TBQ x Big Ocean
Interview 

TBQ: What do you wish more people understood about Deaf and hard-of-hearing artists in music?

PJ: Many people believe music is only about sound. But for Deaf and hard-of-hearing artists, music is something felt. It lives in rhythm, movement, emotion, and memory. Music speaks through the body, not just the ears.

TBQ: The concept is about “embracing the black ocean”. What does that mean to you personally?

PJ: To me, it means facing the parts of myself I used to hide. There was a time when I felt like I had to appear strong, even when I wasn’t. But in this album, I allowed myself to be vulnerable. The "black ocean" represents the unknown, the emotions we don’t always show. Embracing it helped me accept my sensitivity and share it with others through sign language and performance.

Chanyeon: Before Big Ocean, I worked as an audiologist. I was used to analyzing everything. But when we started working on this album, I realized some feelings don’t need explanations. I had to step into unfamiliar emotions and trust them. The black ocean reminded me that vulnerability is a kind of strength, too. Performing these songs was about learning to let go, and I think our fans can feel that.

Jiseok: As a former athlete, I used to focus on control, on hitting exact goals. But this album asked me to let go of that. It was about embracing emotions I hadn’t shared before. Especially during choreography, I learned that silence can speak just as loudly as words. The black ocean became a place of freedom, where I could be fully myself.

TBQ: Which song from Underwater was the hardest or most emotional to perform, and why?

Chanyeon: “Fade Out” was the most emotional song for me to perform because I helped write the lyrics. It came from a place of deep reflection. The song is about the silence that follows when everything fades and only your inner voice remains. While working on it, I had to confront feelings I had pushed aside.

TBQ: PJ, your solo song “Sinking” touched many fans. How did you feel performing it live for the first time?

PJ: Performing “Sinking” live for the first time was one of the most emotional moments for me. I was nervous because it’s such a personal song, and I wanted to share it sincerely. I had to express everything through my body, every sign, every movement had to carry the story. I wasn’t thinking about being perfect. I just focused on telling the truth. When I saw fans reacting and even signing along, I realized that the message had reached them. That made everything worth it.

TBQ: Jiseok, you were a ski racer before debuting. How is dancing on stage different from sports?

Jiseok: Skiing was about speed, precision, and pushing myself alone. Dancing on stage is different, it’s about moving together, sharing emotions, and telling one story as a team. I had to relearn how to trust others and express feelings without words. It wasn’t easy, but it opened up a new side of me.

TBQ: Chanyeon, your stage energy is so strong. Where does it come from? Are you the same offstage?

Chanyeon: Thank you. I think my stage energy comes from focus and purpose. Even though I’m usually quiet and calm offstage, something shifts the moment I hear the music. I remember our team’s effort, the audience’s support, and why we’re here. That gives me strength. So while I’m a different person offstage more reserved the energy on stage comes from wanting to give back everything we’ve practiced and everything our fans have given us.

TBQ: Would you like to say something to your Polish and European fans?

Jiseok: To our fans in Poland and all across Europe, thank you for welcoming us with such open hearts. It feels like a dream to finally meet you face to face. Even if our spoken languages are different, we believe music and sign language will bring us closer. Please come with your hands ready to sign, your hearts open, and your voices full of love. We’ll bring the same energy and sincerity with us. Let’s create something unforgettable together.

TBQ: What are your dreams for Big Ocean’s future?

PJ: I want Big Ocean to be remembered with warmth, not only for our music but for the emotions we share. I dream of building a space where PADOs can experience our journey through sign language, stories, and shared memories. On July 9, Jiseok and I will be releasing “BUCKET HAT,” a playful and rhythmic unit track filled with cultural references and choreography we had a lot of fun creating. We’re currently on our “Underwater Chapter 2” European Tour and also preparing for our U.S. tour at the end of July. It’s an exciting time for us, and we’re looking forward to meeting fans and sharing more music across the world.