When we talk about Kpop idols, we often think of people with flawless appearances and exceptional talents in singing, dancing, and performance. However, it’s also true that the industry has promoted a standard many find unattainable and unhealthy for the idols. Over time, some idols have started to challenge these strict norms. A notable example is the rookie Kpop group Big Ocean, actively breaking down these conventional barriers.
Big Ocean to Challenge the Stereotype of Kpop Idols
Big Ocean stated that their debut aims to challenge and dispel misunderstandings and prejudices toward disabled individuals. Despite facing questions like, “How can this be Kpop if its members cannot hear?” they confidently embraced the challenge, striving to transcend their disabilities and emerge as a new kind of idol group on the global stage.
Debuting on April 20 (celebrated as Disabled Person’s Day in Korea), Big Ocean circulated widely on social media as the first hearing-impaired Kpop boy group. The track, “Glow,” is a remake of Kpop group H.O.T “Hope,” initially released in 1998. The song’s encouraging message gives Big Ocean a great start as their modern version hits the right notes.
Meanwhile, the group’s name symbolizes the stability of a vast ocean filled with hope, symbolizing their aspiration to “one day spread hope and positive energy.”
“We dream of a world with no barriers where disabled and non-disabled people, young and old, and Koreans and non-Koreans can live together in harmony. We also want everyone to express themselves freely and accept themselves for who they are.”
Big Ocean.
Additionally, Big Ocean is pioneering a new genre known as S-pop (sign language pop). They incorporate Korean Sign Language, American Sign Language, and International Sign Language into their performances. This initiative has been well-received by their hearing-impaired fans. For those interested in learning, they have posted a Korean Sign Language guide to their debut song on their YouTube channel.
The Challenges
“As each member recognized beats at different speeds, it was so difficult for us to sync at first. The vibrating wristwatch we got from our agency allowed us to detect the beats easily.”
Park Hyunjin.
Singing was important, but initially, the group struggled to distinguish between high and low tones due to their inability to gauge how their voices sounded to others. Their vivid descriptions of their experiences highlighted the challenges they faced during their training.
“Through practice, we memorized what sounds to make according to the movement of our abdominal muscles. Now we can easily distinguish each musical scale.”
Big Ocean.
Meet the Members of Big Ocean
For members Kim Jiseok, Park Hyunjin, and Lee Chanyeon, forming a Kpop group was not their original dream. Kim Jiseok was an alpine skier and Park Hyunjin a YouTuber. Meanwhile, Lee Chanyeon is an audiologist at Korea University Anam Hospital in Seoul.
All three members experienced hearing loss at a young age and utilize implants and hearing aids for communication. They are signed with Parastar Entertainment, a company dedicated to discovering and representing artists with disabilities. Initially known as S-Boyz, they renamed themselves Big Ocean before their debut.
Their shared experiences with the world’s attitudes toward people with disabilities brought them together. They formed a Kpop group to challenge and dispel misunderstandings and prejudices toward the hearing-impaired. Beginning in January 2023, they started preparing for their debut but encountered a challenging journey despite their determination.
All three members use hearing aids, each with a different level of hearing. This made synchronizing beats, rhythms, notes, and dance moves their biggest challenge.
Lee Chanyeon (이찬연)
Position: Main Rapper
Birthday: March 27, 1998
Nationality: Korean
MBTI: INTP
Previous career: audiologist at the Department of Otolaryngology at Korea University Anam Hospital
Favorite Kpop groups: Girls’ Generation, BTS, NCT DREAM
Park Hyunjin (박현진)
Position: Main Vocalist
Birthday: October 24, 1999
Nationality: Korean
MBTI: ENFP
Previous career: a YouTuber and Host of season 1 & 2 of EBS Go Together
Favorite Kpop groups: TWICE, BTS, TXT, RIIZE, Stray Kids
Kim Jiseok (김지석)
Position: Maknae, Main Dancer
Birthday: March 5, 2003
Nationality: Korean
MBTI: INTJ
Previous career: ski racer of the Seoul Para Ski Team
Favorite Kpop groups: BTS, Blackpink
Fun fact: Jiseok is an alumnus of Seoul Samsung School, an institution focused on educating the deaf. In 2019, BTS’ RM made a donation to this institution, which played an important role in Jiseok’s journey into music.
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