Big Ocean and a More Inclusive K-Pop Future

The groundbreaking K-pop group talks about the diverse experiences and underestimated potential of hard-of-hearing performers.

Big Ocean is the first K-pop group entirely made up of hard-of-hearing members. In this exclusive interview, the members talk about wanting to be far from the last group of its kind, mixing sign language with singing, how to make K-pop more inclusive of hard-of-hearing fans, and more!

Please introduce yourselves and share what special skills or traits you each contribute to the group!

Chanyeon: Hi there! I'm Chanyeon, the rapper of Big Ocean. I bring energy and charisma to our performances.

Hyunjin: Hello, I'm Hyunjin, the main vocalist. My special skill is my ability to convey emotions through my singing.

Jiseok: Hey, I'm Jiseok, the dancer of the group. I add dynamic movements and storytelling to our choreography.

What is the meaning behind your band name?

Our band name represents the vast potential and endless possibilities we see in ourselves as artists. Just like the ocean, with our music, we aim to make a big impact on the world.

What career paths were you on before joining Big Ocean?

Before joining Big Ocean, we each had different career paths. Chanyeon was an audiologist, Hyunjin was a YouTuber focused on disability awareness, and Jiseok was pursuing a career in sports. 

What was your training period like? 

[Our] training period as a team was [a year and a half,] but Hyunjin trained with the same company [starting in] 2020. Our training period was intense but rewarding. It took time to connect with each other and synchronize our performances, but through dedication and hard work, we formed a strong bond and improved our group dynamic over time.

Why did you choose a remake of “Glow” as your debut single?

We chose to debut with a remake of "Glow" because the song's message of hope and positivity resonated with our journey as a group. It also allowed us to pay homage to the legendary K-pop group H.O.T. while putting our own spin on the track.

Your YouTube covers are impressive for balancing dancing and signing! How do you strike that balance? 

Balancing dancing and signing requires careful coordination and practice. We decide when to sign and when to dance based on the mood and message of the song, aiming to create a seamless blend of visual and auditory elements in our performances.

What do you think are some misunderstandings people have about how hard-of-hearing people experience music?

One common misunderstanding is that hard-of-hearing individuals can't fully appreciate or enjoy music. In reality, we experience music in unique ways and can still connect with its rhythm, melody, and emotions through visual cues and vibrations.

What are the biggest misconceptions people have about what it is like to be hard-of-hearing in general?

Some misconceptions include assuming that all hard-of-hearing individuals have the same level of impairment, or that hearing aids solve all communication challenges. It's important to recognize the diversity within the hard-of-hearing community and understand the multifaceted nature of hearing loss.

What has the reaction to your debut been like?

The reaction to our debut has been overwhelmingly positive. Our friends, family, and the general public have shown immense support and excitement for our journey as Big Ocean. It's been a heartwarming experience to see the impact of our music on others.

I am autistic, and I see some of my autism-related traits as my most special traits, rather than bad things! Do you see being hard-of-hearing as being a more positive thing than people assume it is, too? 

Similar to how you see your autism-related traits, we view being hard-of-hearing as a unique aspect of ourselves, rather than a limitation. While there are challenges, we also embrace the strengths and perspectives that come with our experiences.

What are some ways that K-pop fandoms can be more inclusive of hard-of-hearing people?

K-pop fandoms can be more inclusive by providing captioned content, incorporating sign language interpreters at events, and raising awareness about accessibility needs within the community.

What do you hope the future holds for Big Ocean?

We hope the future holds continued growth and success for Big Ocean. We aspire to inspire others, break barriers, and make a lasting impact on the music industry as advocates for diversity and inclusion.

Lastly, do you have a message for your fans or anything else you want to say about Big Ocean?

To our fans, thank you for your unwavering support and love. You are the driving force behind everything we do, and we're grateful for each and every one of you. Let's continue to make waves together as we embark on this incredible journey!

Check out “Glow” here, and keep up with Big Ocean on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter/X, and TikTok!

Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Photo credit: Instagram.