Big Ocean, a new K-pop group, has quickly gained popularity by integrating a unique skill into their performances: signing. Comprised of Lee Chan-yeon, Park Hyun-jin, and Kim Ji-seok, all of whom are deaf or hard of hearing, the band employs advanced audio technology, flashing metronomes, and vibrating watches to create music and coordinate choreography. They incorporate Korean Sign Language (KSL) into their videos and performances, emphasizing its importance in their artistic expression.
The group's debut single, "Glow," was released last year on Korea’s Day of People with Disabilities, and they gained attention for their first televised performance featuring KSL. Following this success, they released a second single, "Blow," which includes English lyrics and American Sign Language. Big Ocean has received significant recognition, being named Billboard’s rookies of the month and appearing on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia Entertainment & Sports List.
Recently, Big Ocean performed at an anime festival in Brazil and a United Nations tech event in Switzerland, with an upcoming American tour scheduled for late July. The band has cultivated a strong online presence, amassing 995,000 followers on Instagram and over 696,000 on TikTok, with dedicated fans, known as "Pados," actively engaging with their content, including sign language tutorials.
Despite their success, the journey to fame was challenging, with management acknowledging difficulties in developing the band. Each member had previously pursued alternate careers, including content creation and audiology, and faced doubts about their potential in the music industry. To help them visualize success, management employed various tactics, including using images of established K-pop idols and integrating the trio's faces.
Big Ocean's rise reflects broader advancements for South Korea’s Deaf community, particularly following the recognition of KSL as an official language in 2016. This legislative progress has improved educational opportunities and cultural recognition for deaf individuals, enabling a more supportive environment for artists like Big Ocean. The band's popularity has contributed to raising awareness of Deaf culture both in Korea and globally.
Seeking to broaden their international reach, Big Ocean has studied American Sign Language and International Sign to make their performances more accessible. The band values the connection formed when fans sign along during concerts. Their use of sign language not only enhances their performances but also educates audiences about the distinctiveness of each sign language.
While Big Ocean has been praised for their music and cultural representation, concerns exist within the Deaf community regarding the portrayal of the band as an inspirational narrative that may undermine Deaf identity. Critics emphasize the importance of ensuring that the band's work reflects Deaf perspectives rather than being interpreted solely through a hearing lens.
Despite these challenges, the members of Big Ocean express gratitude for the inspiration they provide to their fans. They share stories of meeting individuals overcoming personal hardships, reinforcing their commitment to pushing boundaries in their music and representation of Deaf culture.