Latest news with #PADO
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Big Ocean finds success as K-pop's first deaf group
SEOUL: Big Ocean, a three-member K-pop group made up entirely of artistes with hearing disabilities, is redefining what's possible in music and performance – one beat at a time. When Big Ocean performs live, they seamlessly weave sign language into their routines. However, their polished shows are the result of extensive preparation, relying on high-tech tools developed out of necessity. These include vibrating smartwatches that pulse with musical beats and LED visual metronomes that flash timing cues during rehearsals. This technological approach marks significant progress in South Korea's entertainment industry, where career opportunities for people with disabilities have historically been limited. The trio – PJ, Jiseok, and Chanyeon – debuted in April 2024. They recently completed their first European solo tour, celebrating their first anniversary. The band performed in four countries, including France and the UK, while promoting their second mini-album, Underwater, which was released on April 20. PJ first gained recognition as a YouTuber who educated viewers about hearing disabilities. Chanyeon previously worked as an audiologist, and Jiseok was a professional ski racer. To achieve the precision crucial in K-pop's demanding choreography and music, Big Ocean uses technologies rarely seen in the genre. Members wear modified vibrating smartwatches that send rhythmic cues to their wrists, and they practise with visual metronomes – flashing light guides displayed on monitors – to help them stay in sync. Chanyeon uses a hybrid hearing device with Bluetooth that streams music directly from mobile devices. The group also uses a pitch-checking app and AI voice conversion technology to support vocal training and improve audio output after recordings. "We each felt rhythm differently when dancing," PJ told The Associated Press. "So when we'd play the same song and dance in front of the mirror, one of us would move faster while another would move slower. To solve this timing issue, we decided to memorise everything together and create our own cues with each other." "When we performed in France, our fans were cheering so loudly we lost the beat," said Jiseok. "But we looked at each other and quickly handled the situation – just like we'd practised." Stage effects and certain musical styles present additional hurdles. "When a lot of smoke appears, sometimes we temporarily can't see the stage movements in front of us," PJ said. "Our concentration gets disrupted instantly in those moments." Despite these challenges, Big Ocean's commitment to accessibility and inclusion has inspired their global fanbase. Big Ocean's global fanbase, known as PADO, has responded with similar dedication. "While communicating with PADO, we've heard that they're actually learning Korean sign language for us, or learning various sign languages to communicate with us," Jiseok said. "When we see how much effort they're putting in, we feel so grateful." Jiseok credits BTS leader RM with inspiring his musical journey. He mentioned that RM's donation to his former school – a private institution for deaf and hard-of-hearing students – gave him access to music and dance for the first time. "Without those learning opportunities, I probably never would have dreamed of becoming a K-pop idol," he said. "We recently saw Justin Bieber's Instagram post asking for music collaborators, so we sent him a DM," PJ said.
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
K-pop's first deaf group Big Ocean uses tech to break new ground
Big Ocean, a three-member K-pop group composed entirely of artists with hearing disabilities, is redefining the limits of music and performance — one beat at a time. When Big Ocean takes the stage, they seamlessly incorporate sign language into their performances. But their polished shows are built on extensive preparation using high-tech tools born from necessity — vibrating smartwatches that pulse with musical beats and LED visual metronomes that flash timing cues during practice sessions. This technological approach represents significant progress in South Korea's entertainment industry, where career opportunities for people with disabilities have historically been limited. The trio, PJ, Jiseok and Chanyeon, made their debut in April 2024 and recently wrapped a solo European tour marking their first anniversary. The band performed in four countries, including France and the U.K., while promoting their second mini-album, 'Underwater,' which dropped on April 20. PJ rose to prominence as a YouTuber who educated viewers about hearing disabilities. Chanyeon previously worked as an audiologist. Jiseok was a professional ski racer. To achieve the precision crucial in K-pop's demanding choreography and music, Big Ocean relies on technologies rarely seen in the genre. Members wear modified vibrating smartwatches that deliver rhythmic cues to their wrists and practice with visual metronomes — flashing light guides displayed on monitors — to help stay in sync when audio alone isn't enough. Chanyeon uses a hybrid hearing device with Bluetooth that streams music directly from mobile devices. The group also uses a pitch-checking app and AI voice conversion technology to support vocal training and enhance audio output after recordings. 'We each felt rhythm differently when dancing,' PJ told The Associated Press. 'So when we'd play the same song and dance in front of the mirror, one of us would move faster while another would move slower. To solve this timing issue, we decided to memorize everything together and create our own cues with each other.' This precision becomes critical during live performances, where unexpected disruptions can derail even experienced performers. 'When we performed in France, our fans were cheering so loudly we lost the beat,' said Jiseok. 'But we looked at each other and quickly handled the situation — just like we practiced.' Stage effects and certain musical styles create additional obstacles. 'When a lot of smoke comes up, sometimes we momentarily can't see the stage movements in front of us,' PJ said. 'Our concentration gets disrupted instantly in those moments.' 'When there's no clear beat in a song, it's really hard for us to stay synchronized,' Jiseok said. 'When the bass is overwhelming, it's difficult for us to catch it accurately.' Despite these challenges, Big Ocean's commitment to accessibility and inclusion has inspired their global fanbase. Big Ocean's global fanbase — known as PADO — has responded with similar commitment. 'While communicating with PADO, we've heard that they're actually learning Korean sign language for us, or learning various sign languages to communicate with us,' Jiseok said. 'When we see how much they're preparing and putting in that effort, we feel so grateful.' The group uses English for basic communication with international fans and incorporates Korean Sign Language, American Sign Language and International Sign to promote accessibility and inclusion. Jiseok credits BTS's RM with inspiring his musical journey. He said RM's donation to his former school — a private institution for deaf and hard of hearing students — gave him access to music and dance for the first time. 'Without those learning opportunities, I probably never would have dreamed of becoming a K-pop idol,' he said. Looking ahead, Big Ocean hopes to build on its growing global profile. 'We recently saw Justin Bieber's Instagram post asking for music collaborators, so we sent him a DM,' PJ said. 'All of us would love the opportunity to work with him. And personally, I'd also love to work with Billie Eilish.' As the band reflects on its first year, Chanyeon said their biggest growth has been internal. 'I've always liked playing it safe — even with food, I only ate what I was used to,' he said. 'But through Big Ocean, I've gained confidence in trying new things. That's what I'm most satisfied with.'
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
Big Ocean breaks new ground as K-pop's first deaf group
SEOUL, South Korea -- Big Ocean, a three-member K-pop group composed entirely of artists with hearing disabilities, is redefining the limits of music and performance — one beat at a time. When Big Ocean takes the stage, they seamlessly incorporate sign language into their performances. But their polished shows are built on extensive preparation using high-tech tools born from necessity — vibrating smartwatches that pulse with musical beats and LED visual metronomes that flash timing cues during practice sessions. This technological approach represents significant progress in South Korea's entertainment industry, where career opportunities for people with disabilities have historically been limited. The trio, PJ, Jiseok and Chanyeon, made their debut in April 2024 and recently wrapped a solo European tour marking their first anniversary. The band performed in four countries, including France and the U.K., while promoting their second mini-album, 'Underwater,' which dropped on April 20. PJ rose to prominence as a YouTuber who educated viewers about hearing disabilities. Chanyeon previously worked as an audiologist. Jiseok was a professional ski racer. To achieve the precision crucial in K-pop's demanding choreography and music, Big Ocean relies on technologies rarely seen in the genre. Members wear modified vibrating smartwatches that deliver rhythmic cues to their wrists and practice with visual metronomes — flashing light guides displayed on monitors — to help stay in sync when audio alone isn't enough. Chanyeon uses a hybrid hearing device with Bluetooth that streams music directly from mobile devices. The group also uses a pitch-checking app and AI voice conversion technology to support vocal training and enhance audio output after recordings. 'We each felt rhythm differently when dancing,' PJ told The Associated Press. 'So when we'd play the same song and dance in front of the mirror, one of us would move faster while another would move slower. To solve this timing issue, we decided to memorize everything together and create our own cues with each other.' This precision becomes critical during live performances, where unexpected disruptions can derail even experienced performers. 'When we performed in France, our fans were cheering so loudly we lost the beat,' said Jiseok. 'But we looked at each other and quickly handled the situation — just like we practiced.' Stage effects and certain musical styles create additional obstacles. 'When a lot of smoke comes up, sometimes we momentarily can't see the stage movements in front of us,' PJ said. 'Our concentration gets disrupted instantly in those moments.' 'When there's no clear beat in a song, it's really hard for us to stay synchronized,' Jiseok said. 'When the bass is overwhelming, it's difficult for us to catch it accurately.' Despite these challenges, Big Ocean's commitment to accessibility and inclusion has inspired their global fanbase. Big Ocean's global fanbase — known as PADO — has responded with similar commitment. 'While communicating with PADO, we've heard that they're actually learning Korean sign language for us, or learning various sign languages to communicate with us,' Jiseok said. 'When we see how much they're preparing and putting in that effort, we feel so grateful.' The group uses English for basic communication with international fans and incorporates Korean Sign Language, American Sign Language and International Sign to promote accessibility and inclusion. Jiseok credits BTS's RM with inspiring his musical journey. He said RM's donation to his former school — a private institution for deaf and hard of hearing students — gave him access to music and dance for the first time. 'Without those learning opportunities, I probably never would have dreamed of becoming a K-pop idol,' he said. Looking ahead, Big Ocean hopes to build on its growing global profile. 'We recently saw Justin Bieber's Instagram post asking for music collaborators, so we sent him a DM,' PJ said. 'All of us would love the opportunity to work with him. And personally, I'd also love to work with Billie Eilish.' As the band reflects on its first year, Chanyeon said their biggest growth has been internal. 'I've always liked playing it safe — even with food, I only ate what I was used to,' he said. 'But through Big Ocean, I've gained confidence in trying new things. That's what I'm most satisfied with.'
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LG-BACKED VENTURE PADO AI ORCHESTRATION COLLABORATES WITH MARA ON NEW DATA CENTER POWER MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
Collaboration to focus on enabling flexible power demand and fulfillment for data centers with MARA power solution and PADO's Energy Orchestration platform SANTA CLARA, Calif. and FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global innovator LG Electronics has announced a collaboration between its newest LG NOVA-backed venture, PADO AI Orchestration, Inc. (PADO), designed to revolutionize energy management for data centers and MARA, a global leader in energy technology. In this collaboration, PADO and MARA will work together to develop power load balancing as a service to enable power demand flexibility to meet the increasing workloads driven by AI and technology growth. PADO's platform is designed to use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to orchestrate power, grid services and distributed energy resources (DERs) to enable businesses to anticipate power demand better and enhance energy resources to meet fluctuating needs. MARA, through its growing data center infrastructure and technology platform, can provide third-party data centers with flexible power supply and on-demand computing capabilities. Together, they aim to offer a transformative solution for power load balancing to make it more feasible to bring new data centers online and help improve the operational efficiency and power consumption of existing data centers. This collaboration focuses on addressing the critical need to optimize power delivery and load management for hyperscale data centers, maximize the value of businesses' energy investments, and solve the significant computing power challenges and energy demand presented by AI-driven data centers. "With MARA, we are pioneering a new era of power flexibility and load balancing within data centers. We believe that this collaboration is key to solving the complex energy challenges facing data centers in the age of AI," said Wannie Park, CEO of PADO AI Orchestration. "By optimizing grid services through AI power management, our goal is to help data centers reduce their energy footprint and contribute to a more stable and reliable grid for everyone. This collaboration represents a significant step towards a more resilient energy future." "We believe this collaboration will help unlock a critical opportunity of new compute resources and enable states and institutions to benefit from the growing AI economy," said Daren Mancini, Chief Commercial Officer of MARA. "This collaboration with PADO brings together hyperscalers, utilities, and regulatory commissions to create a solution that benefits all stakeholders, maximizing the value of energy investments and promoting a more resilient future." By combining PADO's designs for an innovative AI/ML energy orchestration platform and MARA's leadership in energy technology this collaboration aims to meet the unique needs of data centers to provide significant value and move towards energy independence and reduced cost. About PADO AI Orchestration, AI Orchestration, a new energy orchestration venture launched by LG NOVA, is focused on delivering value to its customers and enhance energy savings for data centers, businesses, and commercial and industrial facilities by enabling better power management and control of energy resources. Learn more at About MARAMARA (NASDAQ:MARA) deploys digital energy technologies to advance the world's energy systems. Harnessing the power of compute, MARA transforms excess energy into digital capital, balancing the grid and accelerating the deployment of critical infrastructure. Building on its expertise to redefine the future of energy, MARA develops technologies that reduce the energy demands of high-performance computing applications, from AI to the edge. Learn more at About LG NOVALG NOVA, the North America Innovation Center for global innovation leader LG Electronics, is a team focused on bringing innovation from the outside to LG. LG NOVA is based in Santa Clara, Calif. The center's mission is to fuel innovation for LG and its partners by establishing a community to create, nurture and grow businesses. Learn more about LG NOVA at About LG Electronics USALG Electronics USA Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., a smart life solutions company with annual global revenues of more than $60 billion. In the United States, LG sells a wide range of innovative home appliances, home entertainment products, commercial displays, air conditioning systems and vehicle components. LG is an 11-time ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year. Media Contact: LG Electronics USALinda Quach+1 408 903 MARA Ellie Elsey +1 650 995 6368 ellie@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE LG Electronics USA
