How AI Is Helping World's First Deaf K-Pop Group Big Ocean to Make Music Possible

How AI Helped Deaf K-pop Artists Build A Career In Music

K-pop trio Big Ocean are rewriting what it means to be a pop artist in South Korea.

Born with varying degrees of hearing loss, the members are pursuing careers in music—a path once thought impossible—thanks in large part to artificial intelligence.

AI has become an unexpected but vital tool in their journey.

When it comes to vocals, each member’s unique voice is analysed using AI technology.

Voice models are built based on their vocal characteristics, helping the group refine their performance in studio recordings.

PJ, the main vocalist, shared,

“It’s a collaborative process. When things get difficult, our staff support us, helping us adapt and overcome challenges together.”

Creating Music Without Full Hearing

All three members—PJ, Chanyeon and Jiseok—have lived with hearing loss since childhood.

PJ, 25, lost his hearing due to an illness and now uses a cochlear implant on one side and a hearing aid on the other.

Before becoming a singer, he was a YouTuber, raising awareness about hearing impairments.

PJ, whose birth name is Park Hyun Jin, is the main vocalist in Big Ocean.

Jiseok, the youngest at 22, was an alpine skier competing in national disability tournaments.

He has been deaf since infancy and relies on hearing aids.

Kim Ji-seok is a skilled dancer and youngest member in Big Ocean.

Chanyeon, 27, spent four years working as an audiologist before entering the entertainment industry.

He now uses cochlear implants in both ears.

Lee Chan-yeon is the rapper in Big Ocean.

Despite their hearing challenges, the group performs complex dance routines and harmonies on stage.

They use a combination of vibrating smartwatches, flashing metronomes, and digital counting displays to stay in sync.

The system turns every rehearsal into a multisensory experience.

From Auditions To A Debut Album

The trio came together at Parastar Entertainment, a South Korean agency focused on representing disabled artists.

Their debut in 2024 marked the first time a K-pop group entirely made up of members with hearing loss had entered the mainstream.

Their first single, “Glow”, was a message of unity and hope.

Later tracks like “Blow” and “Slow” carried themes of resilience.

In February 2025, they released “Bright”, a single featuring lyrics by students with intellectual disabilities using AI tools, with visual artwork by students with visual impairments.

Their second mini-album, “Underwater”, will take on a more mature concept, using the metaphor of mermen finding strength beneath the surface—an idea that reflects their own artistic journey.

What The Artists Think About Using AI In Their Work

Rather than seeing AI as a way to replace them, the members view the technology as a supportive bridge.

It doesn’t just help them sing; it helps them express.

PJ stated,

“We want people to see us perform and be inspired, with our hearing status as almost a side note.”

In their early days, synchronising dance and vocals was a serious challenge.

Chanyeon explained,

“Each of us recognises beats at different speeds.”

But over time, they adapted, leaning into collaboration with producers and tech experts to make it work.

Public Reactions To Big Ocean’s Use Of AI In K-pop

The public response has been emotional and supportive.

Many fans have reached out to say the group gave them the courage to pursue their own goals.

From backstage at a Seoul TV show, PJ shared,

“We’ve heard from fans who’ve found the courage to pursue dreams they’d given up on.”

Across the UK, fans describe the group’s impact as both personal and transformative.

Thirty-two-year-old Nicolle Brown who has a chronic illness, shared,

“Seeing them accomplishing wonderful things despite the drawback of not being as able-bodied as the average person gives me hope.”

Others feel finally represented.

Kirsty Spencer, a 33-year-old fan from Tipton, feels,

“Big Ocean inspires me in a lot of ways… They are something the music industry needs: true representation that disabled people rarely see in the media.”

For many fans, Big Ocean’s use of sign language in performances adds another layer of meaning.

South Wales fan Jazmin Tannie, 29, expressed,

“Their meaningful lyrics make many of us feel seen and understood in ways we haven’t experienced before.”

From Seoul To Europe As The Wave Grows

Big Ocean’s fanbase, known as “pado” (which translates to “wave” in Korean), is growing rapidly.

They will begin their European tour on 19 April in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The group sees touring abroad as not just a professional milestone, but a personal adventure.

Chanyeon said with a smile,

“We’re really looking forward to travelling abroad and trying different foods. Any recommendations?”

Parastar CEO Haley Cha believes the group could break barriers globally.

“Just as BTS broke stereotypes about Asian artists succeeding globally, Big Ocean can challenge preconceptions about artists with disabilities.”