Meet K-Pop’s First Ever Deaf Boy Group Who Sing In Sign Language
In a historic move for K-Pop, a new boy group called Big O!cean is set to make waves in the industry. They were once known as S-Boyz, but they’re back now with a fresh name and a unique mission.
Under PARASTAR Entertainment, Big O!cean is bringing something totally new to the table: S-Pop, or Sign Language Pop.
PARASTAR Entertainment to launch the world's first deaf boy group named ‘Big O!cean’ who will sing in sign language, and is scheduled to debut within this year
Big O!cean consists of 3 members who are hearing impaired: Park Hyunjin, Kim Jiseok and Lee Chanyeon#BIGOCEAN #빅오션 pic.twitter.com/wySnjg1E1H
— BIG O!CEAN GLOBAL (@bigocean_global) January 30, 2024
The members use sign language to sing — Korean Sign Language (KSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and International Sign Language (ISL). This makes their music accessible to everyone, whether you can hear or not. Here’s everything you need to know about the trio.
1. Park Hyunjin
Hyunjin was born on October 24, 1999. Set to be the group’s main vocal, the upcoming idol lost some of his hearing when he was just two years old because of a high fever. Later on, he had surgery for a cochlear implant.
Before becoming a trainee, Hyunjin worked in a cafe and used his spare time to spread awareness about hearing loss online. He revealed that people used to mock him as “Beethoven” because of his hearing, but now Hyunjin is set on turning the nickname into a badge of honor.
2. Lee Chanyeon
Chanyeon’s birthday is March 27, 1998. He’s the main rapper of the group and knows how to play the guitar. Similarly to Hyunjin, he also has a cochlear implant. Before joining Big O!cean, Chanyeon worked at a hospital.
The upcoming star’s ability to play the guitar is set to add a melodic layer to his rap, making his performances truly captivating.
3. Kim Jiseok
Completing the trio is Kim Jiseok — the group’s main dancer and maknae — born on March 5, 2003. Standing tall at 183 cm, Jiseok’s presence is as commanding as his dance moves. Before joining Big O!cean, he honed his skills in the modeling world, a background that will definitely help him and his stage presence during various performances.
Big O!cean isn’t just another boy band. They’re here to show that music isn’t just about what you can hear. It’s also about what you can feel and see through sign language. They are set on making S-Pop a real thing — music that anyone can enjoy, no matter if they’re hearing or deaf.
The boy group is planning to debut in April 2024, and there’s a lot of excitement around what they’re aiming to bring to the music world. By mixing sign language with pop music, Big O!cean is opening doors for more and more people to enjoy K-Pop.
