Big Ocean, a pioneering K-pop group made up entirely of members who are deaf or hard of hearing, is aiming for victory with the release of its third EP, “The Greatest Battle.”

The album tells the story of a person who fights one’s own battle and emerges victorious — a narrative that reflects not only Big Ocean’s journey so far, but also the struggles faced by people everywhere, the members said.

“We’ve been living our lives fiercely, fighting against prejudice surrounding disabilities — but I don’t think it’s only us who are fighting our own battle every day,” said member Jiseok during a press showcase held in western Seoul on Tuesday.

“Everyone is doing their own best,” he continued. “I wanted to cheer on all those efforts.”

Big Ocean is nearing the second anniversary of its debut on April 20, 2024 — the Day of Persons with Disabilities in Korea — under Parastar Entertainment as the first K-pop group fully composed of members with limited or no hearing. The trio of Jiseok, PJ and Chanyeon utilizes AI tools in the recording process.

The group’s third EP, “The Greatest Battle,” features eight tracks, including two lead tracks, “One Man Army” and “Cold Moon,” along with two B-sides, “Alive” and “Back,” as well as instrumental versions of the four songs.

“This album feels like a chant to turn what seems like an unwinnable fight into a victory,” said Chanyeon. “I hope this can be a chance for more people to feel encouraged.”

Heard in sequence, the tracks of “The Greatest Battle” unfold as a cohesive narrative.

The album opens with “Alive,” a cinematic introduction marked by choir vocals, followed by “One Man Army,” a dramatic track driven by pounding drums and the sounds of Korean traditional instruments.

“One Man Army” was inspired by Admiral Yi Sun-shin’s legendary victory at the Battle of Myeongnyang in 1597, where his fleet of 12 ships defeated a much larger Japanese naval force. Yi, revered as Korea’s greatest military hero, is most well known for overcoming overwhelming odds during the Japanese invasions of Korea.

The story continues with “Back,” an upbeat pop track that declares the return of once-defeated heroes, before closing with “Cold Moon,” a softer song focusing on inner maturity.

The members took part in a songwriting camp for “One Man Army,” discussing which sonic frequencies each member could better perceive and what instruments they wanted incorporated into the track.

“The song ‘One Man Army’ was inspired by the Myeongnyang battle where [Yi’s naval force] defeated some 130 ships with only 12 ships,” explained Chanyeon. “The victory at Myeongnyang, which seemed impossible at first, resonated really deeply with us.”

“One of the prejudices we’ve faced is the belief that we wouldn’t be able to pursue music or art because of our disabilities,” said Jiseok. “But I’m genuinely happy when I can express music through my body and enjoy it. Being an idol was my dream — to share my performance with everyone.”

The group had a successful run last year, reaching new milestones, including its first concert in Japan in March last year and its first U.S. and European tours in July and August.

“The hardest part of doing tours was the sound, but Pado [Big Ocean’s official fandom] would shout our names to signal when to begin the performance,” Jiseok recalled. “That’s how we were able to build trust and strengthen our bond, and continue to grow.”

Big Ocean is set to begin another U.S. tour in April, starting with a show in Chicago on April 10.


BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]