Big Ocean Interview: K-Pop’s First Hard-of-Hearing Group

Welcome back to Fan Chant, a weekly column for K-pop fans, stans, and newbies alike. This week, spend some time getting to know the members of Big Ocean, the first hard-of-hearing band in K-pop. If you enjoy what you’re reading, feel free to subscribe to my companion newsletter to get Fan Chant delivered right to your inbox each week!

K-pop is known for being a bridge between cultures and experiences that connects people across the globe, but the members of Big Ocean take this concept to the next level. As the first hard-of-hearing K-pop band, the members of Big Ocean — Hyunjin, Jiseok, and Chanyeon — are bringing a truly unique perspective to the genre.

The three members of the group all took different paths to arrive at this moment together. Hyunjin lost his hearing in one ear after a childhood accident and found solace in music in the years that followed. Chanyeon, the group’s main rapper, unlocked a passion for performance after a cochlear implant surgery and time spent in music therapy. Jiseok was born hard of hearing but was drawn to K-pop by his love of dance. The members incorporate sign language into their choreography, leveraging K-pop’s reputation for engaging visuals into something two-fold.

As their story reaches more people, the members of Big Ocean are excited to continue encouraging people of all abilities to pursue their passions; Jiseok was particularly inspired by RM of BTS, who made a helpful donation to the Seoul Samsung School for the Deaf, where Jiseok was a student. Now, as an idol in his own right, Jiseok has set up a fund of his own. “To young people facing unique challenges and hoping to pursue music or art, I’d like to say that you’re not alone on this journey,” he tells Consequence.

Currently, the group is in New York to spread the message about their new EP, titled Follow. Next, they’ll be heading to the Cool Out 2024 Festival in the Cayman Islands. “It’s an incredible opportunity,” Hyunjin says, looking forward to seeing fans in another part of the world. “We can’t wait to connect with Pados and bring our music to these amazing places!”

Watch the music video for “FLOW” below, and read on for the full interview with Big Ocean.