On The Greatest Battle tour, Big Ocean returned stateside and held their first concert in Los Angeles. Treating their fans, known as Pado, the trio put on a show that highlighted their top tracks and showcased their earnest performance and personalities. The night began with “brighT,” an energetic track with light, fun choreography. During this song, and in nearly every other performance throughout the evening, the three members made sure to interact with Pado as much as possible. The group did fanchants with the crowd, created a three-person conga line around the stage to greet the audience, and were visibly joyous at being able to perform for Pado in LA. During “Glow,” Big Ocean also did the wave with their fans. Despite performing against strong backing tracks, the group’s live vocals were extra clear during this song.
When speaking with the crowd, PJ, Chanyeon, and Jiseok did their best to communicate directly by using as much English as they could. As the first K-pop group comprised of hard-of-hearing members, they also communicated through Korean Sign Language throughout their show. To support them, there was an English interpreter, as well as an English Sign Language interpreter. A majority, if not all, of their songs were accompanied by lyrics displayed in both English and Korean on screens. It was clear that inclusivity and accessibility was an important component to planning this show and much appreciated by attendees.
Through performances of “Flow” and “Blow,” the trio made use of the full stage. They spread out formations and executed choreography smoothly across the wide stage, getting close to fans throughout the night. This segment of the show began with a unit performance by Jiseok and PJ, performing “Bucket Hat.” Then, the duo invited a lucky audience member, Mika, to the stage to participate in a skit during . A little confused but also very excited, Mika practiced with the pair and got ready for the song. PJ then began to act out the dramatic performance with her, chasing her across the stage like a scorned lover during “SINKING.” It came to an end as PJ finally caught Mika, hugging and thanking her as she blushed and exited the stage. While PJ’s solo was centered around his singing and acting with Mika, Chanyeon and Jiseok’s were more focused on their performances. Chanyeon performed a cover of K-Flow and Yiruma’s “Forest of Dreams,” impressing the audience with his smooth rap flow, and Jiseok sweetly serenaded the crowd with “Back.”
Returning to the stage for trio performances, they launched straight into their final set of songs. This part of the show was undoubtedly the most intense and energetic. Big Ocean kicked things off with “Alive,” immediately followed by their latest title track, “One Man Army.” They wore the same outfits used within the music video, adding to the dramatic flair. The song was paired with intense visuals on the screen, showing tumultuous ocean waves and darker tones as the members powered through their synchronized choreography. The crowd returned Big Ocean’s energy by shouting the song’s fanchants loudly and proudly as the song progressed, pumping their fists in sync with the rhythmic pounding bass in the track. As with the way ocean waves crash intensely then ebb and slowly pull away, the final burst of energy with “One Man Army” led to the end of the show.
Sharing final words of gratitude to Pado for attending, to their company for believing in them, to the touring staff for all their hard work, and even to the venue and venue staff for preparing the Avalon Hollywood so beautifully for them, Big Ocean wrapped up their first show in LA humbly, gratefully, and with warm hearts. They completed an encore with “Slow” and “End of Time,” two softer songs meant to show their love for Pado and each other, before retreating backstage with promises of a return.
Even with just a short and sweet show, Big Ocean managed to not only impress the crowd with their vocals, rapping, and dancing, but also with their thoughtfulness and warmth. Preparing talking segments in English, signing throughout the show, having lyrics on display, and incorporating an ESL interpreter were measures taken for inclusivity that felt genuine and served as a small indication of how they wanted everyone to enjoy the concert. Not only that, but the group’s constant words and actions of gratitude, and their efforts to include Pado within their performances, also showed their love for their fans. Rather than trying to curate a big production meant to impress those unfamiliar with them, Big Ocean put together a show that was beautifully pieced together for themselves and for their fans.
Click on the photo below to view our photos from the concert:
