"We will show you an unexpected change" — Billboard takes notice of 'next-generation K-pop contender' CLOSE YOUR EYES

*This content was translated by AI.

Billboard Korea published an interview featuring the group CLOSE YOUR EYES as the sixth "Billboard Artist" on its official website on the 6th.

The same interview was subsequently posted on Billboard Italy and the U.S. official websites. The interview highlights the group's achievement of setting a record for the highest first-week sales by a debut boy group in 2025 with their third mini-album "blackout," as well as the members' involvement in all aspects of album production, including songwriting, choreography, and styling.

CLOSE YOUR EYES also shared their thoughts on the group's musical direction, teamwork, and global activities. The members stated, "In our next project, we will show fans an unexpected change," and outlined plans to expand work on hip-hop-based tracks and increase their participation in songwriting. They also explained the background behind releasing English and Spanish versions of their songs to communicate with international fans.

CLOSE YOUR EYES began their first solo tour in January, which concluded with performances in Canada, and they are scheduled to meet U.S. fans in October. The members cited concerts as the most memorable moments in the group's journey and expressed their desire to reach even more global fans.

From now until the 9th, CLOSE YOUR EYES will operate a "Billboard Korea Artist Magazine × CLOSE YOUR EYES Pop-up Store" at EverLINE Store, located on the basement level of Seoul Hyundai Outlet Dongdaemun Branch. The pop-up store will feature an artist magazine created in collaboration with CLOSE YOUR EYES and Billboard Korea, along with official merchandise.

Meanwhile, CLOSE YOUR EYES were included in this year's "25 Best K-Pop Songs of 2026 So Far," marking their second consecutive year being selected by Billboard critics for the best K-pop songs of the first half of the year. At various domestic award ceremonies, the group achieved a record-breaking nine rookie awards in 2025, the highest number ever for a debut male idol group.

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*This content was translated by AI.