"Rather than achievements, I believe a sincere heart is more important. If your heart is in the right place, the results will follow naturally." — Jeon Minwook
CLOSE YOUR EYES (abbreviated CLY) was formed through JTBC's survival show Project 7. After competing for about three months, the members finally came together as one team.
Their debut came quickly, and their results followed suit. Just six days after debut, they won 1st place on a music show. Their first mini album sold over 310,000 copies in its first week, the 6th highest debut sales among boy groups in history.
Now, they're approaching just 100 days since debut. It's easy to get carried away at this stage—but CLY remains grounded, reminding themselves of the long journey it took to get here.
Leader Jeon Minwook had previous debut experience, but chose to return to trainee life in search of a new start. Ma Jingxiang took on the Project 7 challenge after being eliminated on Boys Planet, and Jang Yeojoon also competed on Extreme Debut: Wild Idol and Boys Planet—this was his third survival program.
Despite the team's fast-track debut, the members have not forgotten the desperation and dedication that brought them here.
◆ Comeback Marks Growth
Close Your Eyes made a swift comeback with their second mini album Snowy Summer, which includes four tracks. The album tells a playful story of the members becoming ghosts.
"Unlike typical summer songs, we imagined what it would be like if it snowed in the middle of summer. Like 'Christmas in July,' we wanted to bring a cooling, refreshing feeling. We contrasted the imagery of snow and heat to create a unique summer song."
— Jeon Minwook
This comeback highlights their growth.
Seo Kyungbae shared:
"We were awkward during our debut promotions—rushing to find the camera and trying hard to keep up with the choreography and vocals. But this time, we'll show a much more confident version of ourselves."
Jang Yeojoon added:
"Through our debut promotions and fan meetings, we improved a lot. This time, it's not just about looking good on stage—we're delivering a message."
Minwook emphasized their appreciation for fans:
"We won first place just six days after debut. That was such a special gift from our fans, and we worked even harder on this comeback to repay their support."
◆ Powerful Performance Ahead
This comeback features double title tracks. Paint Candy is a danceable R&B track with a new jack swing vibe and a quirky theme of "paint candy."
Up to now, CLY has focused on medium-tempo R&B with soft and emotional tones—songs you could listen to comfortably "even with your eyes closed," as their name suggests. But Paint Candy flips that concept.
The choreography is intense—so much so that all members agreed it was "brutal." Despite this being only their second album, they're taking on new musical challenges.
"As our name suggests, our identity is rooted in easy listening. Paint Candy has a strong performance aspect, but it's also easy on the ears. It's a track that satisfies many different tastes."
— Jeon Minwook
"This song proves we can do more than just one thing. We're not saying 'We'll only do easy listening'—we're saying 'We'll make good music.' And this is proof of our versatility."
— Jeon Minwook
◆ Ghostly Imagination
Their second title track, Snowy Summer, brings the group's original colors to the forefront with a warm house-style pop R&B sound. The playful contrast of snow in summer delivers a unique charm.
"This track best represents the album's theme. I sang it with the thought, 'What if snow really fell on a hot summer day—wouldn't that cool us down?'"
— Jeon Minwook
There were even spooky moments while filming for the album.
Jang Yeojoon recalled:
"While filming a performance video at a construction site, I saw someone watching us from a bridge—but when I looked again, no one was there."
He added:
"During a break, our hairstylist did my hair. Then about three minutes later, she started again. I asked, 'Didn't you already do this?' and she looked at me like she didn't remember. I got chills."
"There's a saying that if you see a ghost during comeback prep, your album will be a hit. So now I actually hope it really was a ghost. Haha."
— Jang Yeojoon
◆ Music That's Truly Theirs
Producer Lee Haein, known for her work with KISS OF LIFE, oversaw the album's production—her second collaboration with CLY following their debut.
"For our debut album, she created songs based on the image she saw of us on TV. This time, she got to know us individually and tailored the songs to match our personalities."
— Jang Yeojoon
But the members don't want to rely solely on a producer. Their goal is clear: "To perform the music we create ourselves."
"I've always been interested in songwriting. I believe the person who writes the song is best equipped to convey its emotions. We want to share our thoughts and experiences through our music."
— Jeon Minwook
Members also tried contributing to the album credits.
Jang Yeojoon said:
"I tried writing lyrics for the B-side Bubble Tea in My Left Hand, but it didn't make the final cut."
"We don't want our songs included just because a member wrote them. The trial-and-error process is important. We'll keep trying. At least Kenshin's choreography idea made it into the Paint Candy chorus!"
— Jang Yeojoon
◆ Hearts Full of Desperation
Though they're quickly gaining success, Close Your Eyes is still just approaching their 100th day. Instead of getting swept up in excitement, the members chose to reflect on their journey—and leading the way is their eldest, Jeon Minwook.
Jang Yeojoon shared:
"Minwook-hyung always tells us, 'Every schedule is a precious opportunity—don't take it lightly.' He shares wisdom from his experience, and we trust him completely."
Minwook emphasized:
"We don't want to be a group that just follows orders. We believe we're representing the dreams of the 193 contestants from Project 7. Many talented people never get to stand on stage. That's why we must be more desperate and more grateful."
"Whether Project 7 lasts three years or longer, achieving good results is important—but never forgetting our original mindset is even more important. If we give it our all, the outcome will come naturally."
— Jeon Minwook
Their goal for this album is to reach a broader audience.
"Our debut was successful, but now we want more people to know who Close Your Eyes is. We also hope to repay our fans' love with this album."
— Jeon Minwook
100 Days of Debut—Members Reflect:
"I still remember the moment I was called as a CLY member—it feels like yesterday. It's hard to believe it's already been 100 days. Every moment has become nourishment for us. I want to keep building a meaningful career with no regrets."
— Jang Yeojoon
"After debuting, there were a lot of things I struggled to get used to. But through our first album and preparing for the second, I've gained more experience. I'm ready to move forward."
— Seo Kyungbae
"I'm so thankful to our fans—and to our members. Even when I lacked skills, they helped me a lot. There were tough times, but I want to work harder and lean on each other."
— Ma Jingxiang
"It feels like Project 7 just ended, but here we are—100 days in. Thanks to our fans who believed in us, we were able to make a comeback. We'll keep growing with gratitude."
— Song Seungho
"I'm surprised at how much we've grown in just 100 days. We'll keep working hard to spread the name Close Your Eyes far and wide."
— Kim Sungmin
"These past 100 days with our fans have been so joyful. I still vividly remember when we took first place on a music show. I'll do my best to become an even better idol!"
— Kenshin
"Looking back, I think we've done really well. Though our time together has been short, we quickly became united. We'll keep showing our best with one heart."
— Jeon Minwook
