World’s first hearing-impaired K-pop group debuts
Big O!cean are set to make waves in the music industry in Korea and further afield this April.
The trio are working hard in preparation for their April debut. Image: PARASTAR ENTERTAINMENT.
As K-pop’s first group with hearing-impaired members, Big O!cean are set to debut on April 20, South Korea’s Day for Persons with Disabilities. The boy group, consisting of members Park Hyunjin, Kim Jiseok, and Lee Chanyeon, will perform using Korean, American, and International Sign Language.
The trio are debuting with the digital single, “Glow” — a remake of H.O.T’s iconic hit, “Hope”. Perfectly matching the group’s aims, the lyrics of the single aim to communicate a feeling of hope to people going through difficult times. The track leaves listeners on a high note by telling them there’s light at the end of the tunnel, no matter what they may be struggling through.
How it all works
Big O!cean will be using Artificial Intelligence to enhance the members’ voices in order to show off a more diverse vocal range and to allow them to sing with more accuracy. Parastar Entertainment’s partnership with a variety of IT companies has allowed the group to overcome any limitations that have arisen from their restricted hearing abilities.
This won’t be the first time that AI has been used by the K-pop industry. A number of AI-generated K-pop groups have been producing music in recent years and are becoming increasingly popular among fans of the genre. Groups like MAVE: and PLAVE have utilised AI to create innovative groups that stand out from the crowd.
Sink or swim?
Although the group is the first of its kind, Big O!cean are already building up a fanbase with their active social media accounts. Most recently, the boys made a video with SM Entertainment’s latest superstars, RIIZE.
Dancing to the group’s hit “Love 119”, the Big O!cean members have made an impression on eager fans: “So happy to have disability representation in kpop,” tweeted one listener. Another expressed their joy over the change Big O!cean will hopefully bring: “They use sign language and interpret it into songs! It is opening up kpop to a whole new community and it’s so exciting!”
Parastar Entertainment is a company that solely trains artists and new talent who have disabilities. The company seems to be taking steps to make the South Korean entertainment industry more inclusive and Big O!cean are looking to help lead the way.
“Glow” will be released on April 20, 2024.
Edited by Gabii Rayner.