"Born to Be the Light”: Big Ocean on Turning Difference into Strength with 'RED-DY SET GO'
- Angel Polito
- Dec 1
- 14 min read
Big Ocean, the world’s first hard-of-hearing K-Pop group that has consistently shattered boundaries and redefined possibility, returns with their first-ever holiday single, “RED-DY SET GO” (2025).
Composed of the charismatic members PJ (26), Jiseok (22) and Chanyeon (27), the group made a groundbreaking debut on April 20th, 2024 (South Korea’s Disabled People’s Day). Their very existence transcends barriers and shatters disability stigmas, a powerful impact underscored by the immediate congratulations from the World Health Organization.
The trio quickly established their global mission by seamlessly integrating Korean Sign Language (KSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and International Sign (IS) into their choreographed performances, making their music as inclusive as possible for their worldwide audience. Since then, the trio’s made profound global waves, spotlighted by a United Nations speaking engagement, the Social Impact Accolade at the TikTok Awards, and a notable placement on the Forbes 30 under 30 Asia list.
Released on November 23rd, “RED-DY SET GO” is far more than seasonal cheer; it is a powerful anthem of affirmation for all who have wrestled with loneliness or self-doubt. As with all of their music, Big Ocean transforms difference into identity and vulnerability into strength, a mission powerfully highlighted in this celebratory track.
The talented group and their visionary label, Parastar Entertainment — the only South Korean entertainment agency specializing in talented individuals with disabilities — sat down with me, host of K-ALL and Arts & Culture writer for The Statesman to discuss the group’s uplifting single, empowering journey and the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in music.
The timing of this release is deeply intentional. PJ profoundly expressed how while the holidays bring people together, they can also feel incredibly isolating for some. This annual urgency made now the ideal time to release a single of this caliber.
“After everything we’ve experienced together with PADO — the tours, the awards, the love from all over the world — we finally had the confidence and the warmth in our hearts to create a holiday song that feels like a big hug,” PJ shares. “Rudolph’s story of turning a ‘flaw’ into the brightest light matched exactly where we are right now.”
Big Ocean has indeed become a beacon of light to all, including speaking at the United Nations on how digital technologies can transform lives. The group was perfectly positioned for this honor considering Parastar Entertainment has pioneered the use of a Sensory Metronome system, utilizing vibrating wristwatches and screen flashes to provide Big Ocean with an alternative, enhanced method to feel and see the beat during dance training.
“So we wrapped our own journey in Christmas bells and bouncing beats, hoping the song becomes a little lantern for anyone who’s ever felt different during the holidays,” PJ continues.
Musically, “RED-DY SET GO” is designed for pure joy, amping up their signature sound with a bright, festive layer. PJ notes that the track features: “jingly Christmas bells, bouncy rhythms, and electric guitar riffs.” It’s an upbeat tune promised to jingle its way into your heart and deck the halls with warmth and spirit.
While discussing what sonic concepts they’d like to explore next, Jiseok revealed a desire to enrich their “free soul pop” sound with innovative elements: “maybe adding richer live band elements, warmer acoustic layers, or even collaborating with global percussionists so the vibrations feel even deeper in the body,” Jiseok shares.
“Free soul pop” is a genre the group defines less by conventional musical boundaries and more by its principles of self-acceptance; it encompasses the members’ expert blend of choreography, vocals and sign language. Thematically, Jiseok continues, “we’re drawn to the idea of ‘echo’ — how one small light can travel across oceans and reach someone who needs it.” He explains that following the warmth of “RED-DY SET GO,” the group envisions their next chapter as a moment where the whole world sings and signs in unison with the talented trio.
When asked who else Big Ocean would like to collaborate with in the K-pop realm, Jiseok was quick to chime in: “Absolutely—within K-pop, we’d love to team up with someone like BTS’s RM for his thoughtful lyrics and empowering energy; it could create such dynamic sign-language breakdowns.”
As a long-time BTS fan who witnessed their integration of ASL into their “Permission To Dance” (2021) choreography, this response immediately made me smile. The connection is even deeper: RM’s donation to a private institution for deaf and hard-of-hearing students (Jiseok’s former school) gave Jiseok access to music and dance for the very first time, cementing RM’s role as a profound inspiration for his musical journey. It is no wonder the global idol popped into Jiseok’s mind at the question.
Visually, the music video reveals Big Ocean’s commitment to advance the conversation around representation and performance. While featuring their “first-ever countdown choreo fully synced with sign language”, the most striking moment belongs to Jiseok, who performs an entire verse live without his hearing aids. PJ expresses how surprising this moment was on set: “From my seat watching the monitor during filming, I could feel how powerful that choice was; he was completely himself, no filters, no hiding.” He elaborates how this wasn’t planned as a “statement” at first, but upon seeing the take, the group knew it belonged in the music video. PJ continues, “For Jiseok, for us, and especially for every fan who’s ever felt they had to ‘cover up’ a part of themselves, that short scene says everything: we don’t need anything extra to shine; we just need to be exactly who we are.”
The core strength of the song lies in its lyrical journey, transforming the children’s tale of misfit Rudolph into a beautiful metaphor on what makes you feel alienated from others can actually be what makes you a source of unstoppable light. The progression from doubt to the triumphant remark, “I was born to be the light, now I’m flying through the night,” provides a powerful, cathartic arc.
Jiseok explains the immense emotional weight behind that verse, a feeling that sparks nostalgia each time he performs it on stage: “I’m instantly back in those freezing trainee dorms practicing until 4 a.m., city lights the only thing glowing outside the window, wondering if anyone would ever accept a group like us,” Jiseok shares. “The silence used to feel so heavy.”
He emphasizes how performing the verse now serves as an act of liberation: Singing and signing “‘I was born to be the light / Now I’m flying through the night’ is us finally letting go of all that weight. It’s pure freedom — from hiding to soaring, from doubt to confidence. That ‘flying through the night’ is the moment we stop explaining ourselves and simply become the proof that every difference can light up the sky. We hope every PADO watching feels that same lift-off inside their own hearts.”
This unapologetic self-acceptance is powerfully distilled in Chanyeon’s iconic line (a standout moment in the music video as well): “I’m just different, so what!” For Chanyeon, this declaration is deeply personal, connecting his present success to his past self: “Signing it in the MV felt like finally answering every ‘Are you okay?’ with a loud, proud ‘Yes — and I’m exactly how I’m supposed to be.’ I hope it gives listeners the same fearless energy to shrug off the noise and say, ‘This is me, and that’s more than enough.’”
Chanyeon’s solo shot establishes exactly that bold confidence. Dressed in a color-coded red set featuring a matching beret, he delivered the line with a big smile. He emphasizes the declaration by performing the sign for “so what” with his arms raised in a relaxed, proud manner, accentuating the track’s fundamental self-acceptance mantra.
“RED-DY SET GO” is a beautiful addition to Big Ocean’s mission-driven discography. Big Ocean shines through creating a wide array of songs exploring multiple themes, never staying in a box and constantly redefining what’s possible. Their success highlights that diversity belongs on the global stage. Haley Cha, CEO of Parastar Entertainment, contextualizes this for the global industry: “The Forbes recognition spotlights that diversity isn't a niche — it's a powerhouse driver of innovation and influence... embracing diversity is not just a choice — it’s essential for sustainable growth, proving that underrepresented voices aren’t only viable, they’re vital to K-pop’s next evolution.”
Ultimately, Big Ocean wants their music to be a source of strength for Pado and a permanent fixture in the industry. Chanyeon summarizes the legacy they aim to leave: “We just want every kid who feels ‘different’... to grow up knowing that K-pop has a place for them exactly as they are. For PADO, we hope they remember us as the group that always said: ‘Your story belongs on the biggest stages.’ For the industry, we hope people look back and say, ‘Big Ocean proved that when you open the door wider, the music gets better, the fans get happier, and the world feels a little less lonely.’”
This message of unity and light will be delivered live at Big Ocean’s year-end Paris concert, “HEARTSIGN,” on December 7th, 2025, at Bataclan, a venue deeply symbolizing recovery and rebirth. With the powerful slogan “Warm again, Glow again,” the group aims to present a performance that can warm hearts and inspire each concertgoer to light up the world with their own unique presence.
Big Ocean’s “RED-DY SET GO” is an essential listen this holiday season. It is a track that demands you to embrace your unique glow, with the group offering a heartfelt wish for PADO: “If even one person feels that warmth and courage because of this song, then it has already done everything we ever wanted.”
A Conversation with Big Ocean: The Full Interview:
Below, the members of Big Ocean and CEO Haley Cha share the full story behind their first holiday single, their future dreams, and the unwavering message they hope to share with PADO.
1. Let’s discuss your first ever Holiday single “RED-DY SET GO!,” what inspired you to make a Christmas single this year?
PJ: We've always loved how the holidays bring people together, but we also know they can feel isolating for some. This year felt like the perfect time. After everything we’ve experienced together with PADO — the tours, the awards, the love from all over the world — we finally had the confidence and the warmth in our hearts to create a holiday song that feels like a big hug. Rudolph’s story of turning a “flaw” into the brightest light matched exactly where we are right now. So we wrapped our own journey in Christmas bells and bouncing beats, hoping the song becomes a little lantern for anyone who’s ever felt different during the holidays. Releasing it in 2025 feels like the most natural “thank you” and “keep glowing” we could offer.
2. The song’s transformation from the line "You look so different, you alright?" to the confident anthem, "I was born to be the light / Now I'm flying through the night," is incredibly powerful. When you perform these lines, what feeling or message are you channeling, and what does that final 'flying through the night' represent for the group?
Jiseok: When we reach that part on stage, I’m instantly back in those freezing trainee dorms — practicing until 4 a.m., city lights the only thing glowing outside the window, wondering if anyone would ever accept a group like us. The silence used to feel so heavy. Singing and signing “I was born to be the light / Now I’m flying through the night” is us finally letting go of all that weight. It’s pure freedom — from hiding to soaring, from doubt to confidence. That “flying through the night” is the moment we stop explaining ourselves and simply become the proof that every difference can light up the sky. We hope every PADO watching feels that same lift-off inside their own hearts.
3. Chanyeon, that specific line in the song—“I’m just different, so what!”—is incredibly uplifting. What did it mean for you personally to sing/sign that declaration in the music video, and what kind of power do you hope those words give to listeners who might feel different?
Chanyeon: That line is me talking to the little kid version of myself who got stared at every time I put on hearing aids. Signing it in the MV felt like finally answering every “Are you okay?” with a loud, proud “Yes — and I’m exactly how I’m supposed to be.” I hope it gives listeners the same fearless energy to shrug off the noise and say, “This is me, and that’s more than enough."
4. Did you try anything musically or visually on this song that you hadn’t done before?
PJ: Musically, we amped up the festive energy with jingly Christmas bells, bouncy rhythms, and electric guitar riffs that give it this super upbeat, joyful vibe—it's brighter and more holiday-driven than our previous tracks like "Glow" or "Blow," which were more focused on healing introspection. Visually, the MV has our first-ever countdown choreo fully synced with sign language, the biggest new thing was the moment Jiseok performs his entire verse without his hearing aids. From my seat watching the monitor during filming, I could feel how powerful that choice was; he was completely himself, no filters, no hiding. It wasn’t planned as a “statement” at first, but when we saw the take, we all knew instantly we had to keep it. For Jiseok, for us, and especially for every fan who’s ever felt they had to “cover up” a part of themselves, that short scene says everything: we don’t need anything extra to shine; we just need to be exactly who we are.
5. What message do you hope PADO will take away from “RED-DY SET GO”?
Chanyeon: We hope PADO walks away feeling seen and unstoppable — that their unique "red nose," whatever it is, is exactly what the world needs more of. It's a holiday hug saying, "Embrace your glow; you've got this." We poured our hearts into this track so that, even on the coldest or loneliest winter night, someone out there can press play, smile, and think: “I don’t have to hide anymore. My moment is coming.” If even one person feels that warmth and courage because of this song, then it has already done everything we ever wanted.
6. What kind of concepts do you hope to explore next — both musically and thematically?
Jiseok: Musically, we want to keep pushing our “free soul pop” sound — maybe adding richer live band elements, warmer acoustic layers, or even collaborating with global percussionists so the vibrations feel even deeper in the body. Thematically, we’re drawn to the idea of “echo” — how one small light can travel across oceans and reach someone who needs it. After RED-DY SET GO, we feel ready to tell bigger stories about how courage spreads, how silence can become the loudest kind of connection, and how every person’s unique rhythm fits perfectly into the same song. We just want the next chapter to feel like the whole world is singing and signing together with us.
7. Are there artists (K-pop or otherwise) you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
Jiseok: Absolutely — within K-pop, we'd love to team up with someone like BTS's RM for his thoughtful lyrics and empowering energy; it could create such dynamic sign-language breakdowns. Outside K-pop, artists like Troy Kotsur, who inspired Chanyeon early on, or even Billie Eilish for her raw emotional vibes, would be dreams. A collab that bridges worlds and highlights inclusivity? That's the magic we're chasing.
8. If you had to choose a single lyric from Big Ocean's discography that best represents the group's message or your personal journey right now, what would it be? And what is the story or meaning behind that specific line?
PJ: From our debut track "Glow," I'd pick "Light the spark, let it grow— we're the fire they can't blow out." Right now, with our growth this year, it captures how we've turned external doubts into our unbreakable core. The story behind it? It came from late-night talks, remembering those days of uncertainty, and vowing to shine anyway. It's our anthem for resilience, echoing the hope in RED-DY SET GO.
9. What legacy do you want Big Ocean to leave in K-pop, both for PADO and for the industry at large?
Chanyeon: We just want every kid who feels “different” — because of hearing aids, a wheelchair, the way they look, or anything else — to grow up knowing that K-pop has a place for them exactly as they are. For PADO, we hope they remember us as the group that always said: “Your story belongs on the biggest stages.” For the industry, we hope people look back and say, “Big Ocean proved that when you open the door wider, the music gets better, the fans get happier, and the world feels a little less lonely.” That’s it. Nothing grander than that — just more light, more love, and more room for everyone to glow.
10. What’s your favorite part of the holiday season and do you have any traditions?
Chanyeon: I love the Christmas lights everywhere and that cozy feeling in the air. This year we’re lucky — we’ll be traveling through Europe right in December: Barcelona, Frankfurt’s Christmas markets, elegant Luxemburg, snowy Zermatt, and finally Paris full of pretty lights. It already feels magical. As for traditions, we always do our little “glow jar” at the end of the year — we write down things we’re grateful for, add some PADO messages, and read them together while drinking hot cocoa.
11. What advice would you give to young people with hearing loss who dream of becoming artists?
PJ: Just keep going, one small step at a time. When I was a university student, I was just a YouTuber talking about daily life with hearing aids, trying to clear up misunderstandings. That tiny beginning eventually led me to Parastar and to Big Ocean. Chanyeon was working full-time as an audiologist and never imagined K-pop, yet here he is. Jiseok left competitive skiing because communication was hard, but he never gave up on performing. So start wherever you are — film yourself, share your story, take classes, practice every day. Be patient with yourself, stay consistent, and trust your own pace. The doors are opening faster than before, and there’s already a place being made for you.
12. Since your debut, Big Ocean has received global recognition, including speaking at the United Nations, Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia and the Social Impact Award at the TikTok Awards. How does receiving these honors inspire each of you?
PJ: Every award feels like a louder voice for the people who are told “you can’t.” The UN stage, Forbes, TikTok — they’re not just trophies; they’re proof that the world is starting to listen. It makes me want to work even harder so the next generation doesn’t have to fight as long for their place. Chanyeon: They remind me we’re not just performing — we’re changing what “possible” looks like. Jiseok: They're a reminder that our little dream from the trainee dorms has grown into something that actually moves hearts worldwide. It pushes me to keep writing lyrics that heal, keep singing with everything I have, and keep showing that “different” can be beautiful and powerful.
13. What’s the biggest lesson Big Ocean has taught each of you — about yourselves, music, and life?
Chanyeon: Big Ocean has taught me a lot about myself — that patience in silence is where the deepest strength grows. Music isn’t just something you hear; it’s something you feel and share. And in life, I’ve realized that every “flaw” is really a unique feature waiting to shine. PJ: I’ve learned that vulnerability is my edge, not a weakness. Music has shown me that rhythm doesn’t just live in sound — it lives in movement and in heartbeats. And in life, connection always matters more than perfection. Jiseok: Behind my “AI cool” exterior, there’s a wildfire ready to burn bright. Music has taught me that dance can tell stories words never could. And in life, joy grows even bigger when you invite others in.
14. Question for Haley Cha: Being listed on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list is a powerful statement about Big Ocean's commercial impact and social relevance. In your view, what specifically does this recognition signal to the global entertainment industry about the commercial viability and necessity of diversity and inclusion in mainstream K-Pop?"
Haley Cha: The Forbes recognition spotlights that diversity isn't a niche — it's a powerhouse driver of innovation and influence, as seen in Big Ocean's sold-out tours. It signals to the industry that inclusive acts like ours deliver authentic storytelling that resonates globally, boosting engagement and loyalty while expanding markets. In today’s world, where audiences crave real representation, embracing diversity is not just a choice — it’s essential for sustainable growth, proving that underrepresented voices aren’t only viable, they’re vital to K-pop’s next evolution.
Check out “RED-DY SET GO” on all streaming platforms.
December 7th, 2025 (Sunday) · 17:00 (90 mins)
Bataclan, Paris
Follow Big Ocean on X (Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram for regular updates about their music.
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All pictures courtesy of Parastar Entertainment.