Big Ocean Discusses Their Evolutionary Journey

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

Big Ocean, a dynamic and groundbreaking trio in the K-pop scene, has been making waves since their debut earlier this year, becoming the first all-hard-of-hearing boy band – organically capturing the hearts of fans worldwide with their innovative music and powerful advocacy for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

After kicking off their journey on April 20, 2024, aligning with South Korea’s Day of People with Disabilities, the trio quickly rose to prominence with their debut single, a nostalgic remake of H.O.T.'s hit "Glow," followed by successful pop tracks "BLOW" and "SLOW." Their rapid rise to fame through nostalgic sounds and fresh perspectives has since garnered them a dedicated fan base known as PADO (Waves), amassing over 1.6 million followers on social media within just a few months. 

Now, having dropped their highly anticipated mini album, Follow, Big Ocean continues to break boundaries and inspire with their message of inclusion and diversity with infectious displays of musicality at every turn.

Congratulations on your new mini album Follow! Can you tell us more about the inspiration and musical styles that you incorporated into this release?

Chanyeon: Thank you so much! Follow is really special to us because we wanted it to feel personal, almost like a conversation with our listeners, sharing different pieces of who we are.

Hyunjin: Each track has its own story and vibe—whether it’s about facing obstacles, embracing the journey, or taking time to reflect. We introduced this style we call Free-soul POP. It’s a sound that’s all about feeling genuine and free, a kind of celebration of self-acceptance and resilience. 

You’ve mentioned that your music is designed to address important themes and emotions. What are some of the core themes in Follow and how are they represented in your songs and videos?

Hyunjin: At its core, Follow is all about self-discovery and learning to embrace each part of the journey. We wanted each song to speak to different emotions people face along the way—whether it’s the spark of hope in “Glow,” the resilience in “BLOW,” the calm reminder in “SLOW” to take it easy, or the ease of letting things flow naturally with “FLOW.”

Jiseok: We also integrated sign language into the choreography and visuals across the songs. By doing this, we hope each track becomes more than just music; it’s a message that listeners can feel, something that resonates and stays with them. It’s about creating a shared experience that goes beyond words and reaches the heart.

The music video for your new track "FLOW" was filmed at the historic National Institute of Deaf Youth in Paris. What was it like shooting there, and what makes “FLOW” the perfect track for that location?

Chanyeon: Filming the music video for “FLOW” at the National Institute of Deaf Youth in Paris was an incredibly meaningful experience for us. The institute holds a special place in Deaf history and culture as a symbol of resilience and belonging. Bringing “FLOW” to life there felt like a tribute to those values, and it was truly an honor to film in such a historic location.

Hyunjin: We also filmed the International Sign version of “FLOW” in New York, which was another deeply moving experience. Sharing this version with our fans in the U.S. allowed us to connect with our American Pados in a more personal way. The vibrant energy of New York perfectly matched the message of “FLOW,” making it even more special.

The single "FLOW" was produced by Mark Baston, who has worked with esteemed artists like Eminem and Beyoncé. How was it collaborating with such a renowned producer, and what did you learn from the experience?

Hyunjin: Working with Mark Batson was truly inspiring. He’s an incredible producer, and he took the time to understand the message we wanted to share with “FLOW.” Right from the start, he connected with what we were trying to achieve and gave us the confidence to push our own creative boundaries.

Chanyeon: I think what really stood out was how open Mark was to creating something unique just for us. He’s worked with some legendary artists, but he made sure that “FLOW” would fit Big Ocean’s style. He even customized the rap sections to make them easy to follow for non-English speakers, which felt really thoughtful. 

Jiseok: Yes, he specifically tailored the beats and pitches to make the rhythm easier for us to follow. Using powerful, distinct beats made the song’s rhythm clear, allowing us to fully connect with it as we performed.

In addition to being celebrated as incredible artists, your group is also recognized for being the first all-hard-of-hearing boy band in K-pop. Was there a defining moment for each of you that kick-started your passion for music and performing?

Jiseok: For me, it was BTS’s RM who really sparked my interest in music. He made this amazing donation to my school, the Seoul Samsung School, which went to support our music program. That’s where I was first introduced to K-pop and dance. His generosity really moved me, and it planted this dream in me to give back in the same way someday. Now that I’m here, it feels like that dream has come full circle. I’m so grateful.

Hyunjin: My story is a little different, actually—being an idol wasn’t something I’d planned. But after my accident and cochlear surgery, I felt this unexpected pull toward music, like there was something waiting for me in it. Just recently, I found an old school paper where I’d actually written “idol” as my dream career. Seeing that felt surreal—maybe this path was always meant for me.

Chanyeon: Before joining Big Ocean, I was working as an audiologist, helping people with their own hearing journeys. After my cochlear implant surgery, I experienced how much music therapy could heal and uplift. That changed everything. I saw just how powerful music could be, and I knew I wanted to share that sense of healing and inspiration with others. 

Since joining forces, you've incorporated innovative methods like using vibrating smartwatches and flashing lights for your choreography. Can you share more about how these technologies have contributed to or enhanced your experience as a performer?

Hyunjin: These tools have been a huge help! With our varying levels of hearing, we need a different way to keep in sync with each other. The vibrating smartwatches act like a metronome, helping us feel the beat, and the flashing lights cue us for movement. It makes performing so much more natural and lets us focus on giving our best without worrying about losing the rhythm. 

Your fandom, PADO (Waves), has grown rapidly with over 1.6 million followers across social media so far. What’s been your favorite thing about getting to build this relationship with fans all over the world?

Jiseok: Our Pados really mean everything to us. Seeing them from all over the world learn sign language to connect with us—it honestly means the world. It feels like we’re all part of this big, supportive family. We’re so grateful for our Pados every day.

Chanyeon: Absolutely! What amazes us most also is how our Pados not only support us but they’re actively creating change. For example, seeing them raise funds for Gallaudet University in honor of our 100-day debut anniversary was incredibly moving. Watching them connect and stand for things we all believe in really inspires us. It’s like our Pados has become this positive, powerful community and we are very much honored to be part of them!

Hyunjin: I couldn’t agree more. Pados brings such incredible energy and thoughtfulness to everything they do. Seeing them support causes related to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, and start important conversations around inclusivity, is humbling. Knowing that our music and story resonate deeply enough for them to take action makes us so proud and grateful.

Finally, what are your hopes for the impact of your music and message beyond the K-pop scene?

Hyunjin: Our hope is to show people that everyone has a place in the world, no matter the challenges they face. We want to be a voice for inclusivity and inspire others to embrace their own journeys. If our music can encourage even one person to keep going, to feel understood, or to follow their dreams, then we’ve done something meaningful. 

Chanyeon: For me, it’s also about breaking down barriers and showing that music can connect people in ways that go beyond words. When people see us performing and feel inspired to take on their own challenges or embrace their differences, it’s incredibly rewarding. We hope our journey can open minds, not just in K-pop but everywhere, to the idea that everyone’s story has value and that diversity makes us stronger.

Jiseok: Exactly. I also hope that our music and story can give others a sense of belonging. When people tell us they feel seen or represented because of our experiences, it’s a reminder of why we’re doing this. Beyond the music itself, we want to create a space where people feel accepted and supported. If we can bring hope and positivity to people around the world, then that’s the greatest impact we could ask for.