The origin

“Big Ocean,” Hyunjin, said, “echoes our ambition to spread positivity and hope, like the serene embrace of the ocean.” He emphasized his efforts to communicate in English to reach a wider audience.

Hyunjin, 24, lost his hearing at a young age due to a severe fever but underwent cochlear implant surgery at nine. “After the surgery, I had a hard time adapting to the artificial sound,” he recalls, “but playing the piano comforted me.” Finding solace in music, Hyunjin used YouTube to challenge societal prejudices against the disabled.

His path intertwined with Jiseok, 21, a former skier, who found his passion in dance classes and dreamed of becoming a K-pop star. Jiseok was particularly inspired by the philanthropic gesture of BTS’s RM of donating to Seoul Samsung School.

Their debut single Glow, a remake of an iconic HOT track.

Chanyeon, 26, balanced his work as an audiologist at Korea University Hospital with training in K-pop. His passion for music gradually eclipsed his medical pursuits, as he honed his skills in dancing and rapping.

Dream debut and aspirations

The trio’s convergence at Parastar marked the genesis of Big Ocean. Their debut single Glowa remake of an iconic HOT track, resonated deeply with their shared journey, embodying a message of endless possibilities.
Preparing for their debut presented communication and coordination challenges during rehearsals and recording sessions. They devised innovative solutions to overcome these hurdles and ensure their performances meet the highest standards. Although they used light and vibration metronomes, these tools weren’t accessible on the debut stage.

Watch Big Ocean’s MusicCore performance here:

“Our appearance on MusicCore wasn’t just a milestone; it was a means of connecting with the audience. As they swayed in unison, some offered gestures of solidarity, aware of our unique journey, while others exuded warmth and enthusiasm,” the trio explained.

Challenges they face

Beyond the glitz and glamor of the stage, Big Ocean faces unique challenges. They use innovative measures like vibrating smartwatches during rehearsals and incorporate sign language into their performances, finding harmony in visual and tactile cues that guide their melodies.

When asked about integrating Korean Sign Language (KSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and International Sign Language (ISL) into their performances, they replied, “Certainly! Our journey of incorporating sign language into our performances has been a profound evolution. Collaborating with interpreters and instructors, we’ve strived to ensure our performances resonate with inclusivity and accessibility for all.”

Vision and the way ahead

“Our aspirations extend beyond accolades and fame. We seek to bridge the gap between the disabled and able-bodied, championing inclusivity with every note we sing and every move we make,” they said.

As they navigate the music industry, they draw inspiration from trailblazers like BTS, EXO, and BoA, who have shattered barriers and redefined K-pop on a global scale. They explained, “Being the first deaf K-pop group to debut in the Korean music industry is thrilling and empowering. We want to encourage other deaf people to follow their dreams and prove that anyone can be talented, no matter what.”

They draw inspiration from artists like BTS, EXO, and BoA.

Communication and collaboration are pivotal for their teamwork. They use a blend of written communication, sign language, and visual cues to ensure all members are synchronized during rehearsals, recording sessions, and performances.

Their upcoming singles, slated for release in May and June, feature diverse musical styles and themes. Fans can expect catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and dynamic performances, including the incorporation of American Sign Language in their next song.