K-Interview: Big Ocean (Big O!cean) – South Korea’s first hearing-impaired K-Pop Group

Deena Jasmine (Chikmagalur, Karnataka) and Jasmine Khan (Dubai)

Embark on a musical voyage with the newly-debuted Big Ocean, who are rewriting the rules of the industry as South Korea’s first hearing-impaired K-Pop group.

In a groundbreaking move within the South Korean music industry, Big Ocean (stylised as Big O!cean) has emerged as the nation’s first-ever deaf boy group signed under PARASTAR Entertainment. With an innovative approach to music, this talented group introduces the world to S-POP, a genre that revolutionizes Pop music by incorporating Korean Sign Language, American Sign Language, and International Sign Language, into their performances. They debuted on April 20, 2024, with a mesmerizing remake of H.O.T’s iconic track, Glow. Big Ocean is now ready to make waves and set a new standard for inclusivity and creativity in the K-pop scene.

_{Picture Credits: The Korea Times}

At Hallyuism, we got an opportunity to interview the team members of Big Ocean. Read ahead to know more about how they are challenging the conventional standards of K-pop idol identity.

Please introduce us briefly to each member of Big Ocean and share insights into their unique personalities, talents, and roles within the group.

Lee Chanyeon: Chanyeon is our energetic rapper who brings charisma and excitement to our performances. He’s known for his lively stage presence and adorable personality.

Park Hyunjin: Hyunjin is our main vocalist, and his special talent lies in his ability to convey deep emotions through his singing. He has a warm and simple vibe that resonates with our audience.

Kim Jiseok: Jiseok is our talented dancer who adds dynamic movements and storytelling to our choreography. He has a neat expression like a robot but is also playful and expressive.

Could you share the inspiration behind the group name “Big Ocean” and how it reflects the group’s identity and aspirations? What was the back story behind and how this group was formed?

The name “Big Ocean” reflects the vast potential and endless possibilities we see in ourselves as artists. Just like the ocean, we aim to make a big impact on the world with our music. The group was formed through auditions held by our agency, Parastar Entertainment, where we were selected based on our talent and passion for music.

As a newly debuted group, could you share the most memorable moments from your journey leading up to your debut on 20 April 2024, related to the preparation and release of the digital single “Glow”?

Some of the most memorable moments leading up to our debut on April 20, 2024, include the intense training sessions, recording our debut single “Glow,” and the excitement of preparing for our first live performance on “Show! Music Core.” The journey was challenging but rewarding, and we cherished every moment of it.

Could you share some insights into the creative process behind “Glow” your debut single? What were some of the key inspirations or influences that shaped the song?

The creative process behind “Glow” involved collaboration between our members and our production team. We drew inspiration from the original song by H.O.T. and added our own style and flair to it. The lyrics were crafted to reflect our journey as a group and convey a message of hope and positivity to our listeners.

Could you share more about the journey of learning and incorporating Korean Sign Language (KSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and International Sign Language (ISL) into your performances so far?

Learning and incorporating Korean Sign Language (KSL) into our performances has been a transformative journey. We’ve worked closely with sign language interpreters and instructors to ensure that our performances are inclusive and accessible to all.

What do you think is the current perception of disability in the entertainment industry? How do you think your group’s debut will promote conversations around the need for being inclusive in the music industry?

The current perception of disability in the entertainment industry is slowly evolving, but there is still a long way to go in terms of representation and inclusivity. Our debut as the first deaf K-pop group challenges stereotypes and promotes conversations around the importance of inclusivity in music and entertainment.

Music is a universal language; one that has the power to transcend all barriers and break stereotypes. How does it feel to be the pioneers of the Korean music industry for being the first deaf K-Pop group to debut, and representing the deaf community?

Being the pioneer of the Korean music industry as the first deaf K-pop group to debut is both exciting and empowering. We hope to inspire others in the deaf community to pursue their dreams and show the world that talent knows no boundaries.

What challenges did you face while preparing for your debut and overcoming them? Could you share some of the moments that were particularly challenging with respect to your working on your music or preparing for performances?

Preparing for our debut came with its own set of challenges, especially in terms of communication and coordination during rehearsals and recording sessions. We had to find creative ways to overcome these challenges and ensure that our performances were of the highest quality. We have been using light and vibration metronome, but it was unavailable on the debut stage. So, we tried our put secret signals to our performance so that dancers could give us starting point signs. 

The debut of BIG OCEAN has definitely brought a phenomenal “wave” in the world of music. We are confident this debut marks a significant step towards making the K-Pop and music industry – more inclusive and diverse – not just in terms of representation, but also in terms of adapting progressive industry practices. What aspirations do you have for your group in the future?

In the future, we aspire to continue breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity in the music industry. We hope to release more meaningful music that resonates with our fans and contributes to positive change in society.

K-Pop groups are well known for their teamwork, coordination, friendships, and unity. How does your group navigate communication and collaboration during rehearsals, recording sessions, and dance performances?

Communication and collaboration are key aspects of our teamwork. We use a combination of written communication, sign language, and visual cues to ensure that everyone is on the same page during rehearsals, recording sessions, and performances.

What stereotypes or misconceptions do you want to shatter through your music and how will that help you evolve as artists in the coming years?

Through our music, we aim to shatter stereotypes surrounding disability and show the world that being deaf does not limit our creativity or talent. We hope that our music will inspire others to embrace diversity and celebrate differences.

Can you share insights into the creative process behind your upcoming singles set for release in May and June? What can fans expect in terms of musical style and themes? 

Our upcoming singles set for release in May and June are a blend of different musical styles and themes. Fans can expect a mix of catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and energetic performances that showcase our versatility as artists. Also, we will be putting American Sign Language for the next song. 

What message do you want to send out to other aspiring artists of determination who might feel discouraged by societal norms from pursuing such endeavors? 

To aspiring artists of determination, we want to send a message of encouragement and empowerment. Don’t let societal norms or stereotypes discourage you from pursuing your dreams. Believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up on your passion for music.

We would like to send our best wishes to Big O!cean for all their future endeavors from our entire team! Thank you so much for taking out the time for your valuable insights, we are truly honored. Did you all enjoy reading this interview? Share your thoughts in the comments!