BIG OCEAN Are Making Waves As The First K-POP Group With Hearing Impairments

We always get excited when a new K-POP group debuts, but we are especially excited about BIG OCEAN’s debut, as they are a K-POP first. Comprised of three members, BIG OCEAN makes history as the first group with hearing impairments.

Debuting on Korea’s Day of People with Disabilities, BIG OCEAN has released their debut single, ‘Glow,’ a remake of a song by 1st-gen group H.O.T. The trio consists of Chanyeon (main rapper), Hyunjin (main vocalist), and Jiseok (main dancer and maknae). The group incorporates sign language within their choreography and, in addition to KSL (Korean Sign Language), has also been learning ASL (American Sign Language) and ISL (International Sign Language) in order to be more accessible to a global fanbase.

In the lead-up to their official debut, BIG OCEAN has been active on social media and has been building up their yet-to-be-named fanbase through live streams and posting covers in KSL, including V‘s ‘Love Me Again,’ newjeans‘ ‘ETA,’ and SEVENTEEN‘s ‘God Of Music.’

@big_ocean.official

청각장애인의 뉴진스 'ETA' 챌린지

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – 우리는 아이돌이 될 수 있을까? – 🌊Big Ocean🌊

BIG OCEAN’s debut was an exciting one as it saw the group make their debut performance on MusicCore, which saw performances from their seniors RIIZE, BOYNEXTDOOR, Loossemble, ONEWE, LAY, ILLIT, and more, meaning they were in great company as far as the lineup goes!

While some idols have always known what their dream was, for the members of BIG OCEAN, it wasn’t until later on they chose to follow the career path in the music and entertainment industry. Prior to becoming a trainee, Chanyeon worked as an audiologist in a hospital, and Jiseok worked at a cafe, while Hyunjin was a content creator who spread awareness for those with hearing impairments, as well as hosting seasons one and two of EBS’s ‘Go Together.’

BIG OCEAN is signed to PARASTAR Entertainment, which specializes in disabled talent. “Parastar Entertainment builds processes in the disability industry that does not have a system in place, and fosters stars with impairment across various fields, including models, dancers, athletes, and actors. Parastar Entertainment is diligently serving the role of a bridge, so that talented people with disabilities can have access to more opportunities and interested media personnel have an easy point of contact with talents,” their website states.

We are so excited about BIG OCEAN’s debut! This is a big moment in K-POP history and we believe these boys are going to make a difference with everything that they do. Congratulations, BIG OCEAN; we’ll be rooting for you!

Are you a fan of BIG OCEAN? What do you think of their debut?  Let us know by tweeting us at @TheHoneyPOP or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.

Need more K-POP in your life? Look no further!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BIG OCEAN:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE