K-pop’s first deaf group Big Ocean uses tech to break new ground
- Big Ocean, a South Korean K-pop group, is making waves with its commitment to disability inclusion.
- Since their debut in April 2024, Big Ocean has captivated audiences by integrating sign language into their performances.
- To overcome the challenges of performing with hearing disabilities, Big Ocean utilizes innovative technology.
Big Ocean: K-Pop group Breaks Barriers with Disability Inclusion
Updated May 31, 2025
Big Ocean, a South Korean K-pop group, is making waves with its commitment to disability inclusion. The three-member group, consisting of PJ, Jiseok, and Chanyeon, all of whom have hearing disabilities, is redefining the landscape of music and performance.
Since their debut in April 2024, Big Ocean has captivated audiences by integrating sign language into their performances. Their recent European tour, celebrating their first anniversary and promoting their mini-album “Underwater,” took them to France, the U.K., and other countries.
To overcome the challenges of performing with hearing disabilities, Big Ocean utilizes innovative technology. Vibrating smartwatches provide rhythmic cues,while LED visual metronomes offer timing assistance during practice. This approach marks a meaningful step forward for disability inclusion within South Korea’s entertainment industry.
Prior to joining Big Ocean, PJ was a YouTuber educating people about hearing disabilities, Chanyeon worked as an audiologist, and Jiseok was a professional ski racer.
The group uses modified vibrating smartwatches and visual metronomes to maintain precision in their choreography and music. Chanyeon uses a Bluetooth-enabled hearing device to stream music,while the group also employs pitch-checking apps and AI voice conversion to enhance their vocal training and audio output.
“We each felt rhythm differently when dancing,” PJ said.“So when we’d play the same song and dance in front of the mirror, one of us would move faster while another would move slower. To solve this timing issue, we decided to memorize everything together and create our own cues with each other.”
Live performances can present unique obstacles. Jiseok noted an instance in France where loud cheering nearly threw them off. Stage smoke and bass-heavy music can also disrupt their concentration and synchronization.
“When we performed in France, our fans were cheering so loudly we lost the beat,” said jiseok. “But we looked at each other and quickly handled the situation — just like we practiced.”
Despite these challenges, Big Ocean’s dedication to accessibility has resonated with fans, known as PADO, worldwide. Many fans are learning Korean and other sign languages to communicate with the group.
“While communicating with PADO, we’ve heard that they’re actually learning Korean sign language for us, or learning various sign languages to communicate with us,” Jiseok said. “When we see how much they’re preparing and putting in that effort, we feel so grateful.”
The group communicates with international fans in English and uses Korean, American, and International Sign languages to promote inclusion. Jiseok credits BTS’s RM for inspiring his musical journey, as RM’s donation to Jiseok’s former school enabled him to access music and dance for the first time.
what’s next
Looking forward, Big Ocean aims to expand its global presence. The group has even reached out to Justin Bieber,hoping for a future collaboration.