Close Your Eyes Unleash Third Mini-Album Blackout Amidst Explosive Career Growth

South Korean sensation Close Your Eyes, a group forged in late 2024 through JTBC’s global survival program Project 7, officially dropped their highly anticipated third mini-album, titled Blackout, on November 11, 2025. This release marks a distinct stylistic pivot for the septet. Moving away from the "literary boys" concept that defined their initial works, Blackout embraces a sophisticated sound infused with elements of R&B and house-oriented dance music, signaling a mature evolution in their artistry.

Managed by Uncore, a newly established label joint venture between SLL and YG PLUS, Close Your Eyes debuted just months earlier, on April 2, 2025, with their first mini-album, Eternalt. They swiftly followed up with their second release, Snowy Summer, in July 2025. The centerpiece of the new album is the title track, X, penned by member Jeong Min-wook. The song encapsulates the theme of overcoming personal boundaries, perfectly aligning with the group's newly adopted, bolder image. Blackout features a total of six compositions, including tracks such as Chic, 2.0, Who's Dat, and an English language version of X.

A particularly notable inclusion on the tracklist is the collaboration track, SOB. This song was created alongside Grammy Award-winning producer Imanbek, who gained global recognition for his remix of Roses, which has amassed over one billion streams on Spotify. SOB stands out due to its pronounced bass rhythm and house-style percussion. Furthermore, member Kenshin contributed directly to the development of the song's choreography, emphasizing the group's comprehensive involvement in their creative output.

During the press showcase held on November 11 in Western Seoul, member Seo Kyeong-bae articulated the significance of the new record. He emphasized that Blackout serves as a powerful demonstration of the group’s versatility and ambitious scope, clearly signifying their transition toward a more confident and charismatic style that resonates strongly with contemporary global trends.

Since their April 2025 debut, Close Your Eyes has achieved remarkable commercial success. Their inaugural mini-album, Eternalt, exceeded 316,000 copies sold in its first week alone. This impressive figure underscores the strength of the dedicated fanbase cultivated through audience voting during the rigorous Project 7 competition. The seven-member ensemble, which includes leader Ma Jing-xiang (who secured first place in the show) and Jeong Min-wook (who finished third), has rapidly garnered critical acclaim across various music programs.

The group’s achievements in the competitive music scene are substantial. They have already secured first-place wins on major shows, including SBS M’s The Show and MBC M’s Show Champion. Setting a new benchmark for the fifth generation of K-pop groups, Close Your Eyes clinched a victory on KBS’s Music Bank a mere nine days after their debut, establishing a record for the fastest win. Their rapid ascent has also earned them a nomination for Best New Artist at the upcoming MAMA Awards 2025, scheduled to take place in Hong Kong.

Close Your Eyes was assembled from a pool of 98 participants hailing from across the globe, including representatives from South Korea, China, Japan, and Australia. The reality show that formed the group aired from October to December 2024. The group operates under a three-year contract with Uncore. Member Jang Yeo-jun, who previously participated in three different survival shows, highlighted the group's determination to convey the concept of having no limitations through this latest release.

Looking ahead, the group is preparing for their highly anticipated first concert, scheduled for January next year, with confirmed stops in major Japanese cities: Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Blackout not only marks a significant sonic shift but firmly establishes Close Your Eyes as a formidable force in the global music landscape, proving that their initial success was merely the prologue to a much larger narrative.