In an unprecedented move that’s capturing the attention of the global entertainment industry, the idol group Big Ocean – comprising Lee ChaeYeon, Park HyeonJin, and Kim JiSeok – is set to make history. This trio isn’t just any new entry into the vibrant world of K-Pop; they are pioneering a path as the world’s first idol group to perform songs in sign language. Scheduled to debut on the significant date of April 20th, coinciding with the Day of Persons with Disabilities, Big Ocean is poised to release their first digital single, “Glow.”
The choice of “Glow” for their debut single holds a special significance as it’s a remake of a hit song by H.O.T, one of the first-generation idol groups credited with laying the foundation for the K-Pop fandom as it exists today. The fact that an H.O.T song is being remade and released as an official track by Big Ocean is stirring excitement among industry insiders, marking an extraordinary moment in the entertainment sphere.
Big Ocean is breaking new ground in more ways than one; all three members are deaf, making them the first-ever boy band in K-Pop history composed entirely of individuals with hearing disabilities. They plan to sing in various sign languages, including Korean Sign Language (KSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and International Sign Language (ISL). The group’s name, Big Ocean, signifies their ambitious goal to astonish the world and spread their potential globally, akin to the vastness of the ocean.
However, the unique composition of the group has led to some questioning their musical abilities, particularly regarding pitch and vocal skills. To address these challenges, their agency, Parastar Entertainment, revealed their collaboration with SKT at the MWC2024 in Barcelona. They have secured partnerships with IT firms, including AI voice companies, and developed technologies like a specialized metronome to compensate for the members’ hearing impairments.
Recently, Big Ocean gained further attention after featuring in SM Entertainment’s “Rise and Challenge,” sparking discussions across social media. Their proactive engagement with fans through live social media events has led to a surge in new fan accounts both domestically and internationally. The debut of Big Ocean is not just a significant milestone in the K-Pop industry; it also resonates with the growing emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) culture in the corporate and public sectors, heralding a new wave of inclusive entertainment.
As Big Ocean steps into the spotlight with their groundbreaking debut, the world watches with bated breath. Their journey promises to challenge the norms of the music industry and inspire a more inclusive and diverse era of K-Pop. Keep an eye on this space for future updates on how Big Ocean continues to make waves in the industry.