„If we’re able to grow what music means – that makes us proud.” (INTERVIEW with BIG OCEAN)

You can find a Polish version of the article here: https://mysoseofundacja.org.pl/jesli-mozemy-poszerzac-definicje-muzyki-jestesmy-z-tego-dumni-wywiad-z-big-ocean/

Thanks to the kind support of 5 Oceans Entertainment, we had the opportunity to interview the K-pop group Big Ocean.
The group consists of three hard-of-hearing members: PJ, Chanyeon, and Jiseok.
They are the only group of its kind on the Korean music scene – artists who may not hear, but express themselves powerfully through music, movement and emotion.
Get to know them better!

Wiktoria: Please introduce yourselves to our audience.

Chanyeon: Hi, I’m Lee Chanyeon, main rapper – and the cutie of Big Ocean.

PJ: I’m PJ, main vocalist – and the icebreaker of Big Ocean.

Jiseok: I’m Jiseok, main dancer – and the AI of Big Ocean.

All: Nice to meet you, we’re Big Ocean!

Wiktoria: How does it feel to be in Poland for the first time?

PJ: It’s our first time here, and it’s honestly such a beautiful country. The people are kind, the food is great, and we’ve felt so welcome. I’m especially grateful to feel this connection with Pados, even far from home.

Wiktoria: As the first K-pop group of deaf and hard-of-hearing artists, do you feel you’re changing what it means to be an artist?

Chanyeon: We don’t see ourselves as changing what it means to be an artist. Every artist has their own story and way of expressing emotion. But if our presence helps expand the definition of artistry and inspires others to express themselves beyond sound, then that’s something we’re proud of.

Wiktoria: You use KSL, ASL, and International Sign in performances. What made you decide to include all three?

Jiseok: Sign language connects people beyond spoken words. Including KSL, ASL, and International Sign is our way of saying, “Everyone belongs here.” It helps us reach Pados from different communities and reflect our message of universal connection through movement.

Wiktoria: Do you think your journey is changing the way the world sees disabled, especially in the K-pop world?

PJ: We believe music has the power to move beyond labels. Our focus has always been on sharing honest emotions and connecting with people through rhythm, movement, and story. If our journey opens up new ways of thinking or brings comfort to someone navigating their own path, then we feel grateful. But more than anything, we hope people feel the heart behind our music and see that art can come in many forms.

Wiktoria: What’s the easiest and most difficult part of being K-pop artists?

Jiseok: The hardest part is syncing dance and music because we all perceive rhythm differently. But we use vibration watches, visual cues and muscle memory to perform as one. The most rewarding part is connecting with Pados and feeling their energy, it gives us strength every day.

Wiktoria: You’ve built a strong, international fanbase in just over a year. What has surprised you most about your fans?

Chanyeon: Their warmth and understanding. We’ve seen fans from around the world learn sign language just to connect with us. During our first European tour, many Pados signed along during songs, and in Brazil, we even met fans learning Libras. Those moments stay with us.

Wiktoria: How do you experience music and rhythm when performing or creating songs?

PJ: For us, music is something we experience with the whole body. We use tools like vibration watches and visual metronomes to stay in sync, but beyond that, it’s about instinct and connection. Personally, I memorize pitch by focusing on muscle memory and tension in my body. Even if we process sound differently, we feel the rhythm deeply.

Wiktoria: What message do you hope people feel when they listen to your music?

Chanyeon: We hope our music feels like a hand reaching out in silence. Every song carries parts of ourselves that are often hidden, like longing, resilience, and the instinct to keep going. In our latest album Underwater, we explored emotions that live beneath the surface. Whether someone connects through the lyrics, the movement, or the feeling, we want them to know they are not invisible. If even one listener feels understood because of our music, then we have done what we came to do.

Wiktoria: What helped you believe in yourself when things felt hard?

PJ: The Pados did. There were moments when I doubted myself, when things felt too heavy to carry alone. But then I’d see a comment, a video, or a signed message from a fan saying our music gave them strength. That reminded me why I started. Knowing that our journey could bring hope or comfort to someone else gave me the courage to keep going. The love and belief from our Pados helped me believe in myself.

Wiktoria: What dreams do you still want to fulfill as Big Ocean?

Jiseok: We’re working toward performing completely live with our own voices, even without assistive tech. And of course, we dream of a full world tour where we meet Pados from every corner of the world.

Wiktoria: What’s next for Big Ocean after the tour? Can we expect new music or projects soon?

PJ: Yes! We’re about to release a new unit song called “BUCKET HAT” on July 9. It’s a playful and rhythmic track by Big Ocean JJ, which is me and Jiseok. It’s a fun and rhythmic track with choreography that includes hat tricks fans can try.

Chanyeon: We’re also continuing our “Underwater Chapter 2” European Tour this July and preparing for our U.S. tour from the end of July to August. And yes, more music is definitely on the way.

Wiktoria: Who inspires you in K-pop or beyond to keep going?

Jiseok: BTS’s RM. I graduated from a Deaf school in Seoul, and he once donated to support music education there. That’s when I first got interested in music. His influence helped shape my dream, and now I want to be someone who passes that on.

Wiktoria: If you could send a message to your younger selves, back when everything felt uncertain, what would you say?

Chanyeon: I’d say, “You don’t have to rush. Just keep moving, even if it’s slow. One day, your passion will guide you to people who truly understand you. And the things that made you feel different before, they’ll become your strength.”

Wiktoria: Do you have a message for your Polish fans who may also be chasing dreams despite their own difficulties?

PJ: To every Polish PADO walking your own path, please remember that your pace is perfect and your dreams are valid. Even when the road feels unclear, every step you take matters. Thank you for embracing us with open hearts. We see you, we believe in you, and we hope our music gives you courage especially on the days you need it most.

Wiktoria: Thank you so much for the interview, and to all the fans – don’t miss the second part of it!