Rosa Gulliver of TINYGMUSIC | November 12, 2024
Big Ocean, K-Pop’s trailblazing hard-of-hearing boy band, is set to make waves in the music world with the release of their highly anticipated debut Mini Album, Follow, out now.
Featuring previously released digital singles “Glow,” “BLOW,” and “SLOW,” the Mini Album introduces a brand-new track titled “FLOW,” produced by Grammy-winning producer Mark Batson (Eminem, Beyoncé, Nas, Alicia Keys). Follow showcases Big Ocean's innovative approach to overcoming hearing challenges, blending rap and AI tools to create an unforgettable musical experience.
This exciting release follows Big Ocean's recognition as Billboard's K-Pop Rookie of the Month for September 2024, solidifying their growing influence in the global K-pop scene. Big Ocean will be in New York City from November 11th-13th to promote the release of Follow, before heading to the Cayman Islands for a performance at Cool Out 2024. Since their debut on April 20, 2024, a date chosen to coincide with South Korea’s Day of People with Disabilities, Big Ocean has been shattering industry norms bringing awareness to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community through their music; all while garnering an impressive 1.6 million followers across social media within just four months.
With this Mini Album, Big Ocean is debuting the genre Free-soul POP, which they define as a sound that celebrates the joy and fulfillment of self-acceptance through music. Follow reflects this philosophy, persuading listeners to build self-confidence regardless of life’s challenges. The focus track “FLOW” takes centre stage, offering a melodic and smooth experience that mimics the natural ease of falling in love, much like the flow of water. “We were so excited to collaborate with Mark Batson, a legendary producer who has shaped countless genres,” shares Big Ocean. “Our partnership began even before our debut, and FLOW was crafted just for us. Mark understood the nuances we needed, from easy-to-follow rap for non-English speakers to the powerful beats that resonate with our hearing abilities. It’s truly mind-blowing to release this song after months of hard work. We’re honoured to be the first K-Pop artists to work with him.”
“FLOW’s” music video adds another layer of depth, showcasing a powerful performance by Big Ocean alongside nearly one hundred participants. Filmed in Paris, the video was shot at the iconic National Institute of Deaf Youth, the world’s first institute for Deaf students, founded in the 1750s. This historic backdrop amplifies Big Ocean’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as their unique identity as hard-of-hearing artists in the K-Pop landscape.
“Unlike other K-Pop idols who debut with full physical albums, we took a different path with consecutive digital singles. Thanks to our fans, we can finally release a physical album. We are over the moon and can’t wait for our PADOs to enjoy Follow!” adds Big Ocean. “We’re especially excited to celebrate our release in New York with our U.S. PADOs!” Follow is more than just a musical project for Big Ocean—it’s a movement, redefining K-Pop’s landscape and advocating for inclusivity and self-empowerment.
Mark Batson commented on “FLOW”; “It is a great honour to work on such an important piece of music during this milestone in human creativity. When I first heard about the project I was amazed at the talent of Big Ocean's performances and what they were able to accomplish. This is my first time working with Korean K-Pop artists, and to combine the use of digital technology with this amazing group has been a once in a lifetime experience, which dictates to me a future in which anything is possible for all of humanity.”
The group’s ground breaking use of technology—such as vibrating smartwatches that serve as metronomes and flashing lights for rhythmic counting—allows them to synchronise their choreography and performances despite hearing challenges. These innovations, combined with their talent, have earned them praise from industry heavyweights and recognition from the President of Korea. Big Ocean’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of breaking barriers.
About Big Ocean
Big Ocean is K-Pop's first all-hard-of-hearing boy band under Parastar Entertainment, breaking boundaries with their unique blend of music and advocacy for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. With powerful support from global organisations and the music industry, Big Ocean is reshaping the K-Pop scene, inspiring fans worldwide.
Big Ocean’s journey is as inspiring as their music. The group, composed of Hyunjin, Jiseok, and Chanyeon, embraces the symbolism of the ocean—a place of both comfort and potential. Just as divers use hand signals underwater to communicate, Big Ocean uses music to express themselves in a world that often isn’t designed for the hard of hearing. Each member brings a unique background to the group, defying the odds and stereotypes associated with hearing disabilities.
Hyunjin lost hearing in his left ear after a childhood accident and found solace in music after cochlear surgery, becoming a YouTube creator and advocate for the hard-of-hearing community. Chanyeon, the group’s main rapper, underwent cochlear implant surgery and discovered his passion for music through therapy, which he now channels into his performances. Jiseok, born hard of hearing, pursued professional alpine skiing before turning his attention to K-pop, driven by his love for dance.
Big Ocean's impact extends beyond the K-pop industry, with social collaborations alongside SEVENTEEN, RIIZE, ITZY, and even Young K of DAY6, featured on their most recent single "SLOW." Their partnerships with global organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) have further cemented their status as trailblazers advocating for inclusivity.
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