Big Ocean, a three-member Okay-pop group composed solely of artists with listening to disabilities, is redefining the boundaries of music and efficiency — one beat at a time.
When Big Ocean takes the stage, they seamlessly incorporate signal language into their performances. But their polished reveals are constructed on intensive preparation utilizing high-tech instruments born from necessity — vibrating smartwatches that pulse with musical beats and LED visible metronomes that flash timing cues throughout apply periods. This technological strategy represents vital progress in South Korea’s leisure business, the place profession alternatives for individuals with disabilities have traditionally been restricted.
The trio, PJ, Jiseok and Chanyeon, made their debut in April 2024 and lately wrapped a solo European tour marking their first anniversary. The band carried out in 4 international locations, together with France and the U.Okay., whereas selling their second mini-album, “Underwater,” which dropped on April 20.
PJ rose to prominence as a YouTuber who educated viewers about listening to disabilities. Chanyeon beforehand labored as an audiologist. Jiseok was knowledgeable ski racer.
To obtain the precision essential in K-pop’s demanding choreography and music, Big Ocean depends on applied sciences not often seen within the style. Members put on modified vibrating smartwatches that ship rhythmic cues to their wrists and apply with visible metronomes — flashing gentle guides displayed on screens — to assist keep in sync when audio alone isn’t sufficient.
Chanyeon uses a hybrid listening to machine with Bluetooth that streams music immediately from cellular gadgets. The group additionally uses a pitch-checking app and AI voice conversion know-how to assist vocal coaching and improve audio output after recordings.
“We each felt rhythm differently when dancing,” PJ instructed 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 precision turns into vital throughout reside performances, the place sudden disruptions can derail even skilled performers. “When we performed in France, our fans were cheering so loudly we lost the beat,” mentioned Jiseok. “But we looked at each other and quickly handled the situation — just like we practiced.”
Stage results and sure musical types create extra obstacles. “When a lot of smoke comes up, sometimes we momentarily can’t see the stage movements in front of us,” PJ mentioned. “Our concentration gets disrupted instantly in those moments.”
“When there’s no clear beat in a song, it’s really hard for us to stay synchronized,” Jiseok mentioned. “When the bass is overwhelming, it’s difficult for us to catch it accurately.”
Despite these challenges, Big Ocean’s dedication to accessibility and inclusion has impressed their world fanbase. Big Ocean’s world fanbase — generally known as PADO — has responded with comparable dedication.
“While communicating with PADO, we’ve heard that they’re actually learning Korean sign language for us, or learning various sign languages to communicate with us,” Jiseok mentioned. “When we see how much they’re preparing and putting in that effort, we feel so grateful.”
The group uses English for primary communication with worldwide followers and incorporates Korean Sign Language, American Sign Language and International Sign to promote accessibility and inclusion.
Jiseok credit BTS’s RM with inspiring his musical journey. He mentioned RM’s donation to his former college — a non-public establishment for deaf and laborious of listening to college students — gave him entry 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 mentioned.
Looking forward, Big Ocean hopes to construct on its rising world profile.
“We recently saw Justin Bieber’s Instagram post asking for music collaborators, so we sent him a DM,” PJ mentioned. “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 displays on its first 12 months, Chanyeon mentioned their largest development has been inside.
“I’ve always liked playing it safe — even with food, I only ate what I was used to,” he mentioned. “But through Big Ocean, I’ve gained confidence in trying new things. That’s what I’m most satisfied with.”
Published – May 31, 2025 09:25 am IST
