As K-pop continues to expand regardless of race, gender, and culture, PARASTAR also introduced Big O!cean, the first-ever deaf boy group that aims to create S-pop, a genre centered on singing sign language.
Big O!cean: Concept, Debut, More Details About the First-Ever Deaf Korean Boy Group
At the start of 2024, Big O!cean, initially known as S-boyz, started their pre-debut activities in the music scene by doing dance challenges with various K-pop artists.
Big O!cean is the world's first idol group to sing lyrics in sign language. They are set to debut in April and additional members are expected to be introduced, on top of the currently promoting Hyunjin, Jiseok, and Chanyeon.
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In particular, the members who are all hard of hearing are expected to sing in Korean Sign Language, English Sign Language (ASL), and International Sign Language (ISL), aiming to create a new genre called, S-Pop.
Unlike other idols who do not reveal their members before their debut, Big O!cean continues its unrivaled activities with a differentiated strategy of revealing its growth process.
In fact, earlier in January Big O!cean's did a sign language challenge with RIIZE for the latter's hit song, "Love 119."
The video was released on Big O!cean's official SNS (YouTube, Instagram) and here, they made the song more special after translating the lyrics, “She sets me free,” into International Sign Language. Big O!cean completed this meaningful sign language challenge by directly teaching international sign language to RIIZE members on site.
Through their SNS, the members are also covering various songs by popular artists, showing not only their sign language but also their incredible dancing skills.
As a result, numerous social media fan accounts have already been created both at home and abroad, and people are looking forward to Big O!cean's successful debut.
Big O!cean Members, Names, Ages, More!
Park Hyunjin
Born in 1999, Park Hyunjin was only 2 years old when he developed hearing impairment after getting a high fever.
When he turned 9, another incident happened, which made him lose more of his hearing. Eventually, he got a cochlear implant.
Prior to his debut as an idol, he was a known content creator who spread awareness for people who underwent hearing impairments like him.
Lee Chanyeon
Born in 1998, Lee Chanyeon developed a love for playing guitar despite having a cochlear implant. He also previously worked in a hospital.
Kim Jiseok
Born in 2003, Kim Jiseok also has a hearing impairment. Ahead of his debut, he has been working as a model.
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READ MORE: 9 Times K-pop Groups Added Sign Language in Their Dance Choreography for the Deaf Community
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
