K-pop boy group Big Ocean returned on April 20, 2025, to mark their 1st debut anniversary with the release of their second mini-album, “Underwater.” Following the energetic charm of their debut album Follow, this new project takes a dramatic leap into darker waters—both musically and thematically. With its subtitle, “Embracing the Black Ocean,” the album explores hidden instincts, personal transformation, and emotional surrender.
Big Ocean “Underwater” – Becoming the Merman
“Underwater” is built around this powerful image of the merman — a half-human, half-fish creature torn between two worlds. The album tells the story of a being who once longed for life on land but finds power in embracing the ocean’s depths. Fans can trace that story through every song, and in a way, it mirrors Big Ocean’s growth as an artist.
The merman’s shimmering tail and flowing form become symbols of agility, elegance, and raw emotional strength. As Big Ocean sinks into this concept, they emerge reborn—more confident, mysterious, and magnetic than ever.
Big Ocean “Underwater” Album: Track-by-Track Breakdown
Tracklist: SINKING, FADE OUT, Attention (Title Track), End of Time
1. SINKING – Submersion and Emotional Drift
The album opens with a moody soundscape in “SINKING,” capturing the ache of losing someone while trying desperately to hold on. The music is rich, layered, and aching. Meanwhile, the vocals carry that heavy, almost fragile sadness of love slipping through your fingers, no matter how hard you try to hold on. It’s a raw vulnerability that pulls you under: the fight against the inevitable, the slow, painful unraveling of two people drifting apart.
2. FADE OUT – Silence as Awakening
As the journey sinks deeper, “FADE OUT” pulls away the clutter—leaving only stillness. And that’s when it hits you. The outside world muffles, and suddenly, nothing is left but your thoughts. Big Ocean builds this quiet revelation with hushed synths and ghostly harmonies, pulling you into a trance-like calm where everything makes sense, if only for a moment.
3. Attention – Instinct Ignites
The title track, “Attention,” is a bold shift in energy. Big Ocean fully owns their merman era, oozing confidence and swagger.
That beat? Irresistible. The delivery? Pure command. They’re not asking for your attention anymore—they’re taking it. The track pulls you in like a riptide, all charisma and hypnotic energy, daring you to lose yourself in their world. It’s the sound of a band hitting their stride, fully unleashed and unapologetic.
4. End of Time – A Lunar Reunion
Closing out the album is “End of Time.” This track is a romantic, dreamlike ballad about reunion and eternal promises. Set under the moonlight, it’s where longing turns into connection. Big Ocean wraps their underwater journey with poetic lyrics and sweeping melodies in a blanket of intimacy and hope.
Final Thoughts: A Dark Fantasy Worth Surrendering To
“Underwater” is an emotional voyage. From sorrow to self-acceptance, each track feels intentional, cinematic, and deeply personal. Big Ocean’s commitment to narrative depth, inclusive artistry, and sonic evolution makes this release a powerful statement of maturity and vision.
Big Ocean, A Group That Sings Beyond Sound
What sets Big Ocean apart in the K-pop industry is their powerful performances, sleek visuals, and commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Big Ocean performs using Korean Sign Language (KSL), as well as American Sign Language (ASL) and International Sign (IS), offering a unique experience that bridges sound and sight. Their choreography is not just visually expressive—it speaks to everyone.
Debuting under Parastar Entertainment, their discography tells a story of growth and purpose. They debuted with a remake of “Glow” by legendary boy group H.O.T, reigniting the spirit of early 2000s K-pop. They followed it up with the original single “BLOW” and later with “SLOW,” a song created to support the 2024 Paris Paralympics—a message of empathy wrapped in smooth melodies. The song even reached the Top 4 on the iTunes Brazil music chart.
In November 2024, Big Ocean released their first mini-album, “Follow,” headlined by “FLOW,” produced by three-time Grammy Award winner Mark Batson. Big Ocean continues this artistic momentum with “Underwater,” embracing deeper emotional and conceptual territory.
For fans of conceptual K-pop, myth-inspired storytelling, and emotionally immersive music, “Underwater” is a must-listen. It’s an album that dares to go deep—and rewards those who dive in.
Now, watch the title track “Attention” official MV here:
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