2024 was an epic year for Big Ocean, the first K-pop idols with hearing disabilities. The trio – rapper Lee Chanyeon, vocalist Park Hyunjin, and dancer Kim Jiseok — didn’t just debut; they redefined what it means to break barriers in the music industry. Let’s take a closer look at the music, achievements, and inspiring moments that made their debut year unforgettable.
Debuting with Hope and Breaking Records
Big Ocean debuted on April 20, 2024, Korea’s Persons with Disabilities Day, with their first single ‘Glow‘. This reimagining of H.O.T. ‘s “Hope” resonated deeply with fans, known as PADO (“wave” in Korean). “Glow” achieved nearly one million Spotify streams within eight months, a remarkable feat for a rookie group.
Building Momentum with “Blow”
In June, Big Ocean released “Blow,” a high-energy dance track accompanied by their first official music video. Their performances on major music shows like Inkigayo and Music Bank showcased their dynamic choreography and earned them a special collaboration with Stray Kids’ Felix. To celebrate their 100-day anniversary, Big Ocean hosted a fan meeting and PADO surprised them by raising almost USD $1,500 for Gallaudet University, honoring the group’s commitment to the deaf and hard of hearing community.
An Uplifting Collaboration with Young K
August brought the release of “Slow,” an emotional ballad featuring Day6’s Young K. This track highlighted Big Ocean’s versatility, pairing heartfelt lyrics with a touching music video. Their performance at the NEWSIS K-Expo, where they received the Hallyu Special Award as “icons of hope,” further solidified their impact. The group also celebrated the 2024 Paralympic Games with online viewing parties and turned heads at Seoul Fashion Week in couture from top designers.
Going Global: Paris, New York, and Beyond
Big Ocean’s global appeal became undeniable in the latter half of the year. In September, they were named Billboard’s K-Pop Rookie of the Month. October saw the trio traveling to Paris for K-EXPO France, where they delighted fans with a cover of “Stay With Me” from the Goblin OST and filmed the music video for their final single of the year, “Flow.”
In November, “Flow” debuted alongside their first mini-album, FOLLOW. Their promotional activities included a fan meeting in New York’s Central Park and a performance at St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf, underscoring their mission to inspire and connect. From there, it was off to the Cayman Islands to perform at Cool Out 2024.
Wrapping Up 2024 with a Bang
Big Ocean ended the year on a high note with a pop-up store, a free mini concert in Seoul, and a performance and interview on Music Core, proving that they’re not just local stars but a global sensation.
Check out Big Ocean’s highlights from the year in this amazing 2024 Rewind video from BigOceanUK!
What’s Next for Big Ocean?
Even with all the group has achieved in 2024, Big Ocean’s journey is just beginning.
To kickstart the brand new year, fans can join in their exclusive Zoom Party on January 5, 2025, and even enjoy 1:1 fancalls with the members. With such an exciting debut year, there’s no doubt Big Ocean will continue to ride the wave of success. Visit TimelessNotes LIVE to purchase tickets before sales end at 08:00 PM KST on Friday, January 3rd!
1 Comment
Christina H. · 2025/01/04 at 13:07
Great write up Jeanne! I didn’t know much about this group before reading this, but I’m pleasantly surprised to learn they’ve got such a great message behind them and seem to be doing a great job bringing awareness to the deaf and hard of hearing community. I’ll definitely give them a listen in the studio sometime!
Fabulous photo of you too! ✨