In the vibrant world of K-pop, where synchronized choreography and catchy melodies reign supreme, a groundbreaking group is making waves. Big Ocean, the first-ever K-pop band composed entirely of deaf and hard-of-hearing artists, is shattering stereotypes and redefining what it means to be a global music sensation. Formed under Parastar Entertainment, the trio—Lee Chanyeon, Park Hyunjin (PJ), and Kim Jiseok—debuted on April 20, 2024, with their single Glow, coinciding with South Korea’s Persons with Disabilities Day. Their journey is one of resilience, innovation, and inspiration, proving that music transcends sound. Here’s an in-depth look at Big Ocean’s rise, their unique approach, and their dreams for the future.
Who Are Big Ocean?
Big Ocean is more than a K-pop group; they’re a movement. Comprising three talented individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss, the trio uses cutting-edge technology and sign language to create performances that resonate with fans worldwide. Their name reflects their ambition to spread positivity and hope, like the vast, serene embrace of the ocean. Let’s meet the members:
- Lee Chanyeon (Main Rapper)
- Age: 26
- Background: A former audiologist at Korea University Anam Hospital, Chanyeon lost his hearing at 11 due to a fever and uses bilateral cochlear implants. His passion for music was sparked after meeting deaf actor Troy Kotsur, inspiring him to pursue a K-pop career.
- Fun Fact: Chanyeon’s MBTI is INTP, and he’s a fan of TWICE, BTS, and TXT.
- Park Hyunjin (PJ, Lead Singer)
- Age: 24
- Background: A former YouTuber and commercial model, PJ lost his hearing at a young age due to a high fever. He uses a hearing aid in his right ear and a cochlear implant in his left. Music, especially piano, became his solace after struggling with artificial sound post-surgery.
- Fun Fact: PJ reached out to Justin Bieber via Instagram DM, hoping for a collaboration.
- Kim Jiseok (Lead Dancer)
- Age: 21
- Background: Born deaf, Jiseok is a former alpine skier with the Seoul Para Ski Team. His passion for dance was ignited by BTS’s RM, whose donation to Jiseok’s school introduced him to music and choreography.
- Fun Fact: Jiseok’s nickname is “AI” due to his poker-faced expression, and he prefers cats over dogs.
| Member | Role | Hearing Technology | Previous Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Chanyeon | Main Rapper | Bilateral cochlear implants | Audiologist |
| Park Hyunjin (PJ) | Lead Singer | Hearing aid (right), cochlear implant (left) | YouTuber, model |
| Kim Jiseok | Lead Dancer | Hearing aid (right ear) | Alpine skier |
Breaking Barriers with Technology and Sign Language
Big Ocean’s performances are a testament to innovation. Each member hears differently, presenting unique challenges in syncing with music and choreography. To overcome this, they rely on advanced tools:
- Smartwatches for Rhythm: The trio wears custom smartwatches that vibrate in sync with the music, allowing them to feel the beat. These devices can adjust tempo, helping them stay in rhythm despite varying perceptions of sound.
- Visual Metronomes: During practice, a monitor displays numbers that change color on each beat, providing a visual cue for their tightly choreographed routines.
- Sign Language Integration: Big Ocean incorporates Korean Sign Language (KSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and International Sign Language (ISL) into their performances, creating a new genre they call “S-pop” (sign language pop). This makes their shows accessible and inclusive for deaf and hard-of-hearing fans.
Their debut single, Glow, a remake of an iconic H.O.T. track, embodies their message of endless possibilities. Their first EP, Follow, released on November 12, 2024, includes the track Flow, filmed at the historic National Institute for Deaf Youth in Paris. Produced by award-winning American producer Mark Batson, it showcases their global ambitions.
Inspirations and Aspirations
Big Ocean draws inspiration from K-pop giants like BTS, EXO, and BoA, but their connection to BTS’s RM is particularly profound. Jiseok credits RM’s 2019 donation to Seoul Samsung School, a private institution for deaf students, for introducing him to music and dance. “Without those learning opportunities, I probably never would have dreamed of becoming a K-pop idol,” Jiseok shared in an interview with The Associated Press in Seoul on April 15, 2025.
The group’s aspirations are bold. They’ve already reached out to global stars like Justin Bieber, with PJ enthusiastically noting, “We sent him a DM after seeing his Instagram post about music collaborators.” PJ also dreams of working with Billie Eilish, reflecting their desire to break into the international music scene. Their upcoming European tour, Underwater, starting April 19, 2025, in Lausanne, Switzerland, and a performance at Anime Friends 2025 in São Paulo, Brazil, signal their growing global presence.
Final Thoughts
Big Ocean’s journey is just beginning, but their message is clear: talent knows no boundaries. As they navigate the K-pop industry with innovation and heart, they’re not just breaking barriers—they’re building bridges to a more inclusive world.
