World’s First Deaf K-Pop Band Releases New Single With Three Sign Languages

Big Ocean, a deaf K-Pop trio, has released a new single and is redefining the perception of artists with disabilities. The three-piece band that debuted in 2024 is the world’s first deaf, hard-of-hearing K-Pop band whose new single Love Sign uses Korean, American and British Sign Language. Parastar Entertainment manages the band, an agency focused on artists with disabilities. 

The members include Chanyeon, Park Hyun-Jin and Jiseok, who are all hard of hearing. Their newest single, Love Sign, blends a nu-disco sound with English lyrics, combining the idea of astrological star signs with their own identity. Their songs contain themes of perseverance, hope and unity and are connecting with audiences all over the world.

They have emerged as a fresh wave of inspiration for many young people with disabilities, especially in K-Pop, which is widely known for its conservative guidelines. The members use a variety of tools to synchronise their performance, including vibrational smartwatches, visual on-screen lights, AI conversion tools and smart pitch displays. 

Inclusivity Through Music

Music is for all, but the deaf community is perhaps the most restricted when it comes to the kind of music that they can listen to. Big Ocean is bridging that gap with their music that speaks of personal struggles and invites many others like them to dream of a better future. It also allows other aspiring musicians from the deaf community in conservative countries to pursue their dreams in music. It also calls for better infrastructure and attempts by large-scale entertainment industries to include and encourage artists with hearing disabilities and deafness. 

Inspiring The Disabled Community

Launching a hearing-impaired band in a highly competitive and rising industry like K-Pop inspires many who have similar dreams. It also sensitises the music industry to create tools and infrastructure to support such artists at a time when technology is at its peak. Big Ocean and Parastar Entertainment are breaking barriers of stigma when it comes to Korean Pop music and hearing. It is creating an inclusive and hopeful environment for the deaf community.

Deafness and Vibrations

There is a spectrum of deafness where some people have access to sound, and others have none. In such situations, vibrations and visual cues play a vital role in sensing the music and synchronising with it. Renowned Scottish percussionist Evelyn Glennie uses a combination of visual cues and vibrations to distinguish musical pitch. Music carries vibrations through the body, and musicians like Evelyn Glennie stand barefoot during performances to feel the tempo.

How the Brain Processes Sound

Sound waves travel from the inner ear to the outer and the vibrations are converted to neural messages by the nerve endings. These messages are used by the brain to process and understand the different aspects of sound. The only difference between normal hearing and deafness is that people with hearing impairment do not receive the neural messages regarding sound through their ears.

Sound Waves Frequency

The great German classical composer Ludwig Van Beethoven became hearing impaired in his 20s and created some of his masterpieces after he had become completely deaf. Sound waves are vibrations of energy that are created when an object vibrates at a specific level from the source to our eardrum. Hearing is often measured by the range of frequencies (measured in hertz) against volumes of sound (measured in decibels). Normal hearing includes quiet sounds of 20 dBHL and lower. The range of hearing for mild, profound and severe hearing loss is 20-40, 41-70, 71-95 and 95dBHL being for severe.  

Conclusion

Big Ocean is sending ripples of hope in both K-Pop and international communities. Their dedication to music serves as an important reminder of perseverance and passion despite challenges. The trio is not just creating music but starting a wave of hope for many who did not dare to dream.