How CLOSE YOUR EYES’ ‘POSE’ Captures the Essence of Modern Music: A Deep Dive into Their Latest Release

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CLOSE YOUR EYES returns with their first digital single, OVEREXPOSED, a statement of intent. Released about five months after their third mini-album blackout, the single takes its motif from the idea of overexposure—images erased by too much light—and stakes a claim to being seen in the clearest way possible, even in a split second before everything fades.

The group calls the release “an album that powerfully proves CLOSE YOUR EYES at any moment.” That impulse—to preserve moments like photographs even as they slip away—drives the title track, POSE. The song combines the kinetic energy of Brazilian baile funk with a modern take on early-2000s hip-hop, turning a “let’s capture our moments in pictures” refrain into a dynamic hymn to fleeting instants.

The song didn’t come easily. The members navigated an unfamiliar genre, a heavy beat, and the band’s own interpretation, repeatedly recalibrating direction. Song Seung-ho admitted, “At first it felt odd; I wasn’t sure how to bring the song to life.” Through recording, rehearsal and the music-video shoot, they say they gradually absorbed the track’s texture.

The band worried about the gap between the intense beat and their signature voice. They ultimately decided to lean into CLOSE YOUR EYES’ wit and relaxed confidence. “A hard beat could clash with a pure image, so we thought a lot about how to express each moment. We looked for references and wanted something bouncy, but our interpretation aimed for wit and ease,” Kim Seong-min said.

This performance centers on composure and playful swagger. If earlier releases emphasized raw energy, charisma and weight, the new single puts expression itself at the forefront. “Compared with the third album, this track still has energy and charisma, but the focus is on ease and cheekiness. Preparing the stage, we concentrated on how to express each part and how to shape the overall performance,” Jang Yeo-jun said.

The references the group consulted were specific. Members pointed to Song Joong-ki’s character in the drama Vincenzo as an example of mixing gravitas with sly charm. “We also watched international dancers to capture a rhythmic, groovy feel,” Jang added.

Jeon Minwook and Jang Yeo-jun co-wrote all the lyrics, and Kenshin contributed choreography for the title track. Jeon said he paid close attention to the rhythmic effect of pronunciation, given the song’s hip-hop foundations. Though he had prior experience making rap, this time he approached the lyrics with a finer sensitivity to the genre. “I’ve been lucky—older and with more time spent writing—so I focused on pronunciation. In hip-hop, the rhythm of delivery matters, and that strategy seemed to work in our favor,” he said.

Kenshin said he aimed to create poses fans would remember. He’s contributed choreography ideas since the second album and focused this time on moves that match the sound and a signature pose for group photos. “Each comeback the producer gives me chances to try choreography. I studied choreography in school, so I worked to match movements tightly to the sound. I hoped fans would remember it, and I wanted a signature pose for group photos,” he said.

CLOSE YOUR EYES built momentum quickly in its first year—scoring a music-show No. 1 with their debut, holding solo fan meetings and concerts, and performing overseas. Jang said last year’s success pushed them to work harder, and their aim for this digital single is to let more people feel what CLOSE YOUR EYES represents, beyond chasing chart positions.

Though the group originated on a survival show, members try not to frame their project as having a definitive end. They emphasize staying present and valuing the time they spend together. After their solo concert in Korea this January, meeting fans felt more precious than ever.

“When we talk about goals as a group, we try to avoid thinking this is the end. Instead we tell ourselves, ‘Let’s do this and achieve it together.’ After the concert we were so happy that we began dreaming of filling an arena, touring overseas, and meeting more fans,” Jeon Minwook said.

Their first solo concert made the team’s growth tangible. “I was very nervous. We performed our own setlist of only our songs. It brought back feelings from our first album. Locking eyes with fans on stage, we felt their energy, and that gave us strength to want to present better songs and performances,” Song Seung-ho said.

With members from multiple countries, language and age differences come up naturally. Kim Seong-min said his interest in Chinese grew from communicating with fellow members. What began as playful pseudo-Chinese tones won fans over and motivated him to learn. He said he’ll handle part of the remarks with Ma Jingxiang at their Hong Kong concert in May.

Kenshin said he grew close to the older members because they treated him kindly despite the age gap. “I appreciate the hyungs’ kindness. I’m eight years younger than Minwook; in school you’d be super respectful to someone that age. But as we practiced and bonded, we became friends,” he said.

The group points to unvarnished sincerity as its strength. “All seven of us have different characters and personalities, but our raw, uncalculated sides connect to our teamwork,” Jang said—meaning their colors become clearer when distinct charms blend naturally rather than collide.

The members described different personal appeals. Song Seung-ho wants to combine rap power with an approachable warmth toward fans. Ma Jingxiang highlighted his low voice, stage presence, and quirky, playful side as a contrast. Jeon Minwook shyly described himself as more balanced than a large hexagon—favoring equilibrium over size.

Despite a strong exterior, Jang Yeo-jun said he can also be careless and delicate. “On the surface I might seem rough, but I can be sloppy, warm, and very attentive to people,” he said. Kim Seong-min cited thoughtful fan communication—sending themed messages that feel like monthly boyfriend updates—while Kenshin called his honest emotions—smiling when happy, crying when sad—his appeal.

Maknae Seo Kyung-bae joined without the typical trainee path, so his starting point was different. He had to adapt quickly to stages and cameras, which was stressful, but the members see raw friendliness and natural energy in him. Seo said he prefers to approach fans like friends rather than keep them at a distance.

“I find myself naturally acting comfortably around people. I try to be approachable,” he said, naming natural intimacy as his strength. The members added that Seo shows little stage anxiety, uses expressive facial work, and radiates a relaxed ease when he’s enjoying himself.

Leader Jeon Minwook reflected on the past year while preparing the album and opened up about lingering doubts. “I still have regrets and I think a lot about what comes next. The members gave their best; I wish I had helped them enjoy things more and be less hurt. I used to think if I gave the right answer they’d be fine, but I realize I may have only offered answers without considering how they felt. Going forward, even without a single right answer, if we enjoy ourselves I think we can reach our goals together,” he said.

As soon as Jeon finished, Ma Jingxiang expressed gratitude. Though Jeon isn’t talkative, Ma said he notices details and helps when needed. “It moves me. He’s not chatty, but he sees what we need. Even when he was struggling, he helped me,” Ma said.

Finally, the members shared their resolve for this promotion. As their first digital single and their first activity after the one-year mark, they want to give back the love fans have shown them. “We always bring new genres and music, and our fans love us no matter what. We want to return the happiness we’ve received. We’ll enjoy these promotions,” Seo Kyung-bae said.

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