K-pop has always been about more than just music, it’s about movement, emotion, precision, and presence. But what happens when a group takes that idea to the next level and removes sound from the equation entirely? Enter Big Ocean, the industry’s first Deaf boy band, and one of the most novel, refreshing acts to hit the K-pop scene in years.

Debuting in 2024 under the inclusive label Parastar Entertainment, Big Ocean – made up of Park Hyunjin, Kim Ji-seok and Lee Chan-yeon – doesn’t just defy expectations, they completely reframe them. Like all K-Pop groups, Big Ocean’s fandom has a special name: PADO (‘파도’), which translates to ‘wave’.

Performing in Korean Sign Language (KSL) with powerful choreography and unmatched visual storytelling, the Forbes 30-under-30 Asia trio offers a version of K-pop that’s felt as much as seen. Their debut single “Glow”, dropped on Korea’s National Disabled Persons Day, delivering a bold statement of pride, representation, and visibility.

This isn’t about overcoming disability; it’s about celebrating identity. Big Ocean’s performances are designed to connect beyond auditory boundaries, proving that rhythm, emotion and connection don’t rely on hearing – they rely on feeling. Whether they’re commanding the stage with fluid, dynamic movement or signing lyrics with clarity and intention, Big Ocean is forging a space where accessibility and artistry meet. At a time when the world is rethinking who gets to take up space in pop culture, they continue to redefine the K-pop landscape on their own terms. One thing’s for sure: Big Ocean is far from your average idol group.

Following the release of their latest mini album UNDERWATER, Dazed sat down with Big Ocean before their first London show at the Underworld in Camden to break down how they make their music accessible to the hard-of-hearing and the lessons they can teach the hearing community. 

As a deaf person, what do you hope this group will show the hearing community?

PJ: Through Big Ocean, we want to show that music isn’t limited to what you hear – it lives in movement, emotion and connection. We hope people see that art becomes more powerful when it includes everyone. Being deaf doesn’t mean we’re missing something; it means we experience and express music differently. And that difference can be beautiful. It invites everyone to discover new ways of feeling and understanding music – ways that are just as moving, just as real.

How has being deaf shaped your art and how you move through the world?

Chanyeon: First, it gave us a new idea of incorporating sign language into our choreography. I think the biggest advantage is that it broadens the scope of people who can enjoy music, including those who might have found it difficult before. I know that there are 50 million people who can sign ASL (American Sign Language) solely in the US. How many would there be elsewhere in the world?

PJ: Also, music-wise, we used stronger beats and higher pitches to be more enjoyable for the hard-of-hearing people. In the process, the music got more energetic and dynamic. My deafness gives us better ideas to express music in a new way.

Do you feel the industry is becoming more inclusive? What progress have you seen or hope to see?

Jiseok: We had great support from the K-pop industry, unlike our original concerns. Famous Korean music shows that are known to be hard to get in, accepted us from the day of our debut. And senior K-pop idols were so open to doing the dance challenge collaborations with us. We had the privilege to shoot with Seventeen, Stray Kids, TXT, and many more. I know it was done with pure support from the seniors to share their spotlights with us.

There was time I was quietly worried about [being pigeonholed as deaf]. But I’ve come to believe that identity and artistry can support each other. Being Deaf is not separate from our creativity – it’s part of it.

– Chanyeon (Big Ocean)

Many see you as pioneers for deaf representation in music. Do you ever worry about being seen more for your identity than your artistry?

Chanyeon: We understand why people focus on our identity – it’s a part of who we are, and we’re proud of it. But at the same time, we hope people also see the message and the work we put into every song and performance. Our choreography, lyrics, and concept all come from real places. In our latest mini-album UNDERWATER, I co-wrote ‘FADE OUT’, and I hope people notice the heart in it. We don’t want to be remembered only for breaking barriers – we hope people also see the artistry that brought us here.

Jiseok: There was a time I quietly worried about that. But I’ve come to believe that identity and artistry can support each other. Being deaf is not separate from our creativity – it’s part of it. It helps us think differently about sound, rhythm, and emotion. We still have a long way to go as artists, but we’ll keep learning and improving so that our music speaks just as strongly as our story.

What's one dream project or milestone you're still chasing as a group?

Chanyeon: One of my dreams is to perform at Coachella someday. It would mean a lot – not just for us as artists with hearing disabilities, but as a way to show a different image of what K-pop can look like on a global stage. I think it would send a strong message about inclusion and possibility. We are already practicing to shout out, ‘What’s up Coachella!’ like our senior idol group on the stage.

PJ: We hope to hold a global fan concert that’s fully accessible for everyone. Sign language interpreters, text screens, wheelchair access, inclusive merch – PADO have already given us amazing ideas. It might take time, but we want to build a space where no one feels left out.

What does representation in music look like to you?

PJ: Many people think our team represents the deaf and the disabled. But very recently, during the fan meeting on our European tour, including the one from London, I realised that we are not only representing them, but all the people who are struggling in their own lives, seeking solutions. Regardless of various types of difficulties, they had one thing in common. Searching for a safe place and consolation from our music to regain strength and fight back. I’m very happy that our music serves all the restless fighters.

Any advice for other deaf creatives trying to find their place in the industry?

Jiseok: We believe that a disability cannot block one’s dreams. It should be seen as a characteristic or trait each person has. Also, there are so many people who pursue their career from different starting lines. Don’t give up! I will be with you running the race together.

 PJ: Everyone has a different path. Just be real and keep doing what you love. The road is not easy, but you’re not alone. We’re in this together. No matter where you start, your voice matters. It’s OK to go slow. Just don’t stop.

How does it feel to be a voice for those who have been overlooked/ignored? What would you say to your younger self?

Jiseok: I will have to say, I was ignored a lot when I was younger. Many said, ‘Don’t do it,’ and ‘Don’t dream it.’ But I’m sure if I had listened to them, I wouldn’t be here now. I would like to say to my younger self, ‘Hang in there. Your time will come.’

Do you hope that with your platform as hard-of-hearing artists will be helped to break down barriers and make music more accessible?

PJ: We will try. For our next step, we would like to make our concerts more accessible to all people. Barrier-free for wheelchairs, text translator on screen, and more. Plus, we are planning to have merchandise that is accessible too. Our Pados have already shared great ideas with us. Please rest assured that we are considering all the possible options, though it might take time.

What is the best advice you have been given?

PJ: Someone once told me, ‘Your voice matters, even if it’s not heard the traditional way.’ That helped me believe that expression comes in many forms, and each one is valid.

Chanyeon: The advice that stuck with me is, ‘Go at your own pace.’ It reminded me that growth doesn’t have to follow someone else’s timeline. Trusting myself has made all the difference.

Jiseok: ‘Never forget your strength.’ That’s what I always try to keep in mind – especially on tough days. It helps me move forward with confidence.

What have you got planned for the future?

Chanyeon: We want to keep growing as artists – exploring new sounds, telling meaningful stories, and connecting with more people around the world. We hope to continue pushing boundaries and showing that music can be felt and understood in many different ways.

PJ: We’re always open to exploring new sounds and styles that help us express ourselves more deeply. As we grow, we want our music to grow with us – reflecting different emotions, stories, and moments in our journey. 

Jiseok: We don’t want to limit ourselves. We hope to keep evolving musically, finding fresh ways to communicate and connect – one step at a time. 

Underwater is out now.