CLOSE YOUR EYES (also known as CYE) is the next fifth-generation rookie group to look out for! The septet—Minwook, Jingxiang, Yeojun, Sungmin, Seungho, Kenshin and Kyoungbae—released their highly anticipated third mini album ‘blackout’ on Nov. 11. The release arrives shortly after their nomination for Best New Artist at the upcoming MAMA Awards. The ceremony will take place in Hong Kong on Nov. 28 and 29.
That’s not all. 2025 has been a year filled with major milestones and accolades. Their achievements include Brand of the Year Award (Best Male Rookie) at The Fact Music Awards, the New Vision Award at the K-World Dream Awards, and the New Wave Artist at the TikTok Music Awards.
Since then, they have also continued to grow worldwide, capturing attention through breakout tracks like “All My Poetry” and “Snowy Summer.” Following that success, the rising K-pop powerhouse returns with a bold and emotionally charged project that reflects personal growth and artistic evolution. ‘Blackout’ shows their biggest leap as they explore themes of self-transformation, strength and vulnerability through a rich mix of R&B and house-inspired sounds.
What’s on the Album?
The six-track album opens with one of its double title tracks, “X,” which blends R&B with a restrained bassline and diverse synth textures. Written by member Jeon Minwook, the song expresses the determination to break through past limits and move forward. Their second title track, “SOB,” is the group’s first collaboration track with Grammy Award-winning producer Imanbek, who brings heavy bass and house-style drums into the mix.
The energy continues with “CHIC,” a dance-pop track driven by house influences, striking synth arpeggios and an addictive hook that highlights the group’s distinctive and playful personality. “2.0” follows with smooth R&B textures and keyboard layers that transition between halftime and double-time rhythms in the chorus for a pulsing contrast.
Then comes “Who’s Dat? (Jane Doe),” which sensually portrays the allure and mystery of an unidentified dreamscape figure through intriguing falsettos. The album closes with the English version of “X,” giving international fans a new way to connect with the project.
A Rookie Run Like No Other
‘Blackout’ is not only a step forward but also a reflection of how far CLOSE YOUR EYES has come since debuting earlier this year through the JTBC survival show Project 7. Their debut mini album, ‘ETERNALT,’ sold 316,000 units in its first week. They then continued to build momentum with ‘Snowy Summer,’ which sold over 200,000 copies on its first day of release.
During that period, they also brought home wins on SBS M’s The Show and MBC M’s Show Champion. As a result of their success, they won a Music Bank trophy just nine days after their debut, making them the fastest fifth-generation group to win on the show and the second fastest in K-pop history.
Which track from ‘blackout’ is already living rent-free in your mind? Come scream your favorite lyrics with us in the comments below or on our Instagram and Twitter/X!
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Featured Image Credit: Courtesy of Uncore Entertainment
