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The world’s first 'signing Deaf' K-pop idol group, BIG OCEAN, is set to make waves in the United States, with a full-scale promotional tour for their first mini-album, Follow.
The upcoming mini-album is set to be released on November 12, 2024. Promotions have already begun from November 11, 2024, in the United States. The group intends to tour famous New York sites including Central Park, Times Square, and the Empire State Building.
As part of the roster, the three-piece K-pop group will also spend time with local fans. The group will perform their song FLOW, during "Cool Out 2024" event in the Cayman Islands from November 14 to 17, 2024.
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BIG OCEAN debuted under Parastar Entertainment on April 20, 2024, with three members of the band––Lee Chan-yeon, Park Hyun-jin, and Kim Ji-seok.
Parastar Entertainment conveyed the group's feelings towards the upcoming event where they expressed their excitement to see fans face-to-face. The group said:
“When we held fan calls, there were many fans from the U.S. We do wonder, ‘Will we be able to communicate well in real time?’ and ‘Will they like us in person?’ but our anticipation is greater, and we can’t wait to meet them. We want to sincerely thank the fans (Wave) who have supported us to reach this point, and we’d love to give each of you a hug.”
Who are the members of BIG OCEAN and how do they prepare their performances?
BIG OCEAN is the first ever South Korean hard-of-hearing boy group. The Tribune reported that group member, Jiseok (21), found his inspiration to become a K-pop idol after BTS' Kim Namjoon aka RM's charitable donation to his alma mater, Seoul Samsung School. The BTS leader donated 100 million KRW (approximately $71,349.58). Jiseok was born hard of hearing.
Hyunjin (24) lost his hearing ability due to a severe fever at a young age. Chanyeon (26) was a trainee idol, who also worked as an audiologist at Korea University Hospital before his debut. He began to lose his hearing at 11 after he caught a fever.
The group uses visual and tactile clues to understand the direction and rhythm of their songs. BIG OCEAN members also use vibrating smartwatches during practices and integrate sign language into their performances. In order to stay in sync throughout rehearsals, recording sessions, and concerts, the members additionally utilize textual communication and sign language.
BIG OCEAN uses all three sign languages—Korean Sign Language (KSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and International Sign Language (ISL)—to incorporate them into their performances so that their global fanbase can resonate with them.
For the unversed, the "Cool Out 2024" event facilitates conversations on fostering a healthy marine ecology. BIG OCEAN will interact with fans through two shows and participate in sea conservation initiatives.
