Latest news with #Glow
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
K-pop boy band Big Ocean is making waves with sign language
WASHINGTON – Like other K-pop sensations, Big Ocean sing, rap, dance and attract swooning fans. But this new group's meteoric rise is fuelled by a skill it seems no other boy band boasts: signing. The band members – Lee Chan-yeon, 27, Park Hyun-jin, 25, and Kim Ji-seok, 22 – are all deaf or hard of hearing. They use the latest audio technology to help make their music, coordinate their choreography with flashing metronomes and vibrating watches, and incorporate Korean Sign Language (KSL) into videos and performances. 'Just like divers rely on signs to communicate underwater, we use sign language to convey meaning where sound alone might fall short,' Lee said. 'For us, KSL is not just an element – it's the heart of our performance.' The group released their debut single, Glow, in 2024, on Korea's Day of People with Disabilities, and they did their first televised performance incorporating KSL, generating local buzz that reverberated beyond national borders. Soon after, they followed up with Blow, a single heavy on English lyrics and American Sign Language. In September 2024, they were named Billboard's rookies of the month. And recently, they made the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Entertainment & Sports List. In July, the band performed at an anime festival in Brazil and a United Nations tech event in Switzerland, before touring Europe for the second time since spring. Their first American tour starts later in July. Big Ocean now has 997,000 followers on Instagram and more than 696,000 on TikTok. Fans, who call themselves 'Pados' after the Korean word for wave, are devoted, and many are learning sign languages from the band, who make numerous tutorials. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore S'poreans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 World Trump 'caught off guard' by Israel's strikes in Syria Opinion Singapore's vaping crisis lays bare the drug addiction nightmare for parents Singapore LTA seeks tailored solutions to improve Bukit Panjang LRT's maintenance inspections Life '+60 points for following crowd measures': Singaporeans jump on viral 'aura farming' trend Multimedia 'It's very sad': She comforts loved ones turned away by inmates Opinion Sumiko at 61: 7 facts about facial skin ageing, and skincare ingredients that actually work World US not rushing trade deals ahead of August deadline, will talk with China, Bessent says But fame was never assured, said Ms Haley Cha, chief executive of Parastar Entertainment, Big Ocean's management company. 'We had many difficulties in developing this band,' she said. Even the members sometimes questioned their dream, she added. They had alternate careers, and it was not always clear to them or to others what they could achieve in music. Park, who goes by P.J., was a YouTuber, creating content about hearing disabilities. Lee worked as an audiologist at a hospital. Kim had been an alpine skier. Ms Cha said she used a variety of tactics to help them visualise stardom, including taking images of established K-pop idols and replacing the faces with those of the trio. They have since made videos and performed with industry luminaries. A major breakthrough Big Ocean's rise did not happen in a vacuum. The band's struggles and successes reflect broader advances for South Korea's deaf community, nearly a decade after the country recognised KSL as an official language, distinct from spoken Korean. About a quarter of a million South Koreans are deaf or hard of hearing. An estimated 84 per cent of them use sign language as a primary mode of communication, and more than one-third live in the capital, Seoul. Historically, there were few educational opportunities for the deaf community, and there was little recognition of KSL, said Mr Jeonghwan Kim, president of the Seoul Association of the Deaf. A national association for the deaf was established in 1946, but the emphasis on education during much of the 20th century was on speech training rather than signing. That focus on speech in South Korea was part of a wider global trend that was hotly debated, particularly with the development of cochlear implants to aid hearing. Some argue that sign language as an expression of deaf culture and identity is marginalised when speech is emphasised. Big Ocean blends singing with signing, and the path for South Korea's embrace of the band was paved with legislation. In 2016, the Korean Sign Language Act went into effect, recognising KSL as the official language of the deaf community. It was 'a major breakthrough', Mr Kim said , adding that it marked a substantial step forward in securing their 'linguistic rights and cultural identity'. The National Institute of Korean Language began working to promote KSL and develop educational materials, conducting research on sign language usage, building a dictionary and training instructors, according to Ms Hyesun Chung, a research officer in charge of KSL at the institute. The institute has also tried to promote the idea 'that deaf people have the right to enjoy and express their culture through their own language', she said. Those institutional changes have helped shift cultural views, leading to the acceptance of deaf artistes, including Big Ocean. The band, in turn, have raised awareness of deaf culture in South Korea and the world. 'Many deaf youth see their presence onstage as a powerful form of representation,' Mr Kim said. 'Their work broadens the public's perception of artistic expression beyond sound.' Global reach Big Ocean wanted to make waves worldwide, so the group studied ASL and International Sign (IS) to create shows that were more accessible across different cultures. 'When fans sign back during concerts, it's one of the most powerful forms of connection,' Kim Ji-seok said. Fans do sign back, online and at performances, and the band's emphasis on signing has helped to educate people about a basic fact: Every sign language is distinct from the corresponding spoken tongue, as well as from other sign languages. For followers already in the know, Big Ocean's use of sign language is extremely gratifying. Responding to a recent IS video tutorial for the song Sinking, one commenter with hearing loss wrote: 'Been blasting this through my headphones and emotionally signing it all night.' For their part, the trio's members seem delighted that they inspire people and are heartened by the world's response. 'Knowing that our music resonates with Pados worldwide motivates us to keep pushing boundaries,' Park said. Lee noted that at a recent meeting, they met fans 'who were overcoming cancer, surviving school bullying or healing from personal hardships' and who felt inspired by their work. 'One fan told us, 'You're proof that something that seems impossible can actually happen,'' he said. 'That moment really stayed with me.' NYTIMES
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
This K-Pop band is making waves with sign language
All members — Lee Chan-yeon, Park Hyun-jin, Kim Ji-seok — are hard of hearing Like other K-pop sensations, Big Ocean sings, raps, dances and attracts swooning fans. But this new group's meteoric rise is fueled by a skill it seems no other boy band boasts: signing. Band members — Lee Chan-yeon, 27, Park Hyun-jin, 25, and Kim Ji-seok, 22 — are all deaf or hard of hearing. They use the latest audio technology to help make their music, coordinate their choreography with flashing metronomes and vibrating watches, and incorporate Korean Sign Language into videos and performances. 'Just like divers rely on signs to communicate underwater, we use sign language to convey meaning where sound alone might fall short,' Lee said. 'For us, KSL is not just an element — it's the heart of our performance.' The group released their debut single, 'Glow,' last year, on Korea's Day of People with Disabilities, and they did their first televised performance incorporating KSL. Soon after, they followed up with 'Blow,' a single heavy on English lyrics and American Sign Language. In Sept, they were named Billboard's rookies of the month, and recently, they made the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Entertainment & Sports List. This month, the band performed at an anime festival in Brazil and at a UN tech event in Switzerland before touring Europe for the second time since spring. Their first American tour starts later this month. Big Ocean has 995,000 followers on Instagram and more than 696,000 on TikTok. Fans, who call themselves 'Pados' after Korean word for wave, are devoted, and many are learning sign languages from the band, which makes numerous tutorials. But fame was never assured, said Haley Cha, CEO of Parastar Entertainment, Big Ocean's management company. Even the members sometimes questioned their dream, Cha added. They had alternate careers, and it was not always clear to them or to others what they could achieve in music. Cha said she used a variety of tactics to help them visualise stardom, including taking images of established K-pop idols and replacing the faces with those of the trio. Some in the deaf community, however, worry about the framing of the band, particularly for hearing audiences, as an inspirational narrative about 'overcoming' disability that could undermine deaf identity. For their part, the trio's members seem delighted they inspire people and heartened by the world's response.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
‘I tried TikTok's viral lash growth serum-infused mascara in its new shade and I'm obsessed'
Shopping Writer Meghan just tried TikTok's favourite lash growth serum-infused mascara that promises fuller lashes with every wear - and she can't get over the results I've always been blessed with relatively long eyelashes, not too straight and not too dense, but that doesn't mean I haven't wanted to encourage them to grow to that covetable, false-looking length we all want. I've tried plenty of lengthening mascaras that do a great job of creating a longer look, but what if there were a mascara that not only makes lashes look longer but also actually makes them longer with every wear? TikTok went crazy for Glow For It's eyelash serum when it first released, and then beauty buffs were thrilled to try their eyelash serum-infused mascara when it originally dropped - but there was one slight fault. Suited to no-makeup makeup looks, the original Glow For It mascara only came in a natural brown shade. But they've now got a black mascara available, and needless to say, I was excited to take it for a spin. Answering fans' outcry for a black shade, Glow For It released their new colour of the internet sensation mascara. But they didn't stop at a new shade; this mascara promises a next-level formula that does even more for your lashes than its predecessor. Taking everything fans loved about the cult-favourite mascara, Glow For It upgraded the formula with tripeptides that work to ensure eyelashes appear longer, fuller and stronger, improving their strength and appearance with every use. This innovative formula combines black pigment with powerful lash care actives to condition, strengthen, and visibly enhance natural lashes, whether you've already got naturally luscious lashes that you want to look a bit better or whether you're trying to encourage new lash growth. I can't comment on the long-term effects of this mascara yet, though my experience using the iconic lash growth serum was noticeable after just a few weeks of using it regularly. That said, this Glow For It Lash Focus mascara has claimed pride of place in my makeup routine now, as it seamlessly walks the line between makeup and self-care. It has a visible impact on eyelashes upon application, even on lashes like mine that are already long and healthy. Without creating the dreaded spider-leg effect, this mascara clings to each lash for a volumised look that rivals false lashes. Boasting a simple, spiral wand for precise and efficient application, this mascara delivers longer, fuller-looking lashes from root to tip. Thanks to the new black pigment, this mascara provides instant definition and a stand-out finish that works perfectly for simple, everyday makeup or a full-glam beat. The only downside I've found, though it's a personal preference, is that it's not waterproof, so if you're prone to watery eyes, this mascara can begin to bleed and slip into your undereye area. That said, I did find it lasted all day, from early in the morning to late at night, without any visible change, such as smudging and flaking. However, the water-soluble formula does make the mascara super easy to take off with wipes and cleansers at the end of your day. You can pick up my new favourite mascara directly from Glow For It for £19.99. Or, if you want to try out other serum-infused mascaras, Clarins has this SOS Lashes Serum Mascara for £29.99, while UK Lash offers this Lash Growth Serum + Volume Boost Mascara Set for the slightly higher price point of £45.90. And it's not just me loving this new black Lash Focus Mascara, as plenty of 5-star reviews have already piled in. One satisfied customer shares: "quite easily my favourite mascara i've ever used (i've used so many). this product will keep your lashes looking like falsies. keeps my lashes curled all day. i am a carer and i enjoy feeling pretty, this mascara allows me to feel that. for the first time in my life, i feel naturally beautiful! the mascara, the lash serum, the brand, the employees - this brand is the epitome of perfection. i genuinely could not love a brand more. i will be forever thankful to the lovely daisy, and her team for what they've achieved and put out into the world! if i could recommend one brand for the rest of my life it would be glow for it!" Another buyer beams: "Very fussy with my mascaras and this is the best of the best! Lengthens and provides volume without looking clumpy, even better that it's packed with all the good stuff to help keeping my lashes growing longggg! Love love love, can't say it enough." And a third shares the same sentiment, writing: "So I already use the lash serum so my lashes are so long already. But after using this mascara it just enhanced them so much more. I love this mascara so much, it doesn't clump, it's easy to remove, doesn't weight down my lashes and makes them look much fuller and longer."
The Market Online
5 days ago
- Business
- The Market Online
Cannabis Report: New products, new financing
Glow Lifetech Corp. provided a commercial update highlighting continued progress in scaling its operations and expanding its innovative product portfolio. Glow has commissioned a new automated bottling line to support its growth trajectory and secured a new Ontario product listing for MOD CBG:THC Drops 300, introducing the emerging minor cannabinoid CBG. (Source: Glow Lifetech Corp.) Click here for the full story. 1 | Cannabix Technologies commences first production of BreathLogix alcohol screening devices 2 | High Tide closes on $30 million convertible debt from Cronos Group 3 | Belgravia Hartford announces $5 million convertible secured debenture with Round13 DAF & closes $4 million private placement Top Cannabis Stocks July 11 to July 17, 2025 1. | 7,634 views | Tilray Brands Inc. 2. | 6,198 views | Curaleaf Holdings Inc. 3. | 3,443 views | Medipharm Labs Corp. 4. | 2,554 views | Canopy Growth Corp. 5. | 705 views | Aurora Cannabis Inc. 6. | 549 views | 1933 Industries Inc. The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here. Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Scots podcast host James English has trial date set as he's accused of domestic abuse against pregnant ex
The defence has also previously stated that they may call up to nine witnesses 'ABUSE' CLAIMS Scots podcast host James English has trial date set as he's accused of domestic abuse against pregnant ex Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCOTS podcaster accused of domestic abuse had his trial set today. James English, 42, is claimed to have carried out the offences at a flat in Glasgow's Argyle Street between July 2022 and November 2023. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A case management hearing was held at Glasgow Sheriff Court today Credit: PA Among the 19 allegations is that English attacked the woman, who is a model and influencer, while she was pregnant. He is also claimed to have kept control of aspects of her life, including her money and contact with loved ones. English, of Larkhall, Lanarkshire, shot to fame after he starred in reality TV show Glow. He is also the host of the Anything Goes podcast, which has more than 700,000 subscribers on YouTube. English was excused from attendance today at a case management hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court. He was represented by his lawyer, Calum Weir, who pleaded not guilty on his behalf. Prosecutor Siobhan Currie told the court: "This case is one which has grown arms and legs. "However, I think we are at a stage where we should fix a trial and a full set of dates. "There are one or two things still outstanding." The hearing was told that the Crown are awaiting a statement from a police officer based in Wales, as well as body camera footage. Denise Richards Accuses Husband Aaron Phypers of Domestic Violence Miss Currie added: "The complainer intends to make an application that she wishes to give to give evidence from a court in Wales." The hearing was informed that a trial would have to be set for a request to be officially made by the alleged victim. Mr Weir stated that he is not prepared for trial due to "outstanding material" but agreed for a trial to be fixed. Sheriff Bernard Abblett set a three-day trial for October this year, with a hearing also taking place in September. English had his bail continued meantime. A previous hearing was told that English gave a "no comment" interview to police officers. The defence has also previously stated that they may call up to nine witnesses. Court papers allege that English isolated the woman from her friends and family. He is claimed to have repeatedly contacted her by telephone and sent her threatening and abusive text messages. Another allegation says English repeatedly shouted and swore at her and uttered offensive remarks and threats of violence towards her. It is further claimed he criticised her choice of clothing and controlled what she wore. English is also accused of repeatedly accusing her of being unfaithful. An allegation of violence includes kicking her on the body, causing her to fall off a bed and striking an item of furniture, seizing her on the body and pinning her against a wall. English is also alleged to have searched her belongings for evidence of infidelity and monitored and interrogated her mobile phone for evidence of infidelity. English is claimed to have seized her by the neck, compressed it and pinned her against a door when she was pregnant. He is further alleged to have seized her on the head and pressed his thumbs into her eyebrows, to her injury when she was pregnant. Another claim is that English controlled the amount of money she had access to and repeatedly threatened to withdraw her access to it. English is stated to have driven her on a number of occasions to a train station and, on attending there, drove her home. It is claimed he also provided her with expensive gifts and money and thereafter demanded that she return them to him. English is alleged to have repeatedly threatened to remove a child from her care. Another claim is that English repeatedly criticised her abilities as a mother and refused to let her breastfeed in public. English is alleged to have repeatedly demanded that she delete her social media platforms and restrict her use of social media platforms in an attempt to restrict her financial independence. Another violence claim is that he seized hold of her by her hair and pulled her downwards, which caused her to lose her balance. A further allegation says he struck her on the face with an open hand.
