Big Ocean: Redefining K-pop with Innovation and Inclusion

Pioneering New Horizons for Hearing-Impaired Artists

Big Ocean, a remarkable K-pop group consisting solely of hearing-impaired artists, has been garnering significant attention and praise from major international media.

Highlights from Global Media

On May 30, both AP News and ABC News highlighted Big Ocean on their official websites with the article title, ‘Big Ocean: Opening a New Horizon as K-pop’s First Hearing-Impaired Group’. The group members, Chan-yeon, PJ, and Ji-seok, are being celebrated for their unique identity and groundbreaking approach.

AP News described the trio as artists who are redefining the boundaries of music and performance with each beat. The members employ cutting-edge technology such as smartwatches that vibrate to the music’s rhythm and light metronomes that flash timing signals during practice sessions.

Technology Meets Entertainment

This innovative approach represents meaningful progress in South Korea’s entertainment industry where opportunities for people with disabilities have been historically limited.

A Tribute to ‘Pado’

Big Ocean expressed their gratitude toward their fan club, ‘Pado’, in a recent interview stating, “We hear that our fans are learning Korean sign language to communicate better with us. It’s truly heartwarming to see the effort and preparation our fans put in.”

Recognized by Forbes

Receiving accolades from various international media, Big Ocean has proven their distinguished musicality. Recently, they achieved recognition on Forbes’ ’30 Under 30 Asia 2025 List’ in the Entertainment & Sports category, confirming their global influence.