Big Ocean, K-Pop’s trailblazing hard-of-hearing boy band, is set to make waves in the music world by releasing their highly-anticipated debut mini-album, 'Follow,' out now.

Featuring previously released digital singles “Glow,” “BLOW,” and “SLOW,” the mini-album introduces a brand-new track titled “FLOW,” produced by Grammy-winning producer Mark Batson. 'Follow' showcases Big Ocean's innovative approach to overcoming hearing challenges, blending rap and AI tools to create an unforgettable musical experience.

Since their debut on April 20, 2024, a date chosen to coincide with South Korea’s Day of People with Disabilities, Big Ocean has been shattering industry norms bringing awareness to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community through their music; all while garnering an impressive 1.6 million followers across social media within just four months.

With this mini-album, Big Ocean is debuting the genre free-soul pop, which they define as a sound that celebrates the joy and fulfillment of self-acceptance through music. Follow reflects this philosophy, persuading listeners to build self-confidence regardless of life’s challenges. The focus track, “FLOW,” takes center stage, offering a melodic and smooth experience that mimics the natural ease of falling in love, much like the flow of water. “We were so excited to collaborate with Mark Batson, a legendary producer who has shaped countless genres,” shares Big Ocean. “Our partnership began even before our debut, and 'FLOW' was crafted just for us. Mark understood the nuances we needed, from easy-to-follow rap for non-English speakers to the powerful beats that resonate with our hearing abilities. It’s truly mind-blowing to release this song after months of hard work. We’re honored to be the first K-Pop artists to work with him.”

The music video for "FLOW" adds another layer of depth, showcasing a powerful performance by Big Ocean alongside nearly one hundred participants. Filmed in Paris, the video was shot at the iconic National Institute of Deaf Youth, the world’s first institute for Deaf students, founded in the 1750s. This historic backdrop amplifies Big Ocean’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as their unique identity as hard-of-hearing artists in the K-Pop landscape.

“Unlike other K-Pop idols who debut with full physical albums, we took a different path with consecutive digital singles. Thanks to our fans, we can finally release a physical album. We are over the moon and can’t wait for our PADOs to enjoy 'Follow'!” adds Big Ocean. “We’re especially excited to celebrate our release in New York with our U.S. PADOs!”

Mark Batson commented on “FLOW”: “It is a great honor to work on such an important piece of music during this milestone in human creativity. When I first heard about the project, I was amazed at the talent of Big Ocean's performances and what they were able to accomplish. This is my first time working with K-Pop artists, and to combine the use of digital technology with this amazing group has been a once in a lifetime experience, which dictates to me a future in which anything is possible for all of humanity.”

'Follow' is more than just a musical project for Big Ocean—it’s a movement, redefining K-Pop’s landscape and advocating for inclusivity and self-empowerment.

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