The unique K-Pop band Big Ocean is creating waves in the music industry by blending sign language with their performances. Comprising deaf and hard of hearing members, the trio has gained immense popularity, showcasing a new way to experience music and culture.
Big Ocean: The Revolutionary K-Pop Band Breaking Barriers Through Sign Language
Big Ocean: The Revolutionary K-Pop Band Breaking Barriers Through Sign Language
Big Ocean, a groundbreaking K-Pop group with deaf members, integrates sign language into music and performance, captivating audiences globally.
Big Ocean is making significant strides in the K-Pop scene, captivating fans around the world with their innovative fusion of music and sign language. Composed of three talented members—Lee Chan-yeon, Park Hyun-jin, and Kim Ji-seok—this boy band prides itself on its unique ability to communicate not only through sound but also through Korean Sign Language (KSL).
Since their debut, Big Ocean has embraced cutting-edge audio technology, enabling them to produce music while using tools such as vibrating watches and flashing metronomes to coordinate their dance routines. This approach helps bridge the gap between auditory and visual experiences, making their performances accessible and engaging for all.
The group launched their first single, "Glow," on Korea's Day of People with Disabilities, marking a significant milestone for representation in the music industry. Their subsequent release, "Blow," showcased a mix of English lyrics and American Sign Language, further expanding their reach. Their rising popularity has earned them accolades, including the title of Billboard’s rookies of the month and a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia Entertainment & Sports list.
With their social media presence rapidly growing—nearly 1 million followers on Instagram and over 696,000 on TikTok—Big Ocean has cultivated a dedicated fanbase. Their fans, who lovingly refer to themselves as "Pados," a term inspired by the Korean word for wave, are actively engaging with the band’s mission, with many learning sign language through the tutorials the band provides.
In addition to their K-Pop prowess, Big Ocean recently showcased their talent on international stages, performing at an anime festival in Brazil and a technology event at the United Nations in Switzerland. As they gear up for their first tour in the United States this July, Big Ocean continues to defy expectations, proving that music knows no barriers.
