Big Ocean, the world's first K-pop boy band composed entirely of deaf and hard-of-hearing artists, is boldly setting its sights on the global market—and the U.S. is high on their list. Fresh from their first anniversary and the release of their new mini-album "Underwater," the trio—PJ, Jiseok, and Chanyeon—are not only breaking barriers in South Korea but are also making waves across continents with their innovative approach to music and performance.
The group's journey began in April 2024, when they debuted with the single "Glow" on South Korea's Day of Persons with Disabilities, signaling their mission to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity from the outset. Since then, Big Ocean has been celebrated for seamlessly integrating sign language into their performances and for using high-tech tools to master K-pop's famously demanding choreography. Their shows rely on customized vibrating smartwatches that pulse with the music's rhythm and LED visual metronomes that provide timing cues, allowing them to synchronize their dance and vocals even when audio cues are insufficient.
"We've learned that many [fans] are actually studying Korean sign language for us or learning various sign languages to communicate with us," shared Jiseok, reflecting on the dedication of their international fanbase, known as PADO. "Seeing how much they are preparing and putting in that effort makes us feel incredibly grateful."
Looking abroad
Big Ocean's international ambitions are clear. The group recently completed a solo European tour, performing in countries like France and the United Kingdom to promote "Underwater."
Their performances blend Korean, American, and International Sign Languages, making their music accessible to fans worldwide. The group also communicates in English for basic interactions with international fans, further broadening their reach.
In an interview with the Associated Press this week, the members spoke candidly about their dreams of breaking into the U.S. market. "We recently saw Justin Bieber's post on Instagram looking for music collaborators, so we sent him a direct message," PJ revealed. "We would all jump at the chance to work with him. Personally, I would also love to collaborate with Billie Eilish." Their outreach to Western artists and use of English in fan communications highlight their intent to become global K-pop ambassadors.
The band's story is as diverse as it is inspiring. PJ first gained fame as a YouTuber raising awareness about hearing disabilities, Chanyeon worked as an audiologist, and Jiseok was a professional ski racer before joining the group. Each member brings a unique perspective, united by their commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
Big Ocean's success is also a testament to the support they've received from their agency, Parastar Entertainment. "Our staff, including our CEO, suggested higher standards that match [the] K-pop industry," said Hyunjin (PJ) in a previous interview. "Even now, we are lagging in many things from dancing, rapping, and singing. But Parastar keeps letting us know the reality and tries to push us to go further to achieve the goal. [We] are so grateful there were people believing in us and not giving up on us."
Looking ahead, Big Ocean is set to perform at major international events, including Anime Friends 2025 in São Paulo, Brazil, and remains focused on expanding their global reach. "Without those opportunities for learning, I probably would have never dreamed of becoming a K-pop idol," Jiseok reflected, crediting BTS's RM for inspiring his musical journey.
With their blend of cutting-edge technology, inclusive performances, and cross-cultural communication, Big Ocean is redefining what's possible in K-pop—and opening doors for a new generation of artists and fans around the world.
