Big Ocean: Pioneering K-Pop’s First Deaf Boy Band Aims for U.S. Music Industry Success

Big Ocean: Pioneering Inclusivity in K-pop

Big Ocean has made history as the inaugural K-pop boy band consisting entirely of deaf and hard-of-hearing artists. As they celebrate their first anniversary and the launch of their new mini-album, Underwater, the group—comprising PJ, Jiseok, and Chanyeon—is poised to broaden their influence beyond South Korea and into the vibrant U. S.music scene.

A Trailblazing Journey

Since their debut in April 2024 with the single “Glow, ”released on South Korea’s Day of Persons with Disabilities, Big Ocean has aimed to challenge societal stereotypes and foster inclusivity in the entertainment industry. The group has garnered acclaim for their innovative integration of sign language into their performances, along with the employment of advanced technology that enables them to tackle K-pop’s notoriously rigorous choreography. Utilizing customized vibrating smartwatches that synchronize with the music’s tempo and visual metronomes to highlight timing cues, Big Ocean has redefined the concert experience for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.

Jiseok remarked on the warmth and dedication of their international fan community, PADO: “We’ve learned that many [fans] are actually studying Korean sign language for us or learning various sign languages to communicate with us. Seeing how much they prepare and invest effort makes us feel incredibly grateful.”

International Aspirations

Big Ocean’s aspirations for global recognition have materialized through their recently completed European tour, where they showcased their music in countries like France and the UK, promoting their album Underwater. Their multilingual performances, incorporating Korean, American, and International Sign Languages, make their music accessible to a worldwide audience. By engaging with fans in English for fundamental interactions, the trio continues to expand their reach and connect with a diverse listener base.

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In a recent interview with the Associated Press, the members expressed their eagerness to penetrate the U. S.market. PJ stated, “We recently saw Justin Bieber’s post on Instagram looking for music collaborators, so we sent him a direct message. We would all jump at the chance to work with him. Personally, I would also love to collaborate with Billie Eilish.”Their proactive engagement with Western artists, coupled with their strategic use of English, emphasizes Big Ocean’s ambition to serve as global K-pop ambassadors.

A Unique Narrative

The individual backgrounds of the Big Ocean members are as diverse as they are inspiring. PJ initially gained fame as a YouTuber advocating for hearing disabilities, Chanyeon previously worked as an audiologist, and Jiseok was a professional ski racer before transitioning to music. Together, they unite around a shared vision of accessibility and inclusion in the arts.

The foundation of Big Ocean’s success is also linked to the unwavering support from Parastar Entertainment. PJ reflected on this collaboration, stating, “Our staff, including our CEO, suggested higher standards that match [the] K-pop industry. Even now, we are lagging in many aspects from dancing, rapping, to singing. But Parastar keeps us grounded by sharing the reality and encouraging us to strive for more. We are incredibly grateful to those who believed in us and did not give up.”

Looking Forward

As part of their ongoing commitment to expand their global presence, Big Ocean is set to perform at significant international events, including Anime Friends 2025 in São Paulo, Brazil. Reflecting on his journey, Jiseok credited BTS’s RM for inspiring his dreams of becoming a K-pop idol, emphasizing the importance of learning and growth opportunities in the industry.

By combining cutting-edge technology, inclusive performance techniques, and cross-cultural engagement, Big Ocean stands at the forefront of redefining possibilities in K-pop, paving the way for a new generation of artists and fans worldwide.

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