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7 Shocking Facts About CLOSE YOUR EYES: The K-Pop Group That Embraced The 'BLACKOUT'

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The global K-pop scene has been dramatically reshaped by the arrival of CLOSE YOUR EYES (CYE), a seven-member powerhouse boy group that has quickly transitioned from survival show rookies to fifth-generation trendsetters. Formed through the rigorous JTBC competition *PROJECT 7*, the group—consisting of Minwook, Jingxiang, Yeojun, Sungmin, Seungho, Kenshin, and Kyoungbae—made their highly anticipated debut on April 2, 2025, under the management of UNCORE.

As of December 22, 2025, the group’s trajectory is defined by their bold, recent musical evolution, marked by the release of their third mini-album, *BLACKOUT*. This latest comeback has solidified their status as a global project group, showcasing a diverse lineup with members hailing from South Korea, China, and Japan, and proving that their sound is anything but typical K-pop.

CLOSE YOUR EYES Member Profiles: The Complete CYE Biography

CLOSE YOUR EYES (클로즈 유어 아이즈), often abbreviated as CYE (클유아), is a project group whose name signifies their intention to deliver compelling music that resonates even when not viewed through performance. Their official fanclub is called "CLOSER," a term the members explained means "the people closest to us."

  • Jeon Minwook (전민욱) / J-Min
    • Nationality: Korean
    • Key Fact: Finished 3rd on *PROJECT 7*. He is also a former member of the boy group BAE173. Minwook is known for his rap and lyrical skills.
  • Ma Jingxiang (마징시앙) / Jingxiang
    • Nationality: Chinese
    • Position: Center
    • Birthday: February 16, 2004
    • Key Fact: A well-known figure who previously participated in the Mnet survival show *Boys Planet*. He is recognized as a powerful performer and the group's visual focal point.
  • Jang Yeojun (장여준)
    • Nationality: Korean
    • Key Fact: Ranked 6th in the final lineup of *PROJECT 7*. Yeojun is often praised for his stable vocals and stage presence.
  • Kim Sungmin (김성민)
    • Nationality: Korean
    • Key Fact: Participated in the survival show *PROJECT 7*. Sungmin is a reliable vocalist who contributes significantly to the group's R&B-influenced sound.
  • Song Seungho (송승호)
    • Nationality: Korean
    • Key Fact: One of the core members selected through *PROJECT 7*. Seungho is known for his energetic dancing and powerful stage execution.
  • Sakurada Kenshin (사쿠라다 켄신) / Kenshin
    • Nationality: Japanese
    • Birthday: December 2, 2007
    • Key Fact: The youngest foreign member, Kenshin has drawn attention for his impressive dance skills. His recent absence from a December fansign event sparked considerable fan discussion.
  • Seo Kyoungbae (서경배) / Kyoungbae
    • Nationality: Korean
    • Key Fact: The final member to complete the seven-person lineup. Kyoungbae is noted for his unique vocal color and ability to adapt to various concepts.

The 'BLACKOUT' Era: A Darker, More Mature Concept Shift

CLOSE YOUR EYES made a decisive pivot in their musical direction with the release of their 3rd Mini Album, *BLACKOUT*, on November 11, 2025. This comeback marks a significant shift from the more refreshing, R&B-rooted melodies of their debut EP, *Eternalt*, to a darker, more intense, and complex electronic pop sound.

The concept for *BLACKOUT* is described as a full-force embrace of maturity, exploring themes of hidden desires and complex emotions. The album’s success is a testament to the group’s versatility and their ability to tackle a challenging new image so early in their career.

BLACKOUT Mini-Album Tracklist Breakdown

The six-song EP showcases high-profile collaborations and diverse production talent, significantly boosting the group's topical authority in the global music market.

  • "X" (Title Track): The lead single, "X," is a powerful electronic pop anthem designed to showcase the members' sharper choreography and more potent vocal delivery.
  • "SOB (with Imanbek)": The inclusion of a track featuring Kazakh DJ and producer Imanbek highlights CYE’s global ambitions, blending K-pop with international electronic dance music (EDM) trends.
  • "CHIC": A track that maintains a sophisticated, stylish vibe, likely bridging their older R&B influences with the new dark concept.
  • "2.0": This title suggests a new iteration or upgrade to their sound, reinforcing the group's evolution.
  • "Who's Dat? (Jane Doe)": An intriguing title that hints at a mysterious or narrative-driven B-side, adding depth to the album's overall story.
  • "X (English Ver.)": The inclusion of an English version of the title track is a strategic move to cater directly to their growing international fanbase, the CLOSERs.

From PROJECT 7 to CLOSER: The Foundation of CLOSE YOUR EYES

The foundation of CLOSE YOUR EYES is rooted in the competitive environment of the JTBC survival show, *PROJECT 7*. This program was instrumental in selecting the final seven members, who were chosen for their unique talents and international appeal. The group’s multi-national composition—featuring Korean, Chinese (Ma Jingxiang), and Japanese (Sakurada Kenshin) members—is a key strength, allowing them to connect with a wider global audience.

The debut with the mini-album *Eternalt* established their initial sound, characterized by a smooth blend of R&B and pop. This first chapter was crucial for building a dedicated fanbase, the CLOSERs, who were drawn to the members' chemistry and the group's youthful energy.

Their rapid succession of comebacks and concept changes—from the refreshing debut to the intense *BLACKOUT*—demonstrates UNCORE's aggressive strategy to position CYE as one of the leading fifth-generation K-pop groups. The members, particularly those with prior experience like Jeon Minwook (BAE173) and Ma Jingxiang (*Boys Planet*), bring a level of professionalism and stage experience that accelerates the group's development.

The future for CLOSE YOUR EYES appears bright, with their willingness to explore complex concepts like *BLACKOUT* ensuring they remain a dynamic and unpredictable force in the highly competitive K-pop industry. CLOSERs worldwide are eagerly anticipating what new musical and conceptual territory the group will conquer next.

close your eyes kprofiles
close your eyes kprofiles

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