CLOSE YOUR EYES, Bold Determination: "We Will Show You What Kind of Team We Are" [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

"We want to show what kind of team we are and what kind of stage we perform on." (Jang Yeo-jun)

The group CLOSE YOUR EYES (CLOSE YOUR EYES) has returned with bold determination.

CLOSE YOUR EYES (Jeon Min-wook, Mazing Siang, Jang Yeo-jun, Kim Sung-min, Song Seung-ho, Kenshin, Seo Kyung-bae) released their digital single "OVEREXPOSED" on the 21st and embarked on their comeback. "OVEREXPOSED" is an album that captures the aesthetics of a fleeting moment, like a film burned white, intense yet empty. It expresses the choice to remain in the most radiant form at the moment before disappearing and the emotion of trying to hold onto that moment through music.

Jang Yeo-jun said, "Just as we have shown new faces every time, we are excited to meet fans with a different look this time," and added, "I wonder how fans will accept CLOSE YOUR EYES' changes and what parts they will like." He further stated, "Although it is a digital single, we want to present it beautifully with as much passion and love as our albums have."

He also explained the concept of the new album. Jang Yeo-jun pointed out, "In the past, we showed an intense and fighting image, but this time, the key point is to show a more relaxed and mature image."

This album includes two title tracks: "POSE" and "What If I Miss Love?". The title track "POSE" is a song that modernly reinterprets 2000s hip-hop sounds based on the energy of the Brazilian Baile Funk genre. The included track "What If I Miss Love?" is an R&B song with a vintage sound, singing about the paradoxical anxiety felt at the most dazzling moment of love.

Regarding the first impression of the new song, Jang Yeo-jun said, "Every time I receive a song, I feel like 'there's such a song,' but with this one, I immediately thought it was really good." He added, "The chorus gets stuck in your head addictively, and every single melody line is filled with relaxed charm, making it impressive."

Kim Sung-min said, "At first, I thought it might be difficult to express," and added, "As we practiced repeatedly, the song started to sound better and better, and I became convinced that fans would like it if we performed it this well."

He also added, "As a vocal member, there were difficulties in handling parts with a rap feel, but we raised the quality together with the members."

Regarding what they want to show in this promotion, each member expressed their ambitions. Mazing Siang said, "Since this concept is more relaxed and rhythmic than before, we are focusing on expressions and atmosphere on stage," and added, "We want to show fans new charms not only through dance but also through facial expressions."

Jang Yeo-jun emphasized, "This song is highly addictive, and the choreography also has addictive moves that are key points. As we enter our second year since debut, we will enjoy the stage with a relaxed look and show addictive performances."

When asked about the secret to their strengthened teamwork, they pointed to leader Jeon Min-wook. Seo Kyung-bae reflected on their activities so far, saying, "Watching the older members over the past two years, I felt they became much cooler. The overall image seems to have become more solid. In the past, there were some parts where we were a bit hesitant, but now we have a sense of stability overall."

Song Seung-ho said, "In the past, I didn't speak much, but these days I try to express myself more actively," and added, "I think I have grown because I am able to convey what I want to say a little better."

In response, Jang Yeo-jun added, "Seung-ho was originally a member who was unfamiliar with the camera, but now he is getting closer and showing his charms well."

As for the team's strengths, the members also pointed out the tight teamwork centered around their leader. Seo Kyung-bae said, "Thanks to Min-wook's leadership, the team seems to be able to come together well," and Song Seung-ho added, "Through regular team meetings, we exchange feedback with each other, and our teamwork is getting better and better."

In response, Jeon Min-wook said, "Rather than me leading well, I think the atmosphere where members get along comfortably is a big strength," and added, "We are trying to reduce the distance caused by age differences." He further expressed his wish, "I hope the chemistry that comes naturally will also be well reflected on stage and in broadcasts."

They also shared their goals for this year and their future direction. Regarding this promotion's goal, Jeon Min-wook said, "This year, our goal is to win bigger awards and receive more love," and added, "Since it is a song mixed with Latin genres, we want to be loved by overseas fans as well."

CLOSE YOUR EYES debuted officially last April. They made their presence known immediately upon debut, and their debut album "ETERNALITY" broke 310,000 copies in first-week sales, ranking fifth in history for first-week sales of a boy group debut album.

Furthermore, with the title track "All the Poems and Novels Inside Me," they achieved an unprecedented result by taking first place on music shows in just six days. Amidst such a steep growth trend, the members are setting goals to take another leap forward.

Jang Yeo-jun said, "Through our first solo concert recently, I felt and learned a lot," and added, "After finishing a performance at Olympic Hall in January, I talked with the members and said we want to fill a larger venue, the KSPO DOME. We have set a goal to become a team that can clearly show what kind of team we are."

Jeon Min-wook also expressed expectations for global activities. He said, "Since it is a song mixed with Brazilian funk, we want to be recognized in Brazil as well," and added, "We have done a lot of lyrical music so far, and we want to show that we can handle this genre well too."

In addition, Kenshin said, "Since I am Japanese, I want to stand on the stage of 'Kohaku Uta Gassen,' Japan's representative year-end music broadcast," and added, "Since it is a stage where many K-pop seniors have stood, I am making it a goal for this year and will work hard."

They also shared their thoughts on the first anniversary of their debut, which fell on the 2nd. Kim Sung-min said, "In one year, we released three albums and stood on various award shows and stages, becoming like family with the members," and added, "The time we spend together has become more enjoyable, and as more people cheer for us, the desire to show better stages and songs has grown."

Kenshin said, "Happy times seem to pass very quickly," and added, "We have made many memories with fans, and in the future, we want to create more happiness so that this time will be remembered for a long time rather than being regretful."

Mazing Siang also emphasized, "It feels unbelievable that it's already the first anniversary; time has passed so quickly," and added, "We will work hard to show even better appearances in future comebacks and on stage, and to extend the happiness that fans feel for a longer time."

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*This content was translated by AI.