Everyone knows that we at The Honey POP are big PADOs. We absolutely adore Big Ocean! Their latest comeback, Underwater, truly elevated the trio to the next level and had heads turning. It’s mature, sexy, but vulnerable and emotional. The four-track mini-album from the world’s first Deaf/Hard of Hearing K-POP group has been shining since its release and has been wowing crowds on their Underwater Tour, but we want to talk about one track in particular: ‘Sinking.’
Opening the album, ‘Sinking’ is the first solo track by any of Big Ocean and arrived sooner than expected in their career. Not that we mind, of course, especially when it’s such a beautiful yet heart-wrenching song that speaks to our souls. Sang entirely in English, PJ (real name Hyunjin) tells a story of heartbreak which is perfectly applicable to almost anyone’s situation, romantic or otherwise. But the song gained a whole new level of respect after he performed it on the tour.
PJ’s ‘Sinking’ isn’t just a performance; it’s a statement. Performed entirely in International Sign Language (IL) and sung in English, the piece resonates beyond language or sound. The performance gave PADOs chills and brought many to tears, and was something the world needed to see. So when an official performance video dropped, we were beyond thrilled.
Set against the tranquil backdrop of a lakeside dock in Lausanne, Switzerland, PJ pours raw emotion into every movement, proving that music is not just something you hear, it’s something you feel. It’s the kind of performance that lingers in your chest long after the video ends.
In an industry that still too often overlooks Deaf and Hard of Hearing artists, ‘Sinking’ stands as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when music is made accessible. PJ, a Deaf performer and one-third of Big Ocean, doesn’t just sign lyrics; he translates emotion into motion, showing how artistry can thrive beyond sound. It’s a gateway not just into Big Ocean’s music, but into a broader conversation about inclusion in K-POP.
“‘Sinking’ is an incredibly powerful and emotional song that means the world to me. PJ performing this song through International Sign moved me to tears the first time I saw a video of it live, and witnessing it performed live in person is a moment I’ll never forget. I’m very proud of PJ, and I truly hope this song reaches as many people as possible worldwide,” says Kirsty Spencer, a proud PADO from the UK.
Whether you’ve followed Big Ocean from day one or are just discovering them now, ‘Sinking’ is a must-watch. It’s raw, intimate, and proof that accessibility in music doesn’t limit artistry—it elevates it. For fans of emotional storytelling, sign language expression, or just music that dares to be different, PJ’s solo is a window into something truly special.
Are you loving ‘Sinking?’ What do you think of PJ’s performance? Let us know by tweeting us at @TheHoneyPOP or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
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