Interview

Exclusive Interview: Inside Big Ocean's "Make It Up to You" The Heartfelt Promise to Reunite with Fans Across the Sea

Exclusive Interview: Inside Big Ocean's "Make It Up to You" The Heartfelt Promise to Reunite with Fans Across the Sea

Exclusive Interview: Inside Big Ocean's "Make It Up to You" The Heartfelt Promise to Reunite with Fans Across the Sea

The K-Nostalgia — Written by Genevieve Torkornoo, July 20, 2026

Photo Source: courtesy of PARASTAR Entertainment.

Photo Source: courtesy of PARASTAR Entertainment.

Big Ocean, the world's first hearing-impaired K-pop idol group, released their new digital single "Make it up to you" on May 19. The song was a surprise release, serving as a direct message to fans they couldn’t meet after the cancellation of their Europe Tour 2026 due to unforeseen circumstances. It reflects the warmth and shared memories with their fans and promises to reunite soon. Grammy-winning producer Frankie Biggz collaborated with Big Ocean to produce this Pop Funk and modern city pop track. Members PJ, Jiseok, and Chanyeon each contributed to writing the lyrics, which express their love and dedication to fans, with PADO symbolizing a heartfelt promise across the globe. The K-Nostalgia had the chance to talk with Big Ocean, exploring the creative process behind "Make it up to you” and the members' reactions to PADO's response to their new song.

Big Ocean, the world's first hearing-impaired K-pop idol group, released their new digital single "Make it up to you" on May 19. The song was a surprise release, serving as a direct message to fans they couldn’t meet after the cancellation of their Europe Tour 2026 due to unforeseen circumstances. It reflects the warmth and shared memories with their fans and promises to reunite soon. Grammy-winning producer Frankie Biggz collaborated with Big Ocean to produce this Pop Funk and modern city pop track. Members PJ, Jiseok, and Chanyeon each contributed to writing the lyrics, which express their love and dedication to fans, with PADO symbolizing a heartfelt promise across the globe. The K-Nostalgia had the chance to talk with Big Ocean, exploring the creative process behind "Make it up to you” and the members' reactions to PADO's response to their new song.

What were the most memorable moments while filming the music video for "Make It Up To You"?


PJ: For me, the most memorable part was seeing the story take shape in New York. The song began with the disappointment of not being able to meet our European PADO, so filming scenes of us continuing to move forward felt very meaningful. Even though the schedule was short, I think that urgency helped us express how much we wanted to reach them.

Chanyeon: The running scenes stayed with me. We had to repeat them many times. It was tiring, but the movement matched the song well. The whole video feels like we are trying to reach someone without stopping..

Since the music video was filmed in a single night, how did that experience compare to filming your previous music videos, such as "One Man Army" and "Attention"? 


Jiseok: It was much faster. There was little time to reset. The earlier videos had a stronger performance scale, but this one felt like following us through one long night. I think that’s very special because the message is personal and more emotional..

If you had to choose a favorite lyric from "Make It Up To You, " which one would it be, and why?


PJ: I think I’d choose the part where we say “I’m sorry” in different languages. The melody fits really well, so I liked it from the first time I heard it. I think hearing an apology in your own language makes it feel more direct and personal, almost like the message is being delivered to you individually. A lot of PADO seemed to love that part too, so we were really happy. Since the song was made for the fans we couldn’t meet in Europe, I think those lines became even more meaningful.

Who first came up with the idea of writing a song for your European Pado? At what point did you realize you wanted to create a song dedicated to them?


Jiseok: The idea grew naturally from conversations between the members and our team after the tour was canceled. We kept thinking about the fans who had waited, prepared, and planned to meet us. At some point, a normal apology no longer felt sufficient. We wanted to turn that feeling into something PADO could keep.

Andy Yu shared that he helped design the wardrobe for "Make It Up To You" at the last minute. What was it like collaborating with him on the music video?


Chanyeon: There was not much time. The clothes were comfortable enough for movement and

matched the night setting. Since everything came together very quickly, his flexibility and clear sense of direction helped us a lot. We stayed in touch after the music video, and that collaboration continued to grow. Now “Big Ocean x Andy Yu” is officially on the NYFW S/S 2027 calendar, which we’re very proud and excited about. We’re looking forward to showing everyone what we’ve been preparing together.

After putting so much hard work into creating "Make It Up To You," what was it like seeing Pado's reactions when they heard the song for the first time?


PJ: We first shared the song during a private online concert for the European tour ticket holders, so their reaction was especially important to us. We were nervous because the song came from a real disappointment that we had shared with them. Then the chat began filling with messages encouraging us, and saying how much they loved the song. We were genuinely happy and relieved. I really hope we can meet everyone in person again very soon.

What is one thing a Pado has said to you that has stayed with you the most?


Chanyeon: When PADO told us that our music helped them try something they had been afraid to begin. I do not think artists always realize how far one performance can travel. Hearing that makes me want to be more careful, honest, and responsible with what we share.

In the music video for "Make It Up To You," Big Ocean had the opportunity to showcase your acting skills. Jiseok previously made his acting debut in "Let's Dance."Is acting something the three of you would like to explore more in the future?


Jiseok: Yes, definitely. Why not? We’re curious about almost everything, so whenever there’s a new genre or a new field, we want to try it at least once. Acting lets us express things in a completely different way, and I think that could help us on stage too, especially with our facial expressions and the way we tell a story. So yes, if we get the chance, I really want to try more.

For your latest album,"The Greatest Battle," you worked closely with producer Frankie Biggz. What was it like reuniting with him for "Make It Up To You"? Were there any fun or heartwarming moments during the creative process?


Chanyeon: Working with Frankie again felt very comfortable because he already understands our strengths and the kind of message we want to share. Also, as a Deaf producer himself, collaborating with him feels especially meaningful to us. We genuinely enjoyed working together and learned a lot through the process. I really hope we’ll have many more opportunities to create music together in the future.

Which scene was your favorite to film, and what message were you hoping to convey through it?


PJ: I’d pick the scene where the three of us are running together by the sea. Honestly, running in the open air with the ocean right beside us felt so refreshing. The atmosphere was special too. We naturally became more relaxed, and I think we were smiling more without even realizing it. I also love how that scene shows the three of us still moving forward together. Even if plans change or the journey takes a little longer, we’re still doing our best to reach PADO. I hope everyone can feel that when they watch it.

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