Interview: Big Ocean will “grow into a global brand and platform”!

After two mini-albums and several concerts around the world, Big Ocean is about to reach the most significant milestone in its history. We’re not talking about the release of their new EP "The Greatest Battle", scheduled for March 3, but about the fact that the group is preparing to welcome… new members.

Parastar Entertainment, the agency behind Big Ocean, launched a large-scale audition several weeks ago to find the new member or members who will soon join PJ, Chanyeon, and Jiseok. And yes—there may be more than one addition to the lineup. This is what we learned through our interview with the group members, as well as with Parastar’s CEO, Haley Cha. Their mission is clear: to make Big Ocean a platform and springboard for new Deaf and hard-of-hearing artists in an industry where inclusion is still striving to find its place.

Questions for Parastar Entertainment CEO – Haley Cha 

Could you introduce yourself and remind us of Parastar Entertainment’s mission? 

I’m Haley Cha, CEO of Parastar Entertainment. Parastar was founded with a clear mission: to create a system where Deaf and hard-of-hearing artists are not accommodated as exceptions, but supported as professionals. Our goal is to build sustainable careers, infrastructure, and global visibility for artists who have long been excluded from mainstream entertainment.

What made you feel that this was the right moment to launch this casting, and what motivated that decision? 

Big Ocean has reached a stage where growth requires expansion, not consolidation. Artistically, the group is ready for a new dynamic. Structurally, we now have the systems, experience, and audience awareness to support another Deaf or hard-of-hearing artist properly. Timing matters, and this is the moment when opportunity and responsibility align.

In your view, what qualities or contributions should this new member bring to the group? 

Beyond skill, we’re looking for resilience, curiosity, and the ability to collaborate. This is not about replacing or copying existing members. It’s about adding a new perspective that strengthens the group’s identity and helps Big Ocean communicate with an even wider global community.

Is the profile you are looking for already very specific, or are you leaving room for surprise? 

We have core criteria, but we are absolutely open to surprise. Some of the most impactful artists don’t fit neatly into predefined boxes. If someone brings something unexpected yet authentic, we’re listening.

Do you think this recruitment marks a new stage in Big Ocean’s career? 

Yes. This is a transition from establishment to expansion. Big Ocean is moving from proving that inclusion is possible to actively shaping what the future of inclusive K-pop can look like.

What is your long-term vision for Big Ocean? 

My vision is for Big Ocean to grow into a global brand and platform, not a fixed, member-owned group limited to a single era. Big Ocean is meant to evolve over time, welcoming new artists, new languages, and new forms of expression. We are building something that can last for decades, even centuries, continuously redefining what inclusive K-pop looks like. The goal is not to become a past legacy that once challenged the industry, but a living system that keeps shaping it.

More broadly, what message would you like to send to the entertainment industry through this project? 

Inclusion is not charity, and accessibility is not a limitation. When systems are designed properly, diversity becomes a competitive advantage. The industry doesn’t need fewer barriers, it needs better structures.

What makes you the most proud today in this journey? 

What I’m most proud of is seeing Deaf artists take ownership of their narratives on a global stage. Not being explained, but being heard on their own terms.

Questions for the members of Big Ocean 

How did you react when you learned that a fourth member would be joining the group? 

PJ : My first reaction was excitement mixed with responsibility. This isn’t just about a fourth member. We’re opening the possibility for a fifth and sixth member as well. That means new energy, but also a bigger responsibility to build a structure where more artists can grow safely and confidently within Big Ocean.

In your opinion, what will be the key elements for a successful integration into the group? Have you already planned an initiation ritual for the newcomer? 

Chanyeon : Trust and communication are essential. We don’t have a formal ritual, but we believe real integration happens through shared practice, honest conversations, and time spent together as people, not just performers.

Have you taken part, or will you take part, in the selection process? 

Jiseok : Yes, our opinions matter in the process. While Parastar leads the structure, we are involved in discussions because we will ultimately grow and perform together as a team.

What are you expecting from this new chapter for your group? 

PJ : Growth, in every sense. Artistically, adding new members allows us to expand the scale of our choreography. A larger group gives us more diverse formations, stronger visual assets, and greater storytelling potential on stage. On a deeper level, this chapter is about transforming Big Ocean into a platform that can continue evolving beyond its original lineup, reaching wider audiences and creating space for more Deaf and hard-of-hearing artists worldwide.

Interview conducted remotely. Many thanks to the Parastar Entertainment team, as well as Haley Cha, PJ, Chanyeon, and Jiseok for their time and availability.