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Formed through TV competition, rookie band presents ambitious debut album
Another rookie boy band formed through a TV competition has made an ambitious debut, full of dreams to share its own music and story.
Close Your Eyes — a seven-member boy band consisting of Jeon Min-wook, Ma Jingxiang, Jang Yeo-jun, Kim Sung-min, Song Seung-ho, Kenshin and Seo Kyoung-bae — is a multinational group that debuted through JTBC’s “Project 7,” which aired from October to December 2024.
“Our team name holds the meaning of delivering music that remains compelling even when you close your eyes, as well as a commitment to show our growth every time our fans blink,” explained Jeon Min-wook, the 25-year-old leader of the group, at a press conference Wednesday.
The debut album is titled “EternalT,” a combination of “Eternal” and “Time,” to reflect the group’s wish to share an everlasting time with their fans.
The album consists of eight diverse tracks, including main track “All My Poetry,” a sentimental retro R&B song, refreshing pop-rock number “How to Dance,” easy-listening pop track “Laid Back” and the acoustic-driven “Stay 4 Good.”
The band described “All My Poetry” as a song that contrasts youthful, sentimental lyrics with a calm and mature melody. Producer Lee Hae-in, known for producing girl group Kiss of Life, took charge of the album’s production and provided each of the bandmates with ample opportunities to participate in the album-making process.
Jeon contributed on raps for the main track, while Jang Yeo-jun, 19, participated in choreographing the performance. “It was an honor to be involved in producing the main track of our debut album,” shared Jeon. “Since the lyrics are sentimental and the melody is emotional, I focused on bringing out those feelings in my rap as well.”
“The performance is designed with an emphasis on storytelling rather than synchronized choreography. There’s a part in the chorus where we hold our clothes in our mouths, so I hope people pay special attention to that part,” said Jang.
Before debuting, Jeon and Ma Jingxiang went through ups and downs. Jeon previously debuted with eight-member group Bae173 in 2020. Then after joining the debut team through “Project 7,” he became embroiled in controversy regarding whether he would continue activities with his original team, eventually leaving Bae173.
“There are a lot of emotions that come with redebuting, but what’s important is that I’ve always drawn strength from my fans and I’ve carried out my activities with the mindset of giving that love back. So rather than saying things have changed, I’d like to say that I’m consistently working hard for my fans,” said Jeon.
Chinese member Ma Jingxiag, 21, previously appeared on Mnet’s TV competition “Boys Planet” in 2023, but was not a finalist. “Although I didn’t debut through ‘Boys Planet,’ I gained many fans through that program. I’m so grateful to the fans who continued to wait for me and support me,” he said.
Having endured fierce competition and rigorous training, Close Your Eyes is now set to showcase its performances, relying on strong teamwork.
Kim Sung-min, 19, expressed, “I hope people recognize Close Your Eyes for its unique charm, something that sets us apart from existing K-pop groups.”
Jang added, “I want us to become a group that people look forward to. I believe having something to anticipate is what keeps fans and industry professionals by our side.”
The youngest member, Seo Kyoung-bae, 16, shared his hopes for the group’s music: “If I had a goal, it would be for our songs to linger in someone’s ears all day and even appear in their dreams. If that happens, I’d feel like our music has truly been acknowledged by the public.”
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