K-Pop’s First Hard-Of-Hearing Group: Big Ocean On Their Triumphant 2024 And Goals For 2025 | Exclusive Interview

South Korean boy group Big Ocean wrap up their 2024 with their first-ever mini-album, “Follow,” released on November 12th. The album includes past tracks that have already been released before the album launch: ‘Glow,’ their debut single, ‘BLOW,’ and ‘SLOW,’ with the addition of the new track ‘FLOW’ to the project.

The band, consisting of talented members ChanYeon, HyunJin, and JiSeok, is K-Pop’s first-ever hard-of-hearing group, making waves in the industry since they embarked on their journey on April 20, 2024. It hasn’t been a year since they debuted, but Big Ocean is already seeing a bright, vast future ahead of them.

From filming dance challenges with groups like RIIZE, Stray Kids, SEVENTEEN, and ITZY to collaborating with DAY6’s Young K on ‘SLOW,’ 2024 has been an exciting year for Big Ocean—a year full of endless opportunities like the ocean. And this is just the beginning, as we anticipate more of their endeavors in the coming years.

Kpopmap had the honor of sitting down with Big Ocean for an exclusive interview to talk about their musical projects, how this year was a remarkable year for them, the process behind their captivating performances, and their goals for 2025. Make sure to read the interview until the end!

Big Ocean, welcome to Kpopmap, and congratulations on your recent single ‘FLOW’! Before we start, please introduce yourselves to the readers of Kpopmap. What’s something you want our readers to know about the members of Big Ocean? Tell us a few fun facts and TMIs!

Hello everyone, I’m Lee ChanYeon, the main rapper of Big Ocean. People often call me the “cutie” of Big Ocean.
ChanYeon
Hi, I’m Park HyunJin, the main vocalist of Big Ocean. One thing about me is that I really enjoy playing the piano. It’s my go-to when I want to unwind or feel more connected to music.
HyunJin
Nice to meet you! I’m Kim JiSeok, the main dancer of Big Ocean. People sometimes say I have a sharp poker face, but once you get to know me, I like to think I’m actually quite playful.
JiSeok

This year, you were able to collaborate and film dance challenges with a lot of artists including RIIZE, Stray Kids, BOYNEXTDOOR, SEVENTEEN; you got featured in a lot of media interviews; and you were able to perform on music shows, and more. Since 2024 is nearing its end, could you share with us the highlights or your favorite moments of this year so far, and what else do you want to accomplish before 2024 ends? Are there goals you have already set for 2025?

This year has been truly unforgettable for us. We started our journey on April 20, 2024, a date chosen to coincide with South Korea’s Day of People with Disabilities. Debuting on such a meaningful day made it even more special for us, as it reflects the values we want to share through our music. Since then, we’ve experienced moments we could only dream of, like winning the Hallyu Special Award at the NEWSIS K-EXPO. It was such an honor to receive recognition for our work, and it reminded us to keep striving to inspire others.
JiSeok
After our debut, being named Billboard’s Rookie of the Month in September was another humbling experience. It’s something we never imagined when we first started, and it’s all thanks to the support of our Pados and everyone who believes in us. Hosting the Paralympics live viewing event on JJAANN was also deeply inspiring. Watching the athletes overcome challenges and achieve their dreams reminded us of the resilience we aim to represent through our music. Moments like these fuel our determination to keep growing as artists.
ChanYeon
This year, we were also able to release our first mini-album, Follow. It’s such a meaningful project for us because it captures the themes of hope and self-discovery that have been at the heart of our journey. Filming the ‘FLOW’ music video in Paris at the National Institute of Deaf Youth was unforgettable—it felt like a tribute to the Deaf community’s history and resilience. We also filmed the International Sign version in New York and had the incredible opportunity to perform live at the Cool Out 2024 Festival in the Cayman Islands. Visiting these amazing places and connecting with fans from around the world has been a humbling and inspiring experience.
HyunJin
For 2025, we want to visit even more countries and meet more of our Pados around the world. We also hope to collaborate with more artists, keep sharing our message, and continue growing as performers so we can create music that truly resonates with everyone.
Big Ocean

It’s been around six months since you debuted with ‘Glow.’ Now, you have four songs in your discography. How have the adjustments been being K-Pop idols so far, including working on the recording process and getting the right pitch whenever you perform?

Adjusting to life as K-Pop idols has been a big shift for us. We’ve worked hard to stay in sync during performances using tools like vibrating smartwatches and flashing lights. It hasn’t been easy, but every stage has been a learning experience, and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made as a team.
JiSeok
Recording has been a unique challenge, especially figuring out how to adapt to different techniques. Songs like ‘FLOW’ helped us grow, both individually and as a group. It’s humbling to look back on where we started with ‘Glow’ and see how much we’ve improved thanks to everyone’s support.
ChanYeon
Through all these challenges, what’s kept us going is our shared commitment to creating performances that feel meaningful. Every stage teaches us something new, and we’re grateful for the chance to keep improving, step by step. Most of all, we’re thankful to our Pados, who inspire us to keep doing our best.
HyunJin

Your recent single ‘SLOW’ is a collaboration with Young K — the main vocalist and bassist of DAY6, who’s known for their hits like ‘You Were Beautiful’ and ‘Congratulations.’ That also marks your first-ever music collaboration since debut. Congratulations on that! How does it feel to be able to work with Young K? Are there any memorable moments or takeaways from working with him?

Working with Young K on ‘SLOW’ was such an amazing experience. We’ve always admired his work, and having him as part of our first-ever collaboration made it even more special. He was so passionate and professional throughout the process, and it inspired us to give our best. It was an honor to create something meaningful together, and we’re so grateful for everything we learned from him.
HyunJin

You’ve been receiving a good amount of attention for your resilience and determination, aside from your talents. What’s your reaction like whenever you think of how different your lives were compared to last year and this year? Have your recent achievements and milestones sunk in yet?

Thinking about where we were last year and comparing it to now, it’s overwhelming in the best way. Being named Billboard’s Rookie of the Month and receiving the Hallyu Special Award were moments we never imagined experiencing so soon. These milestones haven’t completely sunk in yet, but they inspire us to keep working hard and sharing our story with even more people.
HyunJin
Last year, we were focused on preparing for something we weren’t even sure would happen. Now, having released Follow and seeing how Pados connect with songs like ‘FLOW’, it’s hard to put into words how meaningful this journey has been. Every achievement reminds us of how much we’ve grown, and it pushes us to keep striving for more.
JiSeok
A year ago, we were still in training, working hard to prepare for our debut while dreaming of what we might achieve someday. Now, looking at everything we’ve accomplished—debuting, releasing our mini-album “Follow”, and connecting with Pados worldwide—it feels surreal. These milestones remind us how far we’ve come as a team, and we’re so grateful for everyone who has supported us every step of the way.
ChanYeon

When you debuted, you might have felt, at one point, that you were not doing enough. But now that you’ve spent almost a year with the members, we’re sure you’ve improved and learned something new from each other. What’s an improvement you can see in yourself? You can compliment your fellow members on something you think they have really shown an improvement on!

Since debut, I’ve worked hard to improve my dancing, especially adding more expression and precision to my movements. I’m so inspired by how much ChanYeon has grown as a rapper—he’s really found his voice. And Hyunjin has become so much more confident on stage; his ability to connect with Pados is amazing to see​​.
JiSeok
Over the past year, I’ve focused on improving how I express emotions through my performances. Watching Jiseok push himself to new levels as a dancer has been incredible—he’s so sharp and dynamic now. And HyunJin’s stage presence keeps getting stronger; he’s grown so much as a performer​.
ChanYeon
One thing I’ve worked on since debut is feeling more natural and comfortable on stage. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, but I know there’s still more to learn. Jiseok’s dancing has improved so much—it’s inspiring to watch. And ChanYeon’s ability to channel emotions into his performances has really stood out; you can feel his passion in every song​​.
HyunJin

You’ve always wanted to inspire people as you said in many interviews. But for you, where do you get your inspiration from? What fuels you to continue doing what you love despite knowing how hard this journey will be?

Our Pados are the biggest source of strength for us. Hearing their stories about how our music has touched their lives is so moving. It reminds us why we started this journey and fuels us to keep giving our best.
HyunJin

Being the first hard-of-hearing K-Pop group is a huge step and milestone for you and for the industry. Are there any particular stories where you faced a challenge and you’re just so proud of yourself that you were able to overcome it? Anything you want to tell your younger self for not giving up despite the uncertainties?

Before our debut, I used to wonder if I could handle the challenges of performing live, especially with the extra effort it took for us to stay in sync. There were so many unknowns, and it often felt overwhelming. To my younger self, I’d say: “Don’t worry so much. Trust yourself and let things flow naturally. Every challenge you face will prepare you for something greater, and one day, you’ll look back and feel proud of how far you’ve come.”
HyunJin
Deciding to leave my career as an audiologist to pursue music was such a hard decision, and back then, I wasn’t sure if I was doing the right thing. There were times I questioned if I could succeed in such a different world. To my younger self, I’d say: “Be brave. The road ahead will be uncertain, but every step you take will bring you closer to something meaningful. Believe in yourself, even when it’s hard.”
ChanYeon
Transitioning from Alpine skiing to becoming an idol was about chasing a dream I always had in my heart. There were challenges, but the passion kept me focused. To my younger self, I’d say: “Trust your instincts and follow your heart. The dreams you hold close will guide you through every challenge.”
JiSeok

Big Ocean has this goal of wanting to show positive influence on people around the world. If there are one or two things you want to echo to everyone in this world now, what would those words be?

If there’s one thing we want to share, it’s to remind everyone that life has its challenges, but you’re stronger than you think. ‘FLOW,’ our love letter to Pados, teaches us to let go and trust the journey, while ‘BLOW’ encourages us to face obstacles head-on. We hope these songs inspire the courage to keep moving forward, knowing you’re never alone.
HyunJin
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to
keep up or succeed quickly. With ‘SLOW,’ we want to remind everyone to take a moment, breathe, and trust the process. Life isn’t about racing ahead—it’s about moving at your own pace and growing in your own time.
ChanYeon
To everyone listening, I’d say: hold onto hope, no matter how small it feels. With ‘Glow,’ we want to remind you to believe in yourself and your dreams, even when things seem uncertain. That little spark of hope inside you can grow into something amazing if you keep going and trust your journey.
JiSeok

To conclude this interview, please share your final words with global Kpopmap readers and your fans who may be reading this article!

To all the Pados out there, thank you so much for your love and support. It means everything to us. We hope our mini-album “Follow” inspires you to believe in
yourselves and embrace your journey, just as you’ve inspired us to keep going.
ChanYeon
We feel so lucky to have fans like you cheering us on every step of the way. Your love and energy make everything we do possible, and we’re so grateful for the memories we’ve created together. Let’s keep walking this path together, creating meaningful moments and making memories that last forever.
HyunJin
Your encouragement and belief in us mean the world. Together, let’s keep creating waves of positivity and hope. Thank you for inspiring us to keep dreaming and believing—we’re so grateful to have you with us on this journey.
JiSeok

If you haven’t already, check out the music video for ‘FLOW’ and follow their Instagram to keep updated on all of Big Ocean’s future schedules.

What do you think about Big Ocean? Have you fallen for the idol group? Because we sure have!