Recently, US media site Rolling Stone published an exclusive article titled “Big Ocean: Meet the Deaf K-pop Group That’s Breaking All Barriers.”
The article, which features group members Chanyeon, Hyunjin and Jiseok, also points out that Big Ocean is not a typical K-pop group, having made history on April 20, Korea’s Disability Day, by debuting with a full lineup by all deaf members.
The group recently released the mini-album “Follow”, featuring the title track *Flow* along with previously released singles “Glow”, “Blow” and “Slow”. “Flow”, the band’s first English-language song, was produced by three-time Grammy-winning American musician Mark Batson, known for collaborations with stars such as Eminem and Beyoncé.
The video clip “Flow” was filmed at the National Institute for the Young Deaf in Paris, the first school in the world for the deaf, founded in 1750. The video shows the 3 members dancing together with 100 participants, offering a powerful and moving.
According to Big Ocean, the album “Follow” is an invitation for listeners to join Big Ocean on a journey to find happiness. Each song has a special meaning, including “Glow” with hope, “Blow” away your worries, “Slow down” your pace and keep up with the “Flow” of life.
The Rolling Stone article also delved into the formation of Big Ocean and the group’s rigorous process of forming.
In particular, the group mentioned how their success comes from 1% talent and 99% effort. They also perform using Korean Sign Language (KSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and International Sign Language (ISL) to connect with fans around the world.
“But I think all the results we have achieved are perhaps 1% talent and 99% effort. We work really hard.
Currently, Big Ocean is promoting their debut album internationally. The members visited iconic New York landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Times Square and Central Park to meet their US fans. They also performed live at the “Cool Out 2024” event held in the Cayman Islands from November 14-17.
Source: K14, Rolling Stone
