Breaking Barriers: Big Ocean's Unique Blend of Music and Sign Language

Big Ocean, a trailblazing K-Pop boy band consisting of deaf or hard of hearing members, is redefining the music scene with their innovative use of signing. From their chart-topping singles to their growing fanbase, they are making waves both locally and globally.

In the world of K-Pop, where image and sound typically reign supreme, a groundbreaking boy band is making noteworthy strides — Big Ocean. This trailblazing group, comprising Lee Chan-yeon, Park Hyun-jin, and Kim Ji-seok, takes pride in being entirely deaf or hard of hearing. Their approach to music and performance incorporates an exceptional skill set that sets them apart: sign language.

Communicating through a combination of singing, rapping, and dancing, Big Ocean uses cutting-edge audio technology to create their songs, relying on vibrations and visual cues to synchronize their choreography. “Much like how divers employ hand signals underwater, we utilize sign language to express our emotions and messages that might not be conveyed through sound alone,” explained Lee Chan-yeon. “KSL is not just an aspect of our work; it is the core essence of our performances.”

The band's debut single, “Glow,” launched on Korea’s Day of People with Disabilities, marked a significant milestone in their careers. Their initial televised performance infused with Korean Sign Language generated viral attention and established them as a formidable presence on the global K-Pop stage. Following this success, they released their second bop, “Blow,” which features substantial English lyrics and elements of American Sign Language, further broadening their audience.

Big Ocean's achievements have led to accolades, including being named Billboard’s rookie of the month and clinching a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Entertainment & Sports List. The band has captivated audiences across the globe with performances at high-profile events such as an anime festival in Brazil and a United Nations tech event in Switzerland. As they embark on their inaugural American tour in late July, their influence continues to spread.

As their social media presence flourishes — boasting nearly a million followers on Instagram and over 696,000 on TikTok — their fandom, affectionately dubbed "Pados,” is rapidly growing. Enthusiastic fans are also taking part in the movement, with many learning sign languages through the tutorials shared by the band.

With their innovative blend of music and sign language, Big Ocean isn’t just creating catchy tunes; they are paving the way for greater understanding and acceptance of deaf culture in the music industry. In a realm where sound has always dominated, Big Ocean beautifully illustrates that art transcends barriers, resonating with a universal audience.