Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
“People often wonder how we perform as a K-pop group while experiencing hearing loss,” shares PJ during a rehearsal in Seoul. “We aspire to inspire people through our performances, viewing our hearing status as merely a sidebar.”
PJ serves as the lead vocalist for Big Ocean, a groundbreaking K-pop band that made its debut nearly a year ago as the first group in the genre comprised entirely of members with hearing loss. This pioneering effort is especially significant in South Korea, where cultural norms often prioritize conformity.
As they close in on their first anniversary, the trio—PJ, Chanyeon, and Jiseok—has managed to surmount skepticism, stigma, and societal barriers, gearing up for a European tour as well as the release of their second mini-album, significantly inspiring a global fanbase.
“We’ve received messages from fans who’ve found renewed courage to pursue their dreams after engaging with our music. That’s what matters to us; we don’t want to be defined solely by our hearing,” asserts PJ as preparations unfold backstage for a TV appearance. “Through our work, we aspire to be seen as artists that uplift and empower others.”
Diverse Beginnings: An Alpine Skier, a YouTuber, and a Health Professional
Prior to forming Big Ocean, each member was on a distinctly different path.
Jiseok, the youngest at 22 and the group’s main dancer, previously competed as an alpine skier in national disability winter sports, having been deaf since birth and relying on hearing aids.
PJ, now 25, was a content creator on YouTube, focusing on raising awareness about hearing impairments. His own hearing loss occurred during childhood due to an illness; he utilizes a cochlear implant in his left ear and a hearing aid in his right.
Chanyeon, the eldest at 27, dedicated four years to working at Korea University Anam Hospital as an audiologist before joining the band. He also lost his hearing in childhood and has received cochlear implants for both ears.
The trio’s journey converged at Parastar Entertainment, an innovative South Korean talent agency that emphasizes representation for artists with disabilities.
Innovative Practice: Using Technology to Enhance Performance
The initial stages for Big Ocean were fraught with difficulties. “We each perceive beats differently, which made coordinating rehearsals quite challenging,” Chanyeon recalls.
To overcome these hurdles, the band has embraced a multisensory approach to music. They synchronize their performances by utilizing specialized metronomes that flash in time with the music, along with vibrating smartwatches that pulse in rhythm and numeric displays that visually convey beat counts.
During vocal recordings, Big Ocean also partners with AI specialists who analyze their unique vocal traits to create tailored voice models that help enhance their singing techniques.
“It’s definitely a collaborative effort,” explains PJ. “Whenever we encounter difficulties, our team provides indispensable support, assisting us in navigating challenges together.”
The messages conveyed in their music revolve around themes of resilience, hope, and solidarity. Their debut track, Glow, encourages listeners to envision a collaborative world they can create. Subsequent releases like Blow and Slow further their optimistic narrative, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
In February, they released the single Bright, featuring lyrics crafted by students with intellectual disabilities using AI tools, coupled with artwork from visually impaired students.
Their forthcoming second mini-album, titled Underwater, represents a thematic shift from youthful exuberance to a more mature vision, encapsulating a metaphorical journey akin to mermen discovering their true strength beneath the waves.
A driving force for the trio is their bond with a devoted global fanbase, affectionately referred to as “pado” (Korean for “wave”).
“Our fans show remarkable kindness,” PJ notes. “Even during challenging times, their support invigorates us. We enjoy video chats with fans from across the globe… Their messages motivate me regardless of how tough the circumstances may be.”
Inspiration Flows Both Ways
This exchange of motivation is reciprocal.
Fan Nicolle Brown from North Norfolk, UK, describes the band’s impact: “It’s incredibly uplifting and inclusive. Their incorporation of sign language into performances adds a personal touch that enriches the entire industry.”
“Seeing them achieve remarkable milestones despite not conforming to the traditional physical capabilities gives me hope,” she adds.
Kirsty Spencer, 33, from Tipton, England, expresses: “Big Ocean inspires me on numerous levels… They exemplify what the music industry needs: genuine representation of disabled individuals who are rarely acknowledged in mainstream media.”
Jazmin Tannie, 29, from South Wales, shares that being a disabled K-pop enthusiast often leads to feelings of exclusion, but Big Ocean’s “thoughtful lyrics resonate with many of us, making us feel acknowledged in ways previously unexperienced.”
Haley Cha, CEO of Parastar Entertainment, has faced numerous challenges in promoting artists with disabilities within modeling and acting. She sees K-pop as a potential last frontier for inclusivity and is optimistic about Big Ocean’s prospects.
“My vision is to elevate Big Ocean to the same level of global recognition that BTS has achieved,” she asserts. “Just as BTS dismantled stereotypes regarding the success of Asian artists worldwide, I believe Big Ocean can shift perceptions about the capabilities of artists with disabilities.”
Big Ocean’s tour commences on April 19 in Lausanne, Switzerland. “We are genuinely excited about traveling abroad and experiencing new cuisines,” Chanyeon smiles, adding, “Any recommendations?”
Source
www.theguardian.com