PADO are putting up their surfboards after 'Riding the Wave' with Big Ocean at their US tour!
- thishugegeek
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
This summer, Big Ocean made their first splash into the United States, performing in multiple states and at festivals, presenting their amazing stage presence to PADOs, their fans. Following their second round of performances in Europe, PJ, Chanyeon, and Jiseok embarked on their first US tour. It was met with an amalgamation of amazing experiences as they first performed in Minneapolis, MN, and had their final stop in Atlanta, GA, finishing their tour with a bang. The energy this trio brought to their last stop was incredibly elevated, keeping everyone moving and grooving throughout the night. As the first hard-of-hearing group, Big Ocean has made waves in the K-pop scene and deeply touched the hearts of disabled people around the world. There were so many different people standing in line just waiting to see the trio and to express their love for the group. PADO were eager to see this amazing group perform in front of them, and the long wait in line was worth every second once they came on stage. Big Ocean lives up to their name and brought a tsunami of talents and love to Atlanta.
Korus Entertainment and Oppang Kpop store, based in Raleigh, were the forerunners of this specific stop in Atlanta, and
they did not disappoint with the perks and merch available. The VVIP package included an exclusive photocard, group photo with other PADO and the 3 members, a fansign, a hi-touch, and attendance of sound check for the group and first entry. The VIP package included the photocard, hi-touch, soundcheck access, and entry after VVIP holders. Along with each of these packages was first access to merch which included a variety of official photocards, the JJ sub-unit album and a keychain for 'Bucket Hat', t-shirts, and at this last stop, when you bought their album, the first 100 people were elegible for the fansign happening at Kpop Nation the day after the concert.
Their final performance was at The Vinyl, adjacent to Center Stage in downtown Atlanta, and despite this venue being standing only, there was an ADA section that was available for those who needed accommodation. Due to a delay in the start time for perks, the fansign was moved to after the concert, before the selfies took place, but the staff communicated this to fans in a timely manner so everyone could prepare. Sound check went by like a summer breeze as the members only performed enough of their three songs to check their in-ear monitors and check the mic levels. The concert started right on time, with an introduction video that
helped teach PADO the fanchant and sign language for their song 'Flow', so everyone would be able to be involved. The members came onto the stage and performed their debut song, 'GLOW', to start the concert. They then introduced themselves and thanked everyone for being there to support them on their tour. Throughout the night, each member continued to say how much they loved the energy that this stop had and commented on wanting to keep the energy high. While everyone was in line, someone was handing out fan-made light sticks that we waved during the concert. Jiseok especially loved seeing the blue lights for them. Amid every song, each of the members made as many connections with the fans as they could, whether it was eye contact, completing hearts, or taking a fan's phone for a selfie. This concert was
intimate with an intensely interactive crowd, making the time go by so fast.
The energy that the fans brought was equally matched by the energy of Big Ocean as they gave their all in every performance. They started with all of their title tracks and fan favorites, 'Attention', and 'Fade Out'from their recent album 'Underwater", which captivated PADO and caused a lot of ruckus for the trio. Before they performed 'Fade Out', they taught part of the signs for the song to the fans so they could follow along. After that, they surprised us with a stunning cover of 'Stay With Me', the OST from the hit K-drama Goblin. They not only covered the track with their voices but also choreographed and incorporated sign language into the dance, which made it even more emotional to watch. Between
the songs, the guys were very attentive to fans and loved communicating with them and making them even more hyped as the show went on. Before his solo, 'Sinking', PJ had asked if anyone had felt the pain of love, and spotted someone who was crying, he then reached out and told them not to cry, which made everyone scream in excitement. The members then pulled him back, asking him if he cared about them. It was a very funny scene to watch. After Jiseok and Chanyeon left, PJ started his solo song, which is an incredibly emotional song about losing love. The intensity in his voice
and his amazing attention to detail with his hands and eye contact melted every heart in sight. After PJ, Jiseok flew in with his cover of 'Soda Pop' from the movie Kpop Demon Hunters, starting on one side of the crowd before finishing the song on stage. The other two then joined Jiseok on stage for a cover of 'Your Idol' from the same movie, captivating every person in the building. After the intensity of 'Your Idol', Chanyeon performs a short version of 'Sneakers' by Itzy, which then lead directly into a full dance cover of 'like JENNIE' by Jennie from start to finish, showcasing the incredible ability Chanyeon has for different choreographies.
One of the things PADO loves about Big Ocean is the versatility they have as performers, and this tour lent itself to showcasing all the amazing talents they have to offer. To give Chanyeon a chance to catch his breath, the sub-unit consisting of PJ and Jiseok, known as JJ, performed their recent single 'Bucket Hat'. Despite PJ having difficulty with his mic, they continued with fan interactions, asking if there was anyone who wanted to try the hot trick from the choreography. The guys chose two fans from the crowd who came up to the stage and amazed the members with their ability to execute the trick easily. The next song,'Blow', has been a major comfort for fans as it talks about releasing your stress as the sun goes down, so you don't waste your time stressing over things. This uplifting song is followed by 'brighT', which is a similar vibe that uplifts listeners not to be sad and to keep moving forward. Throughout the ments they
had where they talked about PADO, each member always mentioned something they were surprised to see or mentioned how amazing or beautiful they thought their fans were. Jiseok also had some audio issues toward the end, but that didn't stop them from communicating between performances. The three members made sure that every PADO knew how impressed they were with them, between singing and their amazing facial expressions, PJ wanted to see everyone's beautiful faces, continuing with his constant flirting.
PJ then went on to mention how he dreams that his fans can be happy, chase their dreams, and be successful, stating that his dreams came true with him being there with everyone. This prefaced their song called 'Slow' that they recorded with Young K from Day6, a song about taking things slow and being patient with yourself. This was supposed to be the song that closed out the show, and afterwards, each member wrapped up their thoughts and feelings about the evening. Chanyeon started, comparing all the fans he has met to ocean glitter using the Korean word "yunseul" (윤슬) to express his feelings. He felt that seeing all the beautiful faces looking at him performing were as pretty and sparkly as the sun hitting the ocean surface. PJ followed him, saying how much he is going
to miss PADO and that he loves them so much. He started to tear up as he expressed his sincere gratitude to everyone who made this tour possible. He reiterated that they will always stay in the hearts of their fans and that they will be back.
Jiseok took his turn and mentioned how he kept thinking about everyone, tearing up as he talked about how everyone hyped up the tour. He said that when he was younger, he wanted to make every memory he experienced memorable. Still, from the time he was a trainee until he debuted, there wasn't such a memory until he met PADO. They became his strength and comfort, and he is so incredibly grateful for their cheering him on. PJ closed it out by saying how he will always be there to wipe the tears of his fans away and how every face he has met will stay with him. With that, they said their goodbyes and walked off stage. In the dark, fans started chanting "Big Ocean" over and over to summon the trio back on stage, but they ended up surprising fans on the far right of the venue, singing their song 'End of Time' to close out the show. Though they had already said goodbye, they said this time was the real goodbye. PJ went over their schedule in Atlanta with the fansign at Kpop Nation in Atlanta the following day, and they will be at the Korean Festival in Sugarloaf Mills on October 4th and 5th. They then thanked all the staff, the lighting crew, and the venue staff for making everything possible. Chanyeon closed with saying, "With every separation comes a reunion," and for the PADO not to be too sad. They held hands and bowed to the fans as they left the stage to finish out the show. After sorting out the remaining perk holders, the fansign started with the three members signing everything except albums due to the fansign scheduled for the following day. After getting their items signed, fans were sorted into lines for the selfie moments with the members. Thanks to the well-organized staff, the event went smoothly. This wave of performances was much anticipated and well-received, with PADO making every stop a success. A big thank you to Korus Entertainment and Oppang Kpop Store in Raleigh, NC, for making this stop of the tour happen and for helping bring PADO and Big Ocean together!
