Big Ocean is living up to The Greatest Battle. As their global rise accelerates, the group returns stateside for their North American tour with more than momentum; they have arrived with purpose. Ahead of their New York City stop, the K-pop act made it clear they are more than performers. Their visit wasn’t just a homecoming; it was a bridge, forging deeper connections beyond the stage.
In the days leading up to the tour, the group immersed themselves in a series of fan-facing and community-centered events, continuing their mission to raise awareness for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. From a lively layover event with fans at hello82 to meaningful exchanges with CODA cadets and members of the NYPD’s deaf and hard-of-hearing outreach programs, each stop reinforced the group’s growing impact.
As the first hard-of-hearing K-pop act to break onto the global stage, Big Ocean has embraced a responsibility that extends far beyond performance. Their work consistently underscores a belief that disability is not a limitation, but rather a different way of experiencing and shaping the world.
That message is embedded in their latest mini-album, The Greatest Battle, particularly in the title track, “One Man Army,” which highlights struggle as strength. Through its lyrics and energy, the group channels their own journey. One defined not by barriers, but by persistence.
Big Ocean at 1 Police Plaza.Photo by Amanda Moses 
Big Ocean interacts with NYPD officers.Photo by Amanda Moses
Their return to New York also marked a reunion of sorts with the NYPD. In 2024, Big Ocean met students from St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf in the Bronx. This time, they stepped inside One Police Plaza to meet the officers and civilians working behind the scenes to support those same communities.
“What we decided to do was bring Big Ocean to One Police Plaza to show them what we do,” said Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs Alden Foster. “The last time they visited St. Joseph’s, they had a lot of questions about the NYPD. Now we’re able to highlight our outreach programs and the work we’re doing with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. There are many young people in New York City who are deaf, and Big Ocean is an inspiration to them.”
Among those connections were CODA (Children of Deaf Adults) cadets and officers who serve as a vital bridge between law enforcement and the deaf community. Many are fluent in American Sign Language and remain on call around the clock, ensuring deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals have access to communication support in critical moments.
For Detective Angel Familia, a CODA himself, the work is deeply personal.
Big Ocean at 1 Police Plaza.Photo by Amanda Moses 
Big Ocean at 1 Police Plaza.Photo by Amanda Moses
“Since the beginning, this has always been an inspiration for me,” Familia said. “Bringing together officers who know sign language shows the progress we’ve made in spotlighting the deaf community and recognizing that American Sign Language exists and matters.”
He also pointed to the cultural exchange that unfolded during the visit, as members of Big Ocean introduced Korean Sign Language.
“It’s very different,” he said. “Even I was asking, ‘What does this sign mean?’ It shows that while we’re working hard to support the deaf community here, there are other communities, like the Korean deaf community, that we can continue learning from. Today, I learned a few new signs myself.”
“As a CODA myself, I thought the idea of recruiting CODAs was very meaningful. It felt like a great step toward making things more inclusive, and I really respect NYPD’s efforts,” Jiseok said.
That spirit of mutual learning left a lasting impression on both sides. Members of Big Ocean reflected on their earlier visit to St. Joseph’s as one of their most memorable experiences in New York, and saw this return as a continuation of that bond.
Big Ocean at 1 Police Plaza.Photo by Amanda Moses 
Big Ocean interacts with NYPD officers.Photo by Amanda Moses
“Every new effort, no matter how big or small, takes courage,” said Haley Cha, CEO of Parastar Entertainment. “Seeing sign language being applied in public services made me feel like our two sides connected on a deeper level. I truly value this relationship and hope it continues.”
The visit wasn’t without moments of joy and levity. In between conversations, the group shared their “One Man Army” dance challenge with officers and cadets, turning the space into one of celebration as much as education.
“It’s about fighting against the odds,” PJ said. “Our journey as idols is one where we believe we’re going to win. This song tells our story.”
He also emphasized the importance of accessibility in urgent situations. “We deeply understand how difficult communication with police can be for the deaf community. Even calling 911 can be a huge barrier.”
Photo by Amanda Moses 
Photo by Amanda Moses
Despite differences in language, spoken or signed, the connection felt seamless.
“It was exciting performing and filming the challenge together,” Chanyeon added. “Even though we use different languages, we felt completely connected in that moment.”
As their name continues to gain recognition, Big Ocean is carving out a space not only as rising K-pop artists, but as advocates reshaping perceptions. Their presence in New York served as a reminder that representation, when paired with action, can ripple far beyond the stage.
In their world, the fight isn’t just for success—it’s for visibility, inclusion, and the belief that difference is a strength worth celebrating.
Photo by Amanda Moses 
Photo by Amanda Moses