-ever all-hard-of-hearing K-pop group, they’re not just part of the music scene—they know they have to open doors for all the kids looking up to them. The members and their fans wholeheartedly believe that talent knows no limits and that the path to success isn’t always linear, but it’s always worth the ride.
So, who is Big Ocean, and what makes them so special? Let’s dive into their story.
Birth of Big Ocean
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Debuting on 20th April 2024—a date chosen to honour South Korea’s Day of People with Disabilities—Big Ocean wasted no time making their mark. From day one, the group’s goal has been to raise awareness for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, while delivering music that resonates with everyone.
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The group knew the challenges they had to face were something that many others wouldn’t, but instead of letting them hold them back, they used these obstacles as a driving force to create music that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and resilience. “When we started, we knew we were different. We knew our journey wouldn’t be easy, but we were ready for it,” they shared.
FLOW: A Music Video with Meaning
One of the most memorable moments for Big Ocean so far has been the filming of their music video for the single FLOW. The video was shot at the National Institute of Deaf Youth in Paris, the world’s first institute for deaf students, founded in the 1750s. “We wanted to celebrate the deaf community and highlight a place that’s been empowering deaf youth for centuries,” they said. “And since Paris is the city of love, it felt like the perfect place to capture the spirit of FLOW, which is about love and connection.” They hope that by sharing their journey through their songs, they can inspire others to embrace who they are, no matter their background or challenges.
“Flow is also about slowing down to go further, about following your own dreams, and not getting caught up in what others want for you,” they explained. Their music is an invitation to be yourself, to heal, and to overcome obstacles.
To bring this vision to life, Big Ocean worked with some incredible collaborators. Mark Benson, who’s worked with icons like Beyoncé and Eminem, helped shape the sound, while Young K from DAY6 balanced the track’s upbeat energy with a more grounded perspective. The result is a catchy, powerful song that’s easy to vibe to but carries a message that sticks.
Billboard’s K-Pop Rookie of the Month: A Dream Come True
In just a few short months, Big Ocean has already been recognised by Billboard as K-pop’s Rookie of the Month for September 2024. For a group still so new, this is a huge achievement.
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“It’s surreal. We never expected this so early in our journey,” they said, almost in disbelief. “Getting recognised by Billboard felt like a confirmation that what we’re doing is meaningful, and it’s pushing us to keep going. It was a huge boost for us.”
Despite their success, the group remains incredibly grateful for the support they’ve received from fans and the industry alike. “We owe so much to our fans, who have been with us since day one. We wouldn’t be here without them,” they said, referring to their growing fanbase, PADO (Waves), and their impressive social media following.
The Bigger Mission
When asked about the legacy they hope to leave in the K-pop industry, Big Ocean is clear about their vision. They want to be known as a group that brings hope, inspiration, and positivity to the world. “We want to inspire people to follow their dreams, no matter how tough the journey gets. We want to show that you can overcome anything if you keep pushing,” they shared.
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Being the first hard-of-hearing K-pop group isn’t just about being different—it’s about showing that diversity is a strength. “We hope our success opens doors for other kids with disabilities or anyone who’s been told they can’t do something because they’re different. Music is for everyone,” they said. And through their own journey, they’re proving just that.
More Than Representation
Big Ocean is also advocating for greater representation in the music industry, not only for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community but for all marginalised groups. “We want to see more artists from diverse backgrounds in the industry, and we want to make sure there’s space for everyone to shine, no matter their background or skill level,” they explained.
Singing vs. Dancing
When it comes to their personal preferences—singing or dancing—it’s clear that Big Ocean has a deep love for both, though each member has their own take on what brings them the most joy.
“I think I love dancing more,” Hyunjin said with a smile. “For us, dancing is a way to express ourselves in a different way. And it’s been a challenge, especially with our hearing levels. But using technology like vibrating smartwatches to keep us in sync with the beat has made it possible to dance together in perfect harmony. When we finally nail a routine, it feels amazing.”
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But Jiseok chimed in, saying he’s recently developed a love for singing and rapping as well. “I’ve been learning how to control my breath and pitch, and it’s been really fun. I think I’m starting to enjoy singing even more than dancing right now,” he shared, clearly excited about the growth he’s experiencing in his vocal training.
What’s Next for Big Ocean?
With the release of their mini-album Follow (out now), Big Ocean is ready to take the next step in their musical journey. As for future collaborations, the group expressed interest in working with some of their musical idols, including Bruno Mars, whose recent performance in Japan left a lasting impression on them. “I’ve been a fan of his for years, and seeing him perform APT. with Rosé at the MAMA Awards made me want to work with him even more,” one member said. “It would be amazing to collaborate with an artist like him one day.”
