Big Ocean: The Deaf K-pop Boy Band Breaking Barriers in the Industry
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| Big Ocean: The Deaf K-pop Boy Band Breaking Barriers in the Industry |
The group’s impact extends beyond their music. In their very first year, Big Ocean received the prestigious Special Hallyu Award at the 2024 NEWSIS K-Expo. This award, supported by Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, is given to those who make significant contributions to Hallyu (Korean Wave) culture. It’s a testament to how Big Ocean is not only making waves in the K-pop industry but also creating positive change for differently-abled communities worldwide.
Each member of Big Ocean brings a unique background and journey to the group. Chanyeon, previously an audiologist at Korea University Anam Hospital, was inspired by meeting Troy Kotsur, the Deaf actor who gained international fame for his role in the film CODA. This meeting pushed Chanyeon to pursue his dream of music and storytelling, leading him to join Big Ocean. Hyunjin, who came from the world of content creation as a YouTuber, used his platform to raise awareness about living with auditory challenges before his path led him to Parastar Entertainment and the opportunity to debut as part of Big Ocean. Lastly, Jiseok had been a competitive Alpine skier with the Seoul Disabled Ski Association. However, facing communication barriers in the sports world made him pivot to the entertainment industry, where he found his place with Big Ocean.
Their timing couldn't have been more perfect. South Korea has seen a rise in content that brings awareness to the lives of differently-abled individuals, such as the popular K-dramas Extraordinary Attorney Woo and Twinkling Watermelon. Big Ocean has taken this movement a step further by placing Deaf individuals at the forefront of the K-pop scene, ensuring that representation in entertainment isn’t just a temporary trend but a lasting change.
The group's name, Big Ocean, symbolizes their mission of creating waves of change and spreading inspiration globally. The ocean’s vastness reflects their boundless vision to connect with people worldwide, and just as waves communicate and ripple across the sea, Big Ocean is using their platform to communicate in ways beyond sound. Their debut date, April 20th, the Day of People with Disabilities in Korea, highlights their commitment to raising awareness and fighting for greater acceptance and inclusion.
Despite the immense challenges they face, Big Ocean has found innovative solutions to synchronize their performances. For example, during rehearsals and live performances, the members rely on visual cues like flashing lights and hand signals, and they use a metronome system that vibrates through smartwatches to help them stay on beat. Their cochlear implants allow them to hear certain frequencies, but they still rely on apps to help with pitch and tuning as they perfect their vocal performances.
The group’s journey hasn’t been easy, but they’ve thrived under pressure. Their daily schedules are packed with vocal and dance training, along with classes in sign language and English to further hone their craft. They’ve also developed a strong bond with their fans, who they affectionately call “Pado,” which means “wave” in Korean. This name reflects the support flowing between the group and their fans, as well as the ripple effect of inspiration their music creates.
Each member of Big Ocean has their own K-pop role models. Chanyeon looks up to Shotaro from RIIZE for his incredible dance skills, and Hyunjin dreams of collaborating with TXT’s Yeonjun, while Jiseok admires BTS’s RM for his thoughtful lyrics. Their dreams of collaborating with these K-pop icons are fueled by a desire to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible for Deaf artists in the music industry.
Big Ocean’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. They’ve earned nominations for Billboard’s Rookie of the Month, and their fan base continues to grow globally. As they look ahead to new milestones, they remain deeply grateful for the love and support of their Pado, whose passion and encouragement have been key to their success.
Big Ocean’s story isn’t just about breaking into the K-pop industry—it’s about proving that no matter the challenges, with determination and creativity, barriers can be broken. Their message of inclusivity, hope, and resilience resonates not just with their fans in the Deaf community, but with anyone who has ever felt limited by societal expectations. With every performance and release, Big Ocean is making it clear that music is not bound by sound—it’s bound by the heart, and they are ready to make even bigger waves in the future.
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