By admin 
HangupsMusic.com – Seoul, The narrative of K-pop sensation CLOSE YOUR EYES unfolds not as a linear story but as a captivating anthology, each chapter revealing deeper layers of their artistry and the distinct personalities of its seven members. Since their triumphant emergence from the competitive crucible of the survival show Project 7, the group has embarked on a remarkable journey of sonic exploration, consistently redefining their identity while maintaining an unwavering core that resonates powerfully with their growing global fanbase.
Their debut in April 2025 with the mini-album ETERNALT immediately marked them as artists of depth and introspection. The record, steeped in a distinctive narrative style and rich acoustic textures, introduced the world to a "literary-boy" concept that set them apart. Tracks like the opening "CLOSE YOUR EYES" utilized acoustic guitar to craft an ethereal and evocative soundscape, inviting listeners into a world of poetic sensibility. This foundational aesthetic was significantly shaped by the acclaimed singer-songwriter and former Big Hit Music producer, ADORA. Known for her masterful touch on hits like BTS’s "Spring Day" and TXT’s "Our Summer," ADORA’s guidance was instrumental in sculpting the group’s initial artistic persona. SEO KYOUNGBAE fondly recalls the intensive five-hour recording session for "To the Woods," a testament to ADORA’s meticulous approach and the members’ dedication to internalizing the emotional nuances of their early repertoire. Her mentorship provided not only vocal coaching but also invaluable lessons in interpreting the atmosphere of their songs, laying a crucial groundwork for their expressive range.
The group’s evolution, however, was swift and deliberate. Their second offering, Snowy Summer, pivoted to explore themes pertinent to adolescence, capturing the fleeting emotions and vibrant energy of youth with a magnetic title track that cemented their versatility. But it was their third mini-album, blackout, that truly signaled a pivotal shift. This record propelled CLOSE YOUR EYES into a realm of faster, more electronic rhythms, demonstrating a bold willingness to experiment. The strategic choice paid dividends, with blackout selling an astounding 570,000 copies in its first week, a monumental achievement that, at the time, set the benchmark for male groups debuting in 2025. This commercial success was not merely a stroke of luck but a validation of their artistic courage.
Group leader JEON MINWOOK articulates the motivation behind this transformation, explaining, "We wanted to show a new side of us. I was looking for music in a variety of genres, and then I got to work with Imanbek. He was very interested in K-pop, so I thought, ‘If we work with him, we might be able to do something new in the existing scene, not only as CLOSE YOUR EYES, but also with a style that is quite foreign to K-pop.’" This collaboration with the renowned Kazakh producer injected a fresh, unconventional sound into their discography, pushing the boundaries of what was expected from a K-pop act.
Crucially, blackout also marked a significant increase in the members’ active participation in the creative process. KIM SUNGMIN highlights the indispensable role of their creative director, LEE HAEIN, who has been a constant presence since their inception. "Every time we release an album, she involves us in many activities, such as writing the lyrics, coming up with the choreography and even taking care of the styling," SUNGMIN explains. "With every comeback we learn something more about how to define an artistic direction." This hands-on approach has fostered a profound sense of ownership and artistic growth, allowing the members to articulate their evolving identities more clearly. As KYOUNGBAE reflects, "I think we know how to express ourselves more clearly. Also, we did a lot of cover performances at awards ceremonies, and that helped us to understand new genres and concepts better. We have a clearer idea of who we are now."
This continuous stylistic excursion is not an arbitrary pursuit; it is guided by a singular purpose: connecting with their audience. JANG YEOJUN succinctly states their compass needle always points towards creating "songs that fans love to listen to." MINWOOK echoes this sentiment, emphasizing, "I think that, regardless of the type of music we put out, the message may vary depending on the type of songs and genres, but whatever we do, we stay true to ourselves." This unwavering commitment to authenticity is remarkably evident in their latest digital single, "OVEREXPOSED," released on April 21. Despite venturing into the vibrant, pulsating rhythms of Latin baile funk for the first time, the track instantly identifies itself as unmistakably CLOSE YOUR EYES, a testament to their ability to infuse diverse genres with their unique sonic signature. SUNGMIN enthusiastically recommends "POSE," a standout from "OVEREXPOSED," for its infectious energy, envisioning fans dancing along and finding solace in its vibrant beat during their daily commutes or moments of low spirits.
Beyond the music itself, CLOSE YOUR EYES has made significant strides in their performance, with choreography evolving into a sophisticated language that transcends verbal communication. KENSHIN, a Japanese member, eloquently articulates this philosophy: "Dance goes beyond verbal language. Although control in choreography is important, I think facial expression is even more so. Coming from another country, there are moments when I can’t express myself with words in the way I’d like to. Through body language, that difficulty disappears." This perspective highlights the crucial role of performance as a universal medium, particularly for KENSHIN, who initially faced a language barrier in Korea. The strong bond within the group proved vital, with members providing unwavering support. MA JINGXIANG confides in MINWOOK, seeking his mature counsel during challenging times, illustrating the profound sense of camaraderie and leadership that underpins their collective strength.
Their ambition extends far beyond domestic borders. CLOSE YOUR EYES has recorded English and Spanish versions of some singles, a clear indicator of their global aspirations. YEOJUN explains, "We set no limits for ourselves. Being a band that aims to keep improving, we want to reach as many people as possible. There are fans who support us and speak other languages. For them, we are ready to put ourselves to the test." This readiness to embrace linguistic diversity underscores their dedication to fostering a truly inclusive and expansive connection with their fanbase, affectionately known as "Closers."
The most tangible manifestation of this global reach is their first headlining tour, which commenced in January. For YEOJUN, this tour represents the realization of a lifelong dream. "When I was little and watched K-pop star interviews, they always talked about how important concerts were. That’s why I was always curious to understand what it feels like to be on stage in front of fans," he shares, his voice tinged with genuine emotion. "For me, the shows are the most memorable moments of our journey, and I hope they are for the Closers too, and that they carry lasting memories with them as well." The tour has already taken them to Canada, with a highly anticipated United States leg slated for October. KENSHIN expresses profound gratitude for these international experiences: "We are truly moved by the fact that, regardless of the language spoken by the audience, we still manage to find a way to understand each other. When we are on tour in another country, we try to learn and find out as much as possible about their culture, their food and their language."
Before each exhilarating performance, the group engages in a unique ritual, a playful inside joke rooted in KENSHIN’s Japanese origins. The Korean word "힘" (him), meaning "strength," was often mispronounced by KENSHIN as "히미" (himi). This endearing slip-up transformed into a cherished good-luck charm, with the members repeating "히미히미" (himi himi) to energize themselves before stepping onto the stage. SONG SEUNGHO acknowledges both the immense joy and challenges of live performances: "The best thing about live tours is performing the songs for the Closers. There are some we haven’t played in a while, and others we are performing for the very first time, and it’s wonderful to see their reaction. The biggest challenge is that, this being our first live tour, it can be difficult to manage a long-running performance. The challenge is keeping the fans engaged throughout." JINGXIANG singles out their debut single, "All My Poetry," as the most beautiful track to perform live, as it transports them back to their nascent days. Conversely, "SOB" stands out as the most demanding, requiring an explosive surge of energy to master its intensity on stage.
Looking ahead, CLOSE YOUR EYES hints at even more dramatic transformations. MINWOOK, with a tantalizing smile, describes "OVEREXPOSED" as merely an appetizer, promising an "unexpected" and "truly new" direction for their next project. He offers a tantalizing hint regarding genre: "I would really love to make hip-hop-inspired music together with the group. In terms of being increasingly involved in the writing process, it is the genre par excellence where you write the lyrics yourself. I am trying to dedicate more and more time to songwriting, and even though the results aren’t quite there yet, I keep trying." This ambition for greater creative control and genre diversification speaks volumes about their relentless pursuit of artistic evolution.
The members also harbor dreams of future collaborations. KYOUNGBAE expresses a keen interest in working with LAUV, while SUNGMIN envisions a full-circle moment, hoping to collaborate with Peter Manos, whose track "In My Head" served as his alarm sound for many years. These aspirations underscore their diverse musical tastes and open-mindedness.
As CLOSE YOUR EYES continues to pen new chapters in their unfolding story, predicting their next move remains a delightful challenge. MINWOOK’s ultimate vision encapsulates their enduring bond and shared purpose: "If I close my eyes, I picture the seven of us singing while looking into each other’s eyes. My dream is that we can keep doing that, happily, for a long time to come." Indeed, the beauty of their journey lies in its boundless potential. With every beat, every lyric, and every performance, CLOSE YOUR EYES invites their audience to close their eyes and imagine every possible, extraordinary future alongside them.
