DAVIDE K-POP

Big Ocean are heading to London on April 24th as part of their UNDERWATER Tour in Europe, and we had the absolute pleasure of having an interview with this amazing group!

Big Ocean, the world’s first hard of hearing K-pop group, is breaking boundaries with their music but let’s get to know PJ, Chanyeon and Jiseok a bit more!

Before diving into the interview, make sure to check their new comeback on the 20th of April, the 2nd mini-album Underwater!

Davide: Hello Big Ocean! I’m Davide. Thank you for taking the time to do this interview. How are you all doing today? Could you please introduce yourselves one by one to our readers?
PJ: Hello, I’m PJ, Big Ocean’s main vocalist. It’s great to meet you!
Chanyeon: Hi, I’m Chanyeon, the main rapper of Big Ocean.
Jiseok: And I’m Jiseok, the main dancer. Thank you for having us!

Davide: Big Ocean’s music is a beautiful blend of traditional K-pop elements and the expressive language of signs. How do you approach the creative process of integrating these two aspects, and what do you hope audiences take away from this unique fusion?
Chanyeon: For us, sign language isn’t something we add to the performance—it is part of the performance. From the very beginning of our creative process, we think about how to express each lyric not just through sound, but also visually and emotionally. We work closely with sign language experts and choreographers to make sure the signs flow naturally with the music and the movement. Our hope is that when people watch us, they don’t just hear the song—they feel it. We want everyone to know that music can speak in many ways.

Davide: You’re breaking down barriers and inspiring countless people. What message do you have for aspiring artists who might face similar challenges, and what are your hopes for the future of inclusivity in the music industry?
Jiseok: To anyone dreaming of becoming an artist—don’t let the boundaries others set define what you can or cannot do. Everyone’s path looks different, and that’s okay. We didn’t see many people like us in the K-pop industry, but that’s exactly why we believed it was important to step forward. If you believe in your story, your voice, and your art, then that’s already powerful. We hope the future of the music industry is one where more people from different backgrounds are welcomed—not for how well they fit in, but for how beautifully they stand out.

Davide: You’re about to perform in London at The Underworld and on a European tour. What are you most excited about experiencing during these shows, and what can fans expect from your live performances?
PJ: We’re incredibly excited to perform in London for the first time, especially at The Underworld. Each city on our European tour holds something special, but meeting our UK Pados in person is something we’ve been looking forward to. We hope Pados will feel the energy, the message, and the heart we put into every song. We also want to share the journey of our new mini-album UNDERWATER, so they can expect something intimate, powerful, and full of meaning.

Davide: What does music mean to each of you personally, and how has your relationship with music evolved since forming Big Ocean?
Chanyeon: For me, music used to be something I listened to and admired from afar. But after forming Big Ocean, it became a way to connect—not just with others, but with myself. It’s how I express emotions I can’t always put into words.
PJ: Music helped me during recovery, and it’s been part of my healing journey ever since. Through Big Ocean, it has grown into something much bigger—a tool for storytelling, for inclusion, and for sparking change.
Jiseok: Music opened up a whole new world. Since joining Big Ocean, music has become my language. It’s how I communicate, how I move, and how I dream.

Davide: Beyond the performances, what are you hoping to experience culturally during your time in Europe, and are there any cities you’re especially eager to explore?
Chanyeon: We’re really looking forward to experiencing Europe’s rich history, art, and food! Each city has its own story, and we’re excited to explore the local culture wherever we go. Personally, I’m curious to visit places like London and Paris more deeply, since we’ve had a glimpse before.
PJ: I’m excited to meet Pados from different countries and see how they enjoy our music. I’m especially looking forward to trying local desserts—those always leave a lasting memory for me!
Jiseok: I’d love to walk around historical spots and take in the atmosphere. It’s not just about sightseeing—it’s about learning how people live, connect, and express themselves. That’s what inspires me the most.

Davide: Which are some of the artists who inspire you? They can be in or outside of K-pop.
PJ: I really admire Billie Eilish and Yeonjun from TXT. Billie’s music feels like it creates a dreamlike world, and her lyrics are always so honest. Yeonjun also inspires me with how he expresses himself through performance and fashion—he’s someone I’ve looked up to for a long time.
Chanyeon: I respect Taylor Swift a lot. She writes songs from her own life and turns personal stories into something people all over the world can relate to. That kind of storytelling through music is something I hope to explore more with Big Ocean.
Jiseok: RM from BTS is my biggest inspiration. He played a role in supporting my school’s music education, and thanks to that, I was able to discover my love for music. I admire how deeply he thinks and how he expresses that through his lyrics and leadership.

Davide: Do you have any special hobbies or activities you enjoy in your spare time? What helps you unwind when you are not working?
PJ: I really enjoy learning English in my free time. I even bought the entire Harry Potter series in English. Language learning helps me unwind and makes me feel like I’m growing outside of music.
Chanyeon: I’m quite introverted, so I find comfort in quiet activities like drawing. It helps me process my thoughts and relax after busy schedules.
Jiseok: Exercise is my go-to. I enjoy staying active and taking care of my health. It clears my mind and helps me stay focused. These days, I’ve been especially dedicated to core workouts. Let’s just say… I’ve made friends with ab routines! It’s become something I look forward to in my free time.

Davide: Do you have a special message for PADO, your fans?
PJ: To our Pados, thank you for staying by our side through every high and low. Your love and energy continue to inspire us to dream bigger and perform with all our hearts. We hope our music brings you comfort and strength—just like you do for us.
Chanyeon: To all our amazing Pado, thank you for always supporting us with such warmth. Every message, every cheer, and every moment we’ve shared means the world to us. We’re so excited to bring our new album and performances to you—please look forward to what’s coming!
Jiseok: Thank you, Pado, for believing in us and embracing us just as we are. Your support gives us courage every day. We’ll keep growing and creating music that connects us, and we can’t wait to meet more of you during our tour.

Davide: That’s all for today guys! Thank you so much for this interview, it was a pleasure to get to know you guys a bit more!
I look forward to seeing you in London soon!
감사합니다 Davide 
Big Ocean: Thank you, Davide, for having us! It was a pleasure to share our story with you and your readers. We’re really looking forward to meeting Pado in London and sharing a special moment together. See you soon💙

Catch Big Ocean in London on the 24th of April, get your tickets now, and make sure to catch their comeback on the 20th of April with their 2nd mini-album UNDERWATER!