K-Pop’s First Hard-of-Hearing Boy Band Big Ocean Drops Debut Mini Album ‘Follow’
Photo Courtesy of Parastar Entertainment
Big Ocean, K-Pop's first hard-of-hearing boy band, is ready to make waves with their debut mini-album Follow released on November 12. Building on the success of their earlier digital singles “Glow,” “BLOW,” and “SLOW,” this album introduces the fresh track “FLOW,” produced by Grammy-winner Mark Batson, who is known for his work with Eminem, Beyoncé, and Alicia Keys. Follow is more than just an album; it’s an exciting blend of music, advocacy, and innovation, setting a new standard for inclusivity in the industry.
Big Ocean burst onto the K-Pop scene in April 2024, debuting on South Korea’s Day of People with Disabilities. Since then, they’ve taken the world by storm, earning Billboard’s K-Pop Rookie of the Month in September and amassing 1.6 million social media followers within months. In Follow, the group introduces “Free-soul POP,” a genre that embraces self-acceptance and self-confidence—a message that resonates in each track.
A Unique Sound and Story: Big Ocean’s “FLOW”
The album’s centerpiece, “FLOW,” embodies Big Ocean’s message of resilience and growth. The song blends melodic rap with smooth production, capturing the feeling of love and life flowing freely. “Working with Mark Batson was a dream come true,” the group shared. “He understood our unique sound and helped us create something powerful, with beats that resonate with our hearing abilities. It’s amazing to see this track come to life.” Mark Batson himself praised the project, saying, “Big Ocean has redefined creativity. Collaborating with them is proof that anything is possible in music.”
The video for “FLOW” was filmed in Paris at the National Institute of Deaf Youth, the world’s oldest school for Deaf students. This historic location underscores Big Ocean’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the video, featuring nearly 100 dancers, adds a striking visual dimension to their message.
Breaking Barriers with Innovative Technology
Big Ocean’s performances are a testament to creativity and perseverance. Despite hearing limitations, the group uses vibrating smartwatches, flashing lights, and other innovative technology to sync their choreography. These methods enable them to precisely execute their routines, earning them praise from industry icons and even recognition from the President of Korea. Big Ocean has shown that hearing impairments are not obstacles but unique qualities that fuel their artistry.
Big Ocean’s Story: Bringing Diversity to K-Pop
The trio—Hyunjin, Jiseok, and Chanyeon—is as inspiring as their music. Hyunjin lost hearing in one ear due to an accident and found his way to music after a successful cochlear surgery. Chanyeon, the group’s rapper, underwent cochlear implant surgery and discovered a passion for music through therapy. Jiseok, born hard of hearing, initially pursued a career in alpine skiing before shifting his focus to K-Pop.
Together, they’re rewriting what it means to be a K-Pop idol. They see themselves as symbols of the ocean: deep, strong, and full of potential. Just as divers communicate through hand signals, Big Ocean communicates through music, offering a bridge between the Deaf and hearing communities.
What’s Next for Big Ocean?
Big Ocean celebrated Follow with fans in New York from November 11–13 before heading to the Cayman Islands for a performance at Cool Out 2024. They’re especially thrilled to finally release a physical album, a dream made possible by their dedicated fans, the PADOs. “Our fans’ support has been overwhelming. We’re so excited to finally share Follow in physical form and celebrate with our U.S. PADOs!,” they say.
More Than Music: Advocacy and Collaboration
In addition to performing, Big Ocean is committed to advocating for inclusivity and supporting the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Their collaborations with SEVENTEEN, RIIZE, The KingDom, and Everglow and partnerships with organizations like the WHO and ILO emphasize their mission to use music as a platform for social impact.
About Big Ocean
Under Parastar Entertainment, Big Ocean is reshaping the K-Pop landscape, combining music with powerful advocacy. They inspire fans around the world, proving that K-Pop has room for every voice. Follow is not just an album but a movement, urging listeners to embrace themselves fully and reminding us that, just like the ocean, music flows freely for everyone.
Join Big Ocean on this inspiring journey—stream “FLOW” on all major platforms and be part of a wave of change in K-Pop! Let us know what you think about Big Ocean or your favorite track from Follow in the comments below or on Instagram or X.
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Edited by Hien Nguyen