Interview: Freshly Debuted K-Pop Group Big Ocean Talks Music and Journey So Far
Full of charm, passion, and explosive energy, the rising K-Pop trio Big Ocean is steadily making waves as the first-ever hard-of-hearing group in K-Pop. Having debuted under PARASTAR Entertainment on April 20, 2024, which officially marked the National Day of Persons with Disabilities in Korea, the members HYUNJIN, CHANYEON, and JISEOK are a true force of nature to be reckoned with. Their debut single “Glow” sets a precedent for the group's vision and mission — evoking a sense of “hope and togetherness” at times of hardship for all.
Prior to joining Big Ocean, the members all led different lives, with HYUNJIN being a former MC and content creator, CHANYEON working as an audiologist at Korea University Anam Hospital, and JISEOK being a former ski athlete on the Seoul Para Ski Team. Upon being introduced to PARASTAR Entertainment and the company's CEO, Haley Cha, the three members decided to join the company as trainees for the Big Ocean project.
Photo Courtesy of PARASTAR Entertainment
In anticipation of their debut, the group set out on a mission to further enhance their language skills by learning both International Sign Language (ISL) and American Sign Language (ASL), apart from already being well-versed in Korean Sign Language (KSL). Through this, they have been able to further connect with their fans, “Pado” (which translates to “wave” in Korean), from all across the world. Beyond their YouTube content, the group also engages with their fans through their daily TikTok lives, showcasing their daily activities from music practice to language lessons.
Although the members experience loss of hearing to varying degrees, with the help of a few accessibility aids such as smartwatches that vibrate to the song’s beat and flashing screens for practice sessions, the stage is their kingdom. Their vibrant debut stage performance on Show! Music Core was a testament to their persistence and commitment to showcasing their love for music and dance to the world.
Fast forward to a few months since their debut and the release of their latest single, “BLOW,” HALSUG had the wonderful opportunity to talk to the members about their journey so far.
Q: First of all, congratulations on your debut! Now that it has been more than a month, what has been the biggest change, and what has been a highlight for each of you?
HYUNJIN: Thank you so much! The biggest change has been the overwhelming support and love from our fans. A highlight for me was our debut stage on Show! Music Core. Seeing the audience and feeling their energy was surreal.
CHANYEON: The highlight for me was definitely the positive feedback on our performances. It's amazing to see how our hard work is appreciated.
JISEOK: For me, it was the warm response from our Pado fandom and knowing that we are inspiring others.
Q: Your debut single, “Glow,” is a remake of H.O.T.'s iconic song “Hope.” What inspired you to choose this particular song for your debut? Can you share how you adapted it to reflect your group's sound and identity?
HYUNJIN: We chose "Hope" because it's a legendary song that gave hope to many during tough times in Korea. We wanted our debut to carry the same message of hope and togetherness.
CHANYEON: We adapted it by incorporating sign language into the choreography and rewriting parts to reflect our experiences and positive energy.
JISEOK: We aimed to make it uniquely ours while honoring the original.
Q: What was the process like recording your debut single? Do you have any fun memories or anecdotes from the recording?
HYUNJIN: Recording "Glow" was an exciting and challenging process. One fun memory was when we were trying to perfect a harmony and ended up having a mini laugh session because our voices kept blending in unexpected ways.
CHANYEON: We also enjoyed experimenting with Al technology to fine-tune our vocals, which was a fascinating experience.
JISEOK: It was a great learning experience, and we had a lot of fun moments during the recording sessions.
Q: Do you have a specific pre-show ritual that you follow before a performance? How does each of the members normally prepare for a stage?
HYUNJIN: I like to relax my body and focus on stretching before a performance.
CHANYEON: I tend to keep moving, practicing my dance moves, and singing in sign language.
JISEOK: I focus on my mindset, trusting that all the effort we've put in will show on stage. These rituals help us stay calm and energized for our performance.
Q: Prior to your debut, you were all on different career paths. Was there a specific moment that made you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in the music industry?
JISEOK: For me, it was when I realized the communication challenges I faced as an athlete and felt drawn to the arts.
CHANYEON: Meeting Troy Kotsur and learning about the Big Ocean project inspired me to join the music industry.
HYUNJIN: My YouTube journey and being introduced to PARASTAR Entertainment made me realize that I wanted to pursue a career in music.
Q: When not working on music and performances, what are some of your favorite hobbies and ways you unwind after a long day?
HYUNJIN: I love playing the piano and listening to music to unwind.
CHANYEON: Drawing and exercising help me relax after a long day.
JISEOK: I enjoy working out at the gym and exploring different cafes to try delicious drinks.
Q: If you could each pick an emoji that best describes you, what would it be and why?
HYUNJIN: For me, it would be a dog 🐶 and a rabbit 🐰 because fans say I'm cute and gentle, and I was born in the Year of the Rabbit.
CHANYEON: I would choose an emoji with smiling eyes 😄 or an otter emoji 🦦 because I often smile with my eyes and resemble an otter.
JISEOK: I think the robot emoji 🤖 fits me well because I tend to stay calm and collected, which I believe represents my personality.
Q: Apart from the debut single, you have previously released covers of NCT DREAM's “Candy” and BTS's “Dynamite” and got to do dance challenges with RIIZE and SEVENTEEN. If you could collaborate with an artist for a stage performance, who would it be?
HYUNJIN: We would love to collaborate with BTS or TOMORROW X TOGETHER. Their music and performances inspire us, and it would be an incredible experience to share the stage with them.
CHANYEON: Personally, I would love to dance with Shotaro from RIIZE.
JISEOK: I'd like to collaborate with RM from BTS. He has been a huge inspiration for me.
Q: You are pretty active on TikTok and often connect with the fans via livestreams on various topics. How has that dynamic been like being able to connect with fans, and do you have a memorable moment from any of the livestreams done in the past?
HYUNJIN: Connecting with our fans on TikTok has been amazing! It allows us to share our daily lives and engage with our fans directly.
CHANYEON: One memorable moment was during a livestream when fans from around the world celebrated our debut in sign language. It was incredibly touching.
JISEOK: It made us feel connected to our global audience, and those moments are very special to us.
Photos Courtesy of PARASTAR Entertainment
Q: In terms of music, what can the fans look forward to in the near future?
HYUNJIN: Fans can look forward to more vibrant and heartfelt music from us. We are working on new songs that showcase our growth as artists.
CHANYEON: Our newly released song "BLOW" is a more mature and enhanced performance compared to "Glow," and we hope you enjoy it.
JISEOK: We aim to continue spreading positive energy through our music.
Q: Being the first hard-of-hearing K-Pop group, you're already making big waves within the industry and inspiring many. What advice would you give to others aspiring to work in the entertainment industry one day?
HYUNJIN: Our advice is to never let any condition hold you back. Believe in your dreams and work hard to achieve them.
CHANYEON: Surround yourself with supportive people and use any tools or technology available to help you.
JISEOK: Remember, your uniqueness is your strength. Keep pushing forward, and know that you are capable of achieving great things.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to share with our HALSUG readers and the fans out there?
HYUNJIN: We want to thank our fans for their incredible support. Your love and encouragement mean the world to us.
CHANYEON: We will continue to work hard and strive to bring you the best music and performances.
JISEOK: Always believe in yourself and your dreams. Together, we can make the world a better place.
Which Big Ocean track is your personal favorite so far? Let us know in the comments below, or message us on Instagram or X (Twitter).
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Artist Facts
Name/Stage Name: HYUNJIN
Birthday: October 24, 1999
Nationality: South Korean
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
MBTI: ENFP
Fave Foods: Hamburger
Fave Drinks: Iced Americano
Fave Movies: Howl's Moving Castle
Day or Night?: Night
Song/cover you’re most proud of: “Blow”
Name/Stage Name: CHANYEON
Birthday: March 27, 1998
Nationality: South Korean
Zodiac Sign: Aries
MBTI: INTP
Fave Foods: Fruit (Shine Muscat)
Fave Drinks: Caramel Macchiato
Fave Movies: Transformers
Day or Night?: Night
Song/cover you’re most proud of: “Glow”
Name/Stage Name: JISEOK
Birthday: March 5, 2003
Nationality: South Korean
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
MBTI: INTJ
Fave Foods: Samgyeopsal (Grilled pork Belly)
Fave Drinks: Einspänner (Viennese Coffee with Whipped Cream)
Fave Movies: BLACK (based on Hellen Keller and Annie SuIlivan)
Day or Night?: Night
Song/cover you’re most proud of: “Glow”
Edited by Zoe Selesi