2025-05-30T07:46:21Z

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SEOUL, South Korea -- In a remarkable fusion of passion and technology, Big Ocean, the world’s first K-pop group composed entirely of deaf and hard-of-hearing artists, is breaking barriers in the music industry and redefining the very essence of performance art.

This innovative trio, consisting of PJ, Jiseok, and Chanyeon, made their debut in April 2024. Since then, they have captivated audiences across the globe, recently concluding a solo European tour to celebrate their first anniversary, which included performances in four different countries, notably France and the U.K. Their latest musical offering, a mini-album titled “Underwater,” was released on April 20 and has been met with enthusiasm from fans.

What sets Big Ocean apart is their unique approach to live performances, which seamlessly integrates sign language alongside their striking choreography. Their polished shows are a testament to extensive preparation and the use of high-tech tools developed out of necessity. The group employs vibrating smartwatches that pulse with musical beats, allowing them to feel the rhythm, and LED visual metronomes that flash timing cues during practice sessions. This technological innovation marks a significant advancement in South Korea’s entertainment industry, where opportunities for people with disabilities have historically been limited.

Each member brings a unique background to the group. PJ gained prominence as a YouTuber advocating for awareness around hearing disabilities. Chanyeon has a professional background as an audiologist, while Jiseok was once a competitive ski racer. Their diverse experiences contribute to their creative synergy as they explore the boundaries of music.

To master the intricate choreography that K-pop is famous for, Big Ocean relies on specialized technologies that are not typically found in the genre. The vibrating smartwatches allow the members to feel the rhythm directly on their wrists, while they practice with visual metronomes displayed on monitors, helping them stay in sync when audio cues fall short. Chanyeon utilizes a hybrid hearing device equipped with Bluetooth, enabling him to stream music directly from mobile devices. The group also employs a pitch-checking app and AI voice conversion technology to support their vocal training and enhance the quality of their recorded outputs.

“We each felt rhythm differently when dancing,” PJ explained during an interview with The Associated Press. “So when we’d play the same song and dance in front of the mirror, one of us would move faster while another would move slower. To solve this timing issue, we decided to memorize everything together and create our own cues with each other.”

This commitment to precision becomes critical during live performances, where unexpected events can disrupt even the most seasoned artists. “When we performed in France, our fans were cheering so loudly we lost the beat,” Jiseok recalled. “But we looked at each other and quickly handled the situation — just like we practiced.”

However, stage effects and specific musical styles pose additional obstacles for the group. “When a lot of smoke comes up, sometimes we momentarily can’t see the stage movements in front of us,” PJ noted. “Our concentration gets disrupted instantly in those moments.” Jiseok added, “When there’s no clear beat in a song, it’s really hard for us to stay synchronized. When the bass is overwhelming, it’s difficult for us to catch it accurately.”

Despite these challenges, Big Ocean’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion has inspired a dedicated global fanbase, known as PADO. This fan group has shown remarkable support, with many members even learning Korean sign language and various other sign languages to communicate with the band. “When we see how much they’re preparing and putting in that effort, we feel so grateful,” Jiseok expressed.

The group communicates in English with their international fans and actively incorporates Korean Sign Language, American Sign Language, and International Sign into their interactions, promoting accessibility and inclusivity.

Jiseok credits BTS’s RM as a significant inspiration in his musical journey. He shared how RM’s donation to his former school, a private institution for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, provided him with access to music and dance for the first time. “Without those learning opportunities, I probably never would have dreamed of becoming a K-pop idol,” he reflected.

Looking to the future, Big Ocean is eager to expand its global reach. “We recently saw Justin Bieber’s Instagram post asking for music collaborators, so we sent him a DM,” PJ revealed. “All of us would love the opportunity to work with him. And personally, I’d also love to work with Billie Eilish.”

As the band reflects on their first year together, Chanyeon emphasizes that their most significant growth has been internal. “I’ve always liked playing it safe — even with food, I only ate what I was used to,” he admitted. “But through Big Ocean, I’ve gained confidence in trying new things. That’s what I’m most satisfied with.”