K-Pop Band Big Ocean, Jinok, PJ and Chanion members, left to right [File]
Photo Credit: AP
Big Ocean, a three-member K-Pop group that is fully made up of artists with hearing disability, re-defining the boundaries of music and performance-a beat at one time.
When the Big Ocean takes the stage, they basically include sign language in their performance. But their polish shows are designed on comprehensive preparation using high-tech devices arising out of the need-pulses with beats and LED visual metronomes with the shaking of smartwatch with which flash signs of time during practice sessions. This technical approach represents significant progresses in South Korea’s entertainment industry, where career opportunities are historically limited for people with disabilities.
The trio, PJ, Jinok and Chanionon made their debut in April 2024 and recently wrapped a single European tour, marking their first anniversary. The band demonstrated in four countries including France and the UK, promoting its second mini-album, “underwater”, which fell on April 20.
The PJ grew prominently as a Youtuber, which educated the audience about the inability to listen. Chanione had previously worked as an audiologist. Jiseok was a professional ski racer.
To achieve the accurate important in choreography and music seeking a c-pap, it rarely depends on the technologies seen in the Big Ocean style. Members wear modified vibrating smartwatchs that give their wrist rhythmic signals and practice with visual metronomes – flashing the light guide displayed on the monitor – when the audio is not alone enough, to help stay in the sink.
Chanyeon uses a hybrid hearing device with Bluetooth that streams music directly from mobile devices. The group also uses a pitch-checking app and AI voice conversion technology to support vocal training and increase audio output after recording.
PJ told the Associated Press, “When we feel different rhythm while dancing, PJ told the Associated Press.” So when we play the same song and dance in front of the mirror, one of us will move fast, while the other will slow down. To solve the issue of this time, we decided to remember everything together and create our own signs with each other. “
This accuracy becomes important during live performance, where unexpected disruptions can also derail experienced artists. “When we performed in France, our fans were cheering so loudly that we lost the green.” “But we saw each other and quickly handled the situation – as we practiced.”
Stage effects and some musical styles cause additional obstacles. “When a lot of smoke comes, sometimes we cannot see the stage movements in front of us in a moment,” said PJ. “Our concentration is immediately interrupted in those moments.”
“When there is no clear beat in a song, it is really difficult for us to be synchronized,” Jiseok said. “When the bass is heavy, it is difficult for us to hold it correctly.”
Despite these challenges, the commitment of Big Ocean’s reach and inclusion has inspired his global fan. Big Ocean’s global fanbase – known as Pado – has responded with similar commitment.
“While communicating with Pado, we have heard that they are really learning Korean Sign Language for us, or learning various sign languages ​​to communicate with us,” Jiseok said. “When we see how preparation they are preparing and putting in that effort, we feel very grateful.”
The group uses English for basic communication with international fans and incorporates Korean sign language, American sign language and international sign to promote access and inclusion.
Jiseok credited the RM of BTS along with inspiring his music trip. He said that RM’s Donation in his former school – a private institution and students for deaf to listen to the students – gave him access to music and dance for the first time. “Without those learning opportunities, I might never have dreamed of becoming a k-pap idol,” he said.
Looking forward, Big Ocean is expected to build on its growing global profile.
“We recently saw Justin Bieber’s Instagram post asking for music colleagues, so we sent him a DM,” said PJ. “We all would like the opportunity to work with him. And personally, I would also like to work with Billy Eileish.”
As the band reflects on its first year, Charione said that her greatest growth has been internal.
He said, “I have always liked to play it safely – even with food, I only ate what I was used,” he said. “But through the large ocean, I have gained confidence in trying new things. That’s what I am the most satisfied.”
Published – May 31, 2025 09:25 AM IST
