Minneapolis, MN.
After a year’s wait, Minnesota Pados were able to see Big Ocean perform in Minnesota again. Big Ocean performed at the Fine Line in Minneapolis on April 14th. Pado is the name for Big Ocean’s official fandom. Big Ocean is a three-member K-pop band that debuted under Parastar Entertainment in 2024. All members are hard of hearing. Since their debut, they have grown a large and dedicated global fanbase. The three members are PJ, Chanyeon, and Jiseok.
Minneapolis holds a special place in Big Ocean’s heart. Not only has Minnesota fans showed their love for Big Ocean by attending multiple Big Ocean events to show their support, but because Minnesota was also their first stop when they were on their first U.S. Tour last year. The members mentioned on Tuesday night that they were super excited and happy to be back in Minnesota again.
The concert started at 7PM. VIP fans were allowed into the venue at 5:30PM to do fan engagements. They were able to do a fan sign, high touch, take group photos, and attend sound check with Big Ocean. General ticket holders were able to enter the venue at 6PM.
Last year, Big Ocean radiated youthful energy on stage, but this year their performances carried a sense of experience and maturity. They ran through both newer tracks and beloved fan favorites, making for a concert that felt exciting and familiar, yet refreshingly different.
One stand out moment came when member PJ complimented a fan by saying, “I love your smile.” The fans flushed and the fans erupted in cheers. Jiseok joked saying, “Ayyy, are you flirting?”.
Big Ocean prepared many new solo stages this year. PJ performed his solo track, “Sinking” with a twist. He brought a fan from the audience on stage to do a little role playing. Every time PJ reached out to the fan, the fan was expected to run away from him. Fans screamed as PJ caught her, gave her a hug and kissed her on the forehead at the end of the performance.
Chanyeon showcased a different side of himself by preparing a rap stage of the song, ‘Forest of Dreams’. In his previous performances, Chanyeon showcased dance-centered performances by performing ‘Jennie’ by BLACKPINK’s Jennie and a cover of ‘Troublemaker’. by HyunA and Hyun Seung. The audience couldn’t help but dance and jump along with Chanyeon as he utilized the entire stage.
Jiseok did a solo performance to their new track called, ‘Back’.
Big Ocean ended the night with a performance of their new title track, ‘The Greatest Battle’. They also performed fan favorite songs like ‘Slow’ and ‘End of Time’.
Big Ocean’s European tour, which was set to follow their US stop, has been cancelled due to safety concerns.
** A special thanks to Oppang for the opportunity to cover and shoot the show for the Minneapolis stop.
