CLOSE YOUR EYES Debuts with 'ETERNALT': A Literary Boy Group Captivates Fans with Poetic R&B
The Birth of CLOSE YOUR EYES: From Survival Show to Debut Stage
The seven-member multinational boy group CLOSE YOUR EYES (CYE) has finally made their highly anticipated debut with their first mini-album 'ETERNALT' on April 2, 2025. The group, formed through JTBC's survival show 'Project 7', consists of members Jeon Min-wook, Ma Jingxiang, Jang Yeo-jun, Kim Sung-min, Song Seung-ho, Kenshin, and Seo Kyoung-bae.
The name 'CLOSE YOUR EYES' carries a meaningful concept - they aim to present music that's persuasive not only through visible performances but also when listeners close their eyes and simply listen. They aspire to be idols that fans imagine whenever they close and open their eyes, creating a lasting impression that strengthens with each encounter.
Their journey began on the reality competition series 'Project 7', which aired from October to December 2024. The show brought together 98 contestants from around the world, including South Korea, China, Japan, Thailand, Ukraine, the United States, and Australia. After a competitive process, these seven talented individuals emerged as the final lineup, signing with Uncore, a new label jointly formed by SLL and YG Plus.
Meet the Members: A Diverse and Talented Lineup
Each member of CLOSE YOUR EYES brings unique talents and experiences to the group:
- Jeon Min-wook previously debuted in the boy group BAE173 in 2020, bringing valuable industry experience.
- Ma Jingxiang, from Chongqing, China, ranked first in the final lineup and was formerly a member of the Chinese pre-debut group Midsummer Cubs (2019-2022). He also participated in the survival show 'Boys Planet'.
- Jang Yeo-jun competed in MBC's 'Extreme Debut: Wild Idol' in 2021 and later in 'Boys Planet' in 2023.
- Kim Sung-min brings his vocal talents and charismatic stage presence to the group.
- Song Seung-ho captivates with his performance skills and visual appeal.
- Kenshin (Sakurada Kenshin), the Japanese member, has been turning heads with his pink hair and charming presence.
- Seo Kyoung-bae has impressed fans with his exceptional vocal abilities despite not having been part of an agency before, and also shows potential as a main dancer.
'ETERNALT': A Literary Debut Album
The group's first mini-album 'ETERNALT' contains eight tracks, showcasing their musical versatility and artistic vision. The album's concept revolves around eternity and timelessness, themes that are reflected in both the music and visual aesthetics.
Their debut showcase was held on April 2 at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, where they introduced themselves to the public and performed their new songs. The event marked the official beginning of their journey as CLOSE YOUR EYES, allowing fans to experience their music and performances firsthand.
The physical album comes in a photobook version with impressive packaging that includes a 136-page photo book, stickers, an envelope, poster, photo cards, and CD. This attention to detail in their debut release demonstrates Uncore's commitment to establishing CLOSE YOUR EYES as a significant presence in the K-pop industry.
Title Track Review: 'All Poems and Novels in Me'
The title track 'All Poems and Novels in Me' (내 안의 모든 시와 소설은) is a 2000s retro R&B style song featuring lyrical expressions of feelings toward an inspirational counterpart. The track creates an interesting contrast between sincere, delicate love lyrics and mature musical production. Member Jeon Min-wook participated in the rap making, adding authenticity to the song.
The music video teaser released prior to their debut showcased the members' visuals in cinematic close-up shots. Scenes of them playing in water and enjoying food together are complemented by the sensual beat and melody of the song. Particularly striking moments include Jang Yeo-jun floating in the air as if time had stopped and Seo Kyung-bae flying backward as if time were moving in reverse, creating a visually captivating narrative.
The multilingual lyrics of the song (featured in Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish) reflect the group's multinational composition and global aspirations. The poetic nature of the lyrics aligns perfectly with their concept as 'literary boys who write love poorly' yet sincerely.
Fan and Community Reactions
Even before their official debut, CLOSE YOUR EYES had already garnered significant attention from K-pop enthusiasts worldwide. The debut trailer for 'ETERNALT' received enthusiastic responses on platforms like Reddit, with fans praising the aesthetic direction and the cohesion among members.
One Reddit user commented: "This looks fantastic, and I'm really into the aesthetic! As I anticipated during the panic over the lineup following Project 7, everything turned out to be just fine." Another noted: "The group members exhibit remarkable cohesion; it's hard to believe they originated from a survival program rather than being assembled in a conventional manner."
Fans have particularly praised Lee Haein's creative direction for the group, with comments like "LEE HAEIN is absolutely nailing the creative direction! I'm beyond thrilled!" The dreamy, boyish concept has resonated well with the audience, setting them apart in the competitive K-pop landscape.
There's also been significant praise for the members' vocal abilities, especially Kyoungbae and Minwook. As one fan noted: "Kyoungbae and Minwook truly excelled with their vocal performance. There was quite a bit of worry after we had to let go of several talented vocalists during the finals of P7, but I'm genuinely impressed by Kyoungbae."
What Sets CLOSE YOUR EYES Apart
In an industry saturated with new idol groups, CLOSE YOUR EYES distinguishes themselves through several key factors:
1. Their literary concept: The group positions themselves as 'literary boys,' incorporating poetic elements into their music and identity.
2. Multinational composition: With members from South Korea, China, and Japan, they appeal to a diverse international audience.
3. Experienced members: Several members bring prior industry experience, contributing to a more polished debut.
4. Unique sound: Their retro R&B style with literary lyrics creates a distinctive musical identity.
5. Strong pre-debut following: Thanks to 'Project 7,' they already have an established fanbase eager to support their journey.
The group has also demonstrated their performance capabilities before their official debut, having performed at the 39th Golden Disc Awards in January 2025 with the song "Time After Time" from 'Project 7.'
Future Prospects and Expectations
As CLOSE YOUR EYES embarks on their journey in the K-pop industry, expectations are high for their future activities. Their three-year contract with Uncore suggests a focused period of promotions ahead, during which they'll likely release multiple albums and participate in various shows and events.
Some fans have expressed hopes that Uncore will increase promotional efforts to help the group reach their full potential, particularly with international audiences. As one Reddit user commented: "I do hope UNCORE increases their promotional efforts. They have immense potential to attract an international audience."
With their unique concept, diverse talents, and the momentum from their survival show, CLOSE YOUR EYES has positioned themselves as a promising new addition to the K-pop landscape. Their debut with 'ETERNALT' marks just the beginning of what could be an impactful presence in the industry.
As they continue to develop their identity and showcase their abilities, many fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see how these seven talented individuals grow together as CLOSE YOUR EYES.