We can’t believe it’s been a whole year since Big Ocean made their debut, and what a splash they’ve made ever since! Debuting on April 20th, 2024, also known as Disabled Persons’ Day in Korea, Big Ocean became the world’s first ever Deaf/Hard of Hearing K-POP group. The trio, consisting of Chanyeon, PJ, and Jiseok, has been paving a new way in K-POP, focusing on accessibility and representation not only in the K-POP scene but also in the music industry as a whole.
Having spent the past year building their fandom, PADO, through a series of exciting songs that incorporate KSL, ASL, and ISL in the choreography, as well as an active social media presence that included lengthy TikTok lives to connect with fans, Big Ocean has ended their first year of debut on a high and are kickstarting their second year with a bang. They’ve just released their second mini-album, Underwater, a darker concept that explores the vulnerable feelings and emotions the members experience. They’ve also just wrapped up a European tour that stopped in places like London and Paris, and are soon heading to Brazil to perform at the famous Anime Friends convention in São Paulo this summer.
We’ve had the chance to chat with Big Ocean for the first time since their debut to catch up with them, see what they’ve been doing, and discuss what’s in store for the future.
This interview took place ahead of the Underwater Tour
Hi Big Ocean, welcome back to The Honey POP! We spoke to you a year ago, just as you made your debut, and we’re so proud of how far you’ve come! What’s the most valuable lesson you think you have learnt in your first year as a group? How do you think your teamwork or dynamic as a group has changed or strengthened?
PJ: Thank you so much! Looking back on our first year, I think the biggest lesson we learned is to trust each other, both on and off stage. We all came from different backgrounds, so at first, everything was new. But through every performance and challenge, we grew closer. Now, even when words aren’t spoken, we can understand each other with just a glance or a gesture.
You’ve done some amazing challenges with your seniors, including STRAY KIDS’s Felix, SEVENTEEN’s DK and Seungkwan, and TWICE’s Mina and Tzuyu. Did your seniors offer you any advice or words of support?
Jiseok: Yes, we were really touched by how kind and supportive they were. Felix from Stray Kids greeted us in American Sign Language, which meant a lot. Even though our interactions were brief, many seniors told us to keep going and that what we’re doing is meaningful. Hearing that from artists we admire gave us strength and motivation to keep improving.
We love to hear that! Last year, you were honoured with the Special Hallyu Award at the Newsis K-EXPO Cultural Awards, which is a pretty amazing thing to achieve early in your career. What does this honour mean to you?
Chanyeon: Receiving the Special Hallyu Award was truly meaningful for us. It reminded us that our message is reaching people and that we’re not just performing—we’re opening hearts and minds. It gave us the courage to keep walking our path, and we’re so grateful for the support that made it possible.
And it was truly so deserved. You’re heading out on your first-ever tour, and it’s in Europe! What can your European PADO expect from the Underwater Tour?
PJ: We’re so excited to meet our European PADOs in person. You can expect a stage filled with emotion, movement, and stories from our new album Underwater. We’ve prepared performances that reflect who we are now—more mature, more expressive—and we hope you’ll feel every moment with us.
Congratulations on your comeback! Underwater feels like we’re seeing a whole new side of you compared to your debut mini-album, Follow! We know the concept is “embracing the black ocean.” What can you tell us about this, and what does it mean for you?
Chanyeon: Thank you! Underwater is really special to us. The concept of “embracing the black ocean” means accepting the deep emotions and instincts we often hide. Just like a merman who finds strength by going deeper into the sea, we wanted to show a more vulnerable but confident side of ourselves. It’s about growing through the darkness and finding beauty in it.
As the first Deaf/hard-of-hearing K-POP group, you’ve opened doors for so many. How does it feel to be seen as trailblazers in the industry? Is there anything you hope to see change in the industry moving forward?
PJ: It’s a big honor, and we’re really thankful. We didn’t set out to be trailblazers—we just wanted to share music in our own way. But if our journey helps make the industry more inclusive and open-minded, that makes us happy. We hope to see more diversity in the future—not just in ability, but in how artists express themselves. Everyone deserves a space to be seen and heard.
Chanyeon, you’ve gone from working in the medical industry as an audiologist to becoming a K-POP idol who is now a core part of the representation for many of the patients you would have worked with. How does it feel knowing that you’ve gone from helping people hear to now being someone they can see themselves in?
Chanyeon: It feels very meaningful. Back then, I helped patients adjust to sound. Now, I hope I can help people feel seen. If someone out there finds strength or comfort through our music or story, that’s the most rewarding part for me.
You have always been helping people, Chanyeon, and we truly admire that! PJ, after the name change, many fans have praised how you’re reclaiming your identity. What does the name “PJ” mean to you now?
PJ: “PJ” feels like a fresh start, but also a return to who I really am. It’s simple, but it holds a lot of meaning for me—it reflects both my past and the person I’m becoming. I’m grateful that fans have embraced it with so much love.
Personally, we think it’s a cute stage name! Jiseok, you’ve made your acting debut. Congratulations! What was it like going from focusing on music to trying something different, like acting?
Jiseok: Thank you! Acting was a new challenge, and I was nervous at first, but I really enjoyed it. It felt similar to performing on stage, expressing emotions without relying on words. I learned a lot, and I’d love to try it again in the future.
You have an incredibly strong bond with PADO. Do you have any special memories with them from the past year? How would you describe your relationship with them?
Chanyeon: There are so many memories with PADOs, but what stands out the most is how they always make us feel supported — whether online or at our shows. Even from far away, we can feel their love and energy. Our bond with PADOs is very special, and we’re always thankful for the connection we share.
You do regular fan calls with your fans. What do you love most about connecting with your fans on a 1-2-1 basis?
PJ: What I love most is seeing their reactions in real time. Even just a short moment together can create a big memory. It reminds me why we do this and makes everything feel more personal and real.
You’ll be performing in Brazil in July of this year, where you have a pretty active fan base. Is there anything in particular you three are looking forward to while there?
Chanyeon: Even from afar, Brazil has always felt warm and full of energy. I’m really looking forward to meeting our PADOs there in person.
Jiseok: I’m especially excited to dance on stage in front of our Brazilian PADOs. I’ve seen how passionate they are online, and I know the energy will be incredible.
PJ: We’ve felt your support since day one, and being able to stand on stage in Brazil and return that love is everything to us. See you soon there in Brazil, PADOs!
And we know Brazilian PADOs are so excited to finally see you! Thank you, Big Ocean. We’ve had a lovely time talking to you and are wishing you all the luck for this next chapter of your career!
Underwater is out now
What’s your favorite memory of Big Ocean’s debut year? What are you looking forward to from them in the future? Let us know by tweeting us at @TheHoneyPOP or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BIG OCEAN:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE
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