Song by K-pop band with hearing impairment released to cheer for athletes at Paris Paralympics

By Park Ung Posted : August 12, 2024, 14:45 Updated : August 12, 2024, 14:52
From left Ji-seok, Hyun-jin, and Chan-yeon. Courtesy of Parastar Entertainment
SEOUL, August 12 (AJU PRESS) - Three-member boy band Big Ocean released their new song on Sunday, to coincide with the Summer Paralympics in Paris later this month.

Released on Aug. 11, "Slow," an upbeat track with acoustic guitar and drums featuring sign language, aims to "convey hopeful messages to youngsters including athletes participating in the upcoming Paralympics," according to their agency.

The first K-pop band with all three members having hearing impairment sang the song with their voices, except for some high-note areas, which were assisted by artificial intelligence technology.

Before their debut in April this year, the band's three members - Ji-seok, Chan-yeon, and Hyun-jin – underwent 18-month training just like most other K-pop stars.

Ji-seok has congenital hearing impairment, while the other two members lost their hearing due to high fevers in childhood. They communicate using sign language, as well as vocal language through cochlear implants and oral methods.

Meanwhile, the Paralympics will run from Aug. 28 and Sept. 8, bringing together over 4,000 physically-challenged athletes from around the world.

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