Get to know the talented members of Big Ocean in this exclusive interview.
Big Ocean, a trailblazing boy group under Parastar Entertainment, is captivating the K-Pop scene with their unique and inspiring journey. Consisting of three talented members—Chanyeon, Hyunjin, and Jiseok—the group made their debut on April 20, 2024, with the digital single "Glow." Less than two months later, they released their second digital single, "Blow," on June 1, showcasing their evolving artistry. What sets Big Ocean apart is their pioneering status as the first deaf idol group, determined to shatter misunderstandings and prejudices towards disabled individuals. Their performances are not only musically and visually engaging but also a profound statement on inclusivity and accessibility in the entertainment industry.
The group's rigorous training regimen, spanning one and a half years, involved practicing choreography in a noise-canceling environment to better feel the beat of the music. Utilizing innovative tools like vibrating wristwatches and visual metronomes, Big Ocean ensures they stay perfectly in sync during their performances. Their commitment and dedication have paid off, earning them the opportunity to collaborate on dance challenges with renowned groups such as SEVENTEEN, EVERGLOW, BOYNEXTDOOR, and The KingDom. Each member brings their unique flair to the group: Chanyeon as the main rapper, Hyunjin as the main vocalist, and Jiseok as the main dancer and maknae creating a harmonious blend of talent and energy.
In an exclusive interview with Hellokpop, we delve deeper into the world of Big Ocean. Join us as we uncover the inspiring story of how Chanyeon, Hyunjin, and Jiseok are not only breaking barriers in the music industry but also redefining what it means to be a K-Pop idol.
To start off, could each member of Big Ocean introduce themselves and share something about their background or something about yourselves that you'd like our audience to know?
Chanyeon: Hi, I’m Lee Chan Yeon, also known as the cutie of Big Ocean.
Hyunjin: Hello, I’m Hyun-jin, the icebreaker of Big Ocean.
Jiseok: Hi, I’m Ji-seok, often called the AI of Big Ocean.
We perform in Korean and English, and we incorporate Korean Sign Language (KSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and International Sign Language (ISL) into our shows.
Congratulations on the release of your singles "Glow" and "Blow"! How has the journey been since your debut, and what have been some of the highlights for Big Ocean so far?
Thank you! There have been many amazing and grateful moments, but the most impactful event for all members was undoubtedly our debut through a national music broadcast. We still vividly remember that moment, and we can't forget when we all had dinner together afterward.
Your group carries a powerful message of inclusivity and breaking barriers. What impact do you hope to have on your fans, especially those who may not be familiar with sign languages or the deaf community?
We aim to inspire our fans by showing that disabilities don’t limit potential. By incorporating sign language in our performances, we hope to bridge the gap between the deaf community and the broader public, promoting inclusivity and understanding. We want to spread positivity and show that everyone can achieve their dreams despite challenges.
"Glow" was released on South Korea's Persons with Disabilities Day. What message did you hope to convey through this song, and how did the public respond to it?
“Glow” is all about hope and positivity. We wanted to convey that everyone can shine bright, regardless of their circumstances. The public’s response was overwhelmingly positive. People appreciated the message and the inclusion of sign language in our performance, which made it even more special.
"Blow" is your second single. Can you share the inspiration behind this song and how it differs from "Glow" in terms of its theme or musical style?
Our debut song, “Glow,” was significant in delivering the messages we wanted to share. In our “Blow” activities, we strive to showcase Big Ocean's performance to the fullest.
Could you share your experience of performing on stage for the first time? What were the emotions running through your mind?
Performing on stage for the first time was a mix of excitement and nerves. We were thrilled to finally showcase what we had been working so hard on. Seeing the audience’s reaction was surreal, and it gave us an incredible boost of confidence. It’s a memory we will always cherish.
Reflecting on your journey from the announcement of BIG OCEAN to now, what has been the most surprising or unexpected aspect of being in the spotlight as a pioneering deaf idol group?
Unlike our expectations, there were so many cheerful messages coming in from non-disabled people who said they had gone through hardship in their lives. At that point, we realized that our music and story are not only relatable to disabled people but also to many people living their ordinary lives with their own obstacles and hardships. So, there have been many collaboration proposals coming in regardless of the disability theme. We are thinking that our theme was not “disability” and “deaf” from the first place but rather a “hope” and “resilience”.
How do you see the evolution of BIG OCEAN's sound and style as you continue to create new music?
We want to make music that gives “healing” to many. For the song “Glow,” we focused on the lyrics, which gave a healing message to all, saying that “we are together.” Now, with the second song, “BLOW,” we are trying to give a healing and vibrant vibe with the melody. You can expect the next song to be in line with the previous songs. Also, given the two titles with matching rhymes, you may guess the title of our next song.
Can you share a memorable fan interaction or story that has reaffirmed the impact of BIG OCEAN's music and message?
Some people come to our social media live broadcasts to say that they have overcome occasional feelings of depression because of us or to express gratitude for our debut. Actually, it's us who receive comfort from our fans, but since our fans say they receive comfort from us, we naturally grow closer to each other.
As individual members of Big Ocean, what personal goals do you have for your careers within the group and beyond?
Chanyeon: I want to keep growing as an artist and eventually go on a world tour with Big Ocean.
Hyunjin: I hope to bridge the gap between disabled and non-disabled people and challenge musical boundaries.
Jiseok: I want to continue improving my vocal skills and share our stories through live performances.
What has been the proudest moment for Big Ocean as a group so far?
The proudest moment for us was our debut performance on "Show! Music Core." It was the culmination of all our hard work and dedication. Seeing the audience’s reaction and receiving positive feedback was incredibly rewarding. It felt like a significant milestone in our journey.
Are there any upcoming projects that you're excited about that you can share a sneak peek or spoiler about?
We’re working on some exciting new music and planning to expand our activities globally. There are also some collaborations with other artists in the works that we think our fans will love. Stay tuned for more details!
Finally, what message would you like to send to your fans and supporters who have been following BIG OCEAN's journey?
Thank you so much for your unwavering support and love. You inspire us to keep pushing forward and striving for excellence. We hope our music continues to bring you joy and positivity. Please stay with us on this incredible journey. We love you!
Listen to their discography on Spotify or Apple Music.
*Special thanks to the members of Big Ocean and Parastar Entertainment for this exclusive interview.
Image and Video Credits: Parastar Entertainment and iamraeiam