Big Ocean: The K-Pop Boy Band Breaking Barriers with Sign Language

Big Ocean, a K-Pop boy band featuring deaf and hard of hearing members, is gaining global attention with their innovative incorporation of signing into their performances. Their music combines audio technology and Korean Sign Language, appealing to a growing fanbase while promoting inclusivity in the industry.

Big Ocean, a remarkable K-Pop boy band composed of members who are either deaf or hard of hearing, is taking the music industry by storm with their unique approach that intertwines singing and American Sign Language (ASL). The group includes Lee Chan-yeon, 27, Park Hyun-jin, 25, and Kim Ji-seok, 22, who employ advanced audio technology that helps them create music while synchronizing intricate choreography through the use of flashing metronomes and vibrating watches.

"As divers communicate using hand signals underwater, we convey meaning through sign language where sound might not suffice," Lee stated. "KSL isn't just an element of our performances but the heart that drives them."

The ensemble marked their entry into the industry with the single "Glow," released on Korea's Day of People with Disabilities, which captured significant local and international attention. Their next single, "Blow," featured a strong emphasis on English lyrics and ASL, further broadening their appeal.

Big Ocean recently gained recognition as Billboard's rookies of the month and made it onto Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia Entertainment & Sports List. Their international engagements include performances at an anime festival in Brazil and at a tech event hosted by the United Nations in Switzerland, alongside their upcoming U.S. tour slated to begin in late July.

On social media, Big Ocean boasts nearly a million followers on Instagram and over 696,000 on TikTok. Their devoted fanbase, dubbed "Pados," learning sign languages from the band, is a testament to their commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding. The group continues to release educational sign language tutorials, exemplifying their mission to bridge communication gaps and engage diverse audiences.