On April 12, Parastar Entertainment’s boy group Big Ocean arrived in New York like a tidal wave, marking the second stop of their The Greatest Battle US Tour. Less than a year after their previous tour, the trio — PJ, Chanyeon, and Jiseok — returned to the U.S. with new music and even more in store for fans.
Big Ocean officially debuted on April 20, 2024, coinciding with South Korea’s Day of People with Disabilities, making history as the first hard-of-hearing K-Pop group. By blending sign language into their choreography, they bring both innovation and representation to the music industry. During their first visit to New York, they spent time with students at St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf, connecting with children experiencing hearing loss. Through their music and outreach, the group continues to inspire and uplift, aiming to be an impactful presence in the scene.
The week leading up to their concert, Big Ocean spent a fun day connecting with their New York fans, known as PADO (파도 meaning “wave” in Korean). Hosted by hello82, the free event, LAYOVER at hello82 with Big Ocean, brought together a group of lucky fans ready to show off their dance skills. After a group rehearsal to learn the sign language choreography, participants filmed a dance cover challenge for Big Ocean’s latest track, “One Man Army,” alongside the trio themselves. The result was an unforgettable experience and a perfect way to build excitement ahead of the concert.
The celebration carried into Sunday night at Music Hall of Williamsburg. Fans filled the venue, waving Big Ocean pickets and blue wristbands in support. Following a small but cute hiccup at the start, the trio kicked things off with “Cold Moon,” a track from their latest album, The Greatest Battle.
PADO chanted along to “brighT,” flinging their arms in unison like ocean waves. A few songs in, PJ invited a lucky birthday fan on stage and serenaded her during his solo track, “SINKING,” leaving her with glee as he held her in his embrace. Alongside their original songs, the group also performed a cover of Chanyeol and Punch’s “Stay With Me,” seamlessly weaving sign language into the choreography. In addition to their choreography, Big Ocean brought an ASL interpreter for their ment segments to accommodate attendees who were hard-of-hearing. At a concert centered on inclusivity, the interpreter’s efforts were warmly received. He went beyond simply doing his job, even mimicking an ocean wave with his arms, eliciting laughter from Big Ocean and the audience alike.
With each passing minute, the venue filled with laughter and bright smiles. The group invited two more birthday fans on stage for photos, adding another thoughtful touch. Just when it seemed the show was winding down, Big Ocean surprised everyone by appearing on the balcony for the encore. They closed with “END OF TIME,” an uplifting pop track that made for a fitting finale.
Big Ocean’s time in New York was nothing short of memorable. The boys proved to be a big inspiration to many; there were PADOs who even learned sign language to connect with them. Throughout their visit, they were greeted with outpouring love, along with a special Times Square billboard arranged by BigOcean_USA. Their presence in the music industry is truly commendable and underscores the importance of inclusivity in concerts.