Image credit: Uncore Entertainment
The rising stars of fifth-generation K-pop, CLOSE YOUR EYES, are stepping boldly into a new era with their third mini album, blackout — a fearless and emotionally charged project that pushes their artistry to new heights. Known for their seamless blend of modern R&B, house-inspired soundscapes, and cinematic visuals, the seven-member group continues to cement themselves as one of the most exciting acts shaping the next wave of K-pop.
Fresh off their 2025 MAMA Awards nomination for “Best New Artist,” CLOSE YOUR EYES are proving that their explosive debut year was only the beginning. The recognition caps off a string of milestones that includes The Fact Music Awards’ “Hottest Award,” Brand of the Year’s “Rookie Male Idol,” K-WORLD DREAM AWARDS’ “New Vision Award,” and TikTok Music Awards’ “New Wave Artist.”
Redefining Boundaries Through Sound
At its core, blackout is about reinvention — confronting one’s shadows and transforming through them. The album unfolds like an emotional narrative, tracing the group’s evolution from youthful intensity to self-assured maturity.
Opening track “X” sets the tone with pulsing R&B rhythms and a restrained bassline that builds into a soaring declaration of resilience. The lyrics, penned by member Jeon Min-wook, capture the group’s drive to break past personal limits and embrace growth.
A Global Touch and a Sonic Glow-Up
blackout thrives on experimentation. The standout collaboration “SOB,” featuring Grammy Award-winning producer Imanbek, fuses heavy bass and house-style drums for a hypnotic club-ready anthem. In contrast, “CHIC” shines with playful synth arpeggios and a bright, infectious hook that embodies the group’s signature duality — sleek yet mischievous.
The track “2.0” dives deeper into R&B textures, switching between halftime and double-time rhythms to mirror emotional push and pull. Then comes “Who’s Dat (Jane Doe),” a sultry, dreamlike closer that leaves listeners lingering in its falsetto haze — before the album wraps with an English version of “X,” expanding their reach to global listeners.
From “Project 7” to Phenomenon
Formed through JTBC’s survival program “Project 7,” CLOSE YOUR EYES debuted on April 2, 2025, with their first mini album, ETERNALT, which sold an impressive 316,000 copies in its first week. Their follow-up, Snowy Summer, saw even faster momentum, moving over 200,000 copies on release day and earning multiple music show trophies — including simultaneous wins on SBS M’s The Show and MBC M’s Show Champion.
Just nine days after their debut, they achieved a Music Bank win, marking them as the fastest fifth-generation group to do so and the second fastest group in K-pop history.
A Bright Future Beyond the “blackout”
With blackout, CLOSE YOUR EYES showcase a rare combination of emotional honesty, musical sophistication, and global ambition. It’s a statement that the group — already armed with accolades and a growing international fandom — isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
If ETERNALT was the spark and Snowy Summer was the ascent, then blackout is the ignition point — a declaration of identity and intent. CLOSE YOUR EYES are no longer just rookies to watch; they’re artists defining what the future of K-pop can sound like.
