Welcome back to Fan Chant, a weekly column for K-pop fans, followers, and newbies. This week, take some time to meet the members of Big Ocean, the first hearing-impaired K-pop band.. YoIf you enjoy what you're reading, feel free to subscribe Head over to my complimentary newsletter to get Fan Chant delivered straight to your inbox every week!
K-pop is known for being a bridge between cultures and experiences that connects people from all over the world, but the members of great ocean bring this concept to next level. As the first hearing-impaired K-pop band, Big Ocean's members (Hyunjin, Jiseok, and Chanyeon) are bringing a truly unique perspective to the genre.
The three members of the group took different paths to reach this moment together. Hyunjin lost hearing in one ear after a childhood accident and found solace in music in the years that followed. Chanyeon, the group's main rapper, unleashed his passion for acting after cochlear implant surgery and spending time in music therapy. Jiseok was born with hearing problems, but was drawn to K-pop because of his love of dancing. The members incorporate sign language into their choreography, capitalizing on K-pop's reputation for involving images in something double.
As their story reaches more people, Big Ocean members are excited to continue encouraging people of all levels to pursue their passions; Jiseok was particularly inspired by BTS's RM, who made a helpful donation to the Seoul Samsung School for the Deaf, where Jiseok was a student. Now, as an idol in his own right, Jiseok has created his own fund. “To young people who face unique challenges and hope to pursue music or art, I would like to say that you are not alone on this journey,” he tells them. Consequence.
The group is currently in New York to spread the message of their new EP, titled Continue. Next, they will head to the 2024 Cool Out Festival in the Cayman Islands. “It's an amazing opportunity,” Hyunjin says, looking forward to seeing fans in another part of the world. “We can't wait to connect with Pados and bring our music to these incredible places!”
Watch the music video for “FLOW” below and read on for the full interview with Big Ocean.
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