Big Ocean, who made their debut on April 20, Korean Disability Day, is a 3-member K-pop boy group. All members of the group are hard of hearing and want to create their own genre called S-Pop (sign language pop), in which they “sing” in Korean Sign Language (KSL), American Sign Language (ASL) and in the international language. Sign (IS).
Minialbum
Digital singles
- “Glow” (2024)
- “Shot” (2024)
- “Slow” (2024)
Big Ocean is the first deaf idol group, with the mission of “breaking misunderstandings and prejudices towards disabled people”. All members of the group use medical devices such as cochlear implants and hearing aids, with Jiseok being born deaf and Chanyeon and Hyunjin losing their hearing at the ages of 11 and 3, respectively.
Before their debut, all 3 members had full-time jobs, with Chanyeon working as an audiologist, Hyunjin being a TV personality and YouTuber, and Jiseok being a professional alpine skier.
The group’s name, “Big Ocean”, represents a place that helps people feel calm and peaceful. The fandom name of the group is “Pado” and the fan color is turquoise blue.
The group trained together for a year and a half before their debut and is known to use an AI-based deep learning vocal program to assist with vocal recording.
They also practice choreography in a noise-canceling space to better recognize the rhythm of the music and use watches that vibrate to the beat along with a visual metronome to stay in sync.
Big Ocean has already received the Hallyu Special Award at the Newsis K-EXPO Cultural Awards 2024. They have also recently received international recognition, having been featured in a special article on the American media site Rolling Stone.
Source: Yonhap News
