CLOSE YOUR EYES Captures Hearts and Leaves Lasting Impression at their New York City Debut

Photos: Jean Libert

If you've been sleeping on CLOSE YOUR EYES, it's time to wake up. Formed through JTBC's Project 7, CLOSE YOUR EYES, made up of Jeon Minwook, Ma Jingxiang, Jang Yeojun, Kim Sungmin, Song Seungho, Sakurada Kenshin, and Seo Kyoungbae debuted last year with "All My Poetry," a song whose vocals, emotional delivery, and touching message transformed the group from survival-show favorites into one of the most talked-about rookie acts of 2025. As the final U.S. stop of their debut Beyond Your Eyes Tour, CLOSE YOUR EYES arrived on November 2 at the Melrose Ballroom in New York to fans who were lined up around the block. The venue was filled to capacity and by the time the opening VCR ended, deafening cheers filled the air welcoming the septet to their first New York show.

As they walked onstage in a line, the first notes of "Close Your Eyes" filled the air and the voices that had just filled the venue softened. High-energy openers have become the norm, but there was something fitting about beginning the night with a song filled with poetry and promise instead of heavy beats and choreo. Bathed in soft light, the seven members stood and sang their namesake while breathing lyrics encouraging the audience to open their eyes to what was about to unfold. 

The opening beats of "X" immediately changed things up. Lining up behind each other, Kyoungbae and Minwook opened the choreography. Their charismatic presence set its tone, showcasing killer moves with inherent sensuality. The choreography was crisp as members moved with confidence amongst the fast changing formations. The song’s heavy beats were at times affected by speaker distortion, but this couldn’t phase them as the energy really went to the max. The high energy continued into “2.0” and “POSE,” where the catchy lyrics especially hit with Jingxiang's deep voice and Kenshin’s charismatic rap lines and moves. The upbeat sequence of songs had the floor moving and energy on high.

“To The Woods” started like its performance video with Kyoungbae's killer solo opening unfolding as everyone rose around him. Though the maknae of the group, he’s proved to be a natural all-rounder with the visuals and moves to match. Though brief, his moves grabbed eyes before Minwook's vocals took over. Not to be overlooked are Yeojun’s moves and vocals when he takes center stage and the group's overall chemistry as they flow through the airy mid-tempo track. The vibe shifted again with “Open Your Eyes” that started with Kenshin’s killer dance solo. Aside from his alarmingly adorable smile, his agility and dance moves have also made him a lethal force in this group.

With jackets off, it was time for "All My Poetry." Their debut track was widely well received with many surprised on how good the song was for a newly formed group. Kenshin’s finger pointing choreo on cue and Sungmin’s vocals on point, the song was a definite highlight of the night that had everyone singing along. Also from their debut album was “...How To Dance.” A song that’s impossible not to move along to. With infectious smiles from all members, especially Kenshin and Seungho, and Yeojun’s finger heart, the love that CYE had for CLOSER was definitely shared.

Taking a moment to speak to the crowd, Kenshin broke the seasons and the songs down. “Spring is “All My Poetry,” summer is “...How To Dance,” Fall is “Upside Down,” and winter is… (waiting for the crowd)?“ Screaming from the floor, “Snowy Summer.” CLOSER definitely did not disappoint. 

Donning red sleeved varsity jackets that had been hanging on hooks behind them,"Upside Down" showed a more playful performance where the group choreography was also broken out between members. The overall vibe seemed to be more relaxed and fun which fit perfectly with the song. “Snowy Summer” continued with this chill happy vibe and the “oh-oh, oh, oh, oh” echoed throughout the space. Removing the jackets again for “What If I Miss Love?,” the guys focused here on fan service giving all the attention to CLOSER in the room. Without choreography, the vocal focus was much greater. Though everyone’s voices chimed it, it was Kyoungbae, Yeojun and the deeper contrasting tone of Jingxiang’s voice that stood out the most.

Until last year, I wouldn’t have thought that songs about drinks would be at the top of my playlist. K-Pop Demon Hunters’ “Soda Pop” wasn’t the only beverage that topped this list. “Bubble Tea” is just as infectious, with a pure sweet bounciness that clings to the ear. If there was a song that screams aegyo, this is it and the guys definitely delivered. Waving to fans, taking phones, smiling and jumping, it was time to strip away the barrier and just engage as much as possible and CLOSER were all over this. Continuing in this vibe with “You” the engagement with the floor kept everyone moving. The jumping at the end just proved how high the energy went that night. With “Laid Back,” the choreography returned, but the vibe still carried over.

In the next ment, aside from Minwook wanting to cut down a tree and decorate it with the house disco light, they noticed that Sungmin wasn’t on stage and asked where Spiderman Sungmin was. As Peter Parker is from Queens, same as the concert venue, Minwook explained his absence noting that Spiderman also needs to take a break minutes before Sungmin landed onstage. Declaring then Sungmin not to be Spiderman, to the laughter of everyone there, Minwook stated, “as long as you’re with us, we’ll be with you too.”

"CHIC" is a song that deserves attention and if you were at the show, you were witness to the coolest performance of the night. Donning shades and leather jackets, they pushed the bad boy image creating a pulsating stage with intense choreography that matched the heavy rhythm of the song. The lyrics “CHIC” echoed through the hall almost as loud as the music itself. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any hotter or louder, came “S.O.B.” The song slaps and it did what everyone expected it to do. It had a packed crowd of people screaming in perfect unity while jumping and dancing. This was the energetic peak of the night and it was clear that everyone was having a great time. “Drop That!” is part of their recent album and it closed the official part of the concert. Continuing with the high energy clublike vibe, the guys gave their all again.

As the concert moved toward its final stretch with its encore, the emotional weight of the evening became increasingly evident. Coming out with "Stay 4 Good," which starts with the lyrics “With I could stop time (translated),” was a sentiment that everyone in the room felt at that moment. The repeating, “Can you, baby, stay for good with me,” felt completely heartfelt as the held hand mics in one hand and their light stick in the other waving both while making as much contact with CLOSER as possible.

Taking time to speak to CLOSER for the last time for the night, each member had words to say. Members each gave their love. Minwook made a big heart saying, “I love CLOSER,” while Yeojun expressed his happiness spending time in the U.S. and giving his gratitude. Seungho was so happy and shared that NY happened to be the last stop of the tour, thanking every stop along the way. Jingxiang repeated the sentiment adding thanks to all the staff while Kenshin added his unmatched energy telling everyone that they hope to return asking everyone to come back to see them. Kyoungbae and Sungmin ended with similar words of gratitude and love bookmarking a show that really seemed about to end. 

"Subtitled," another gorgeous ballad, almost brought tears as the feelings of hope and belief in themselves and CLOSER carried across the floor. Like any great concert, the show passed far too quickly. Amping up their final moments, a repeat of “S.O.B.” filled the air to finally close out the night.

This show may have marked another stop on the Beyond Your Eyes tour, but it also felt like a celebration of everything that has happened since Project 7. From powerful performances and strong vocals to the genuine chemistry that helped earn them their debut, CLOSE YOUR EYES demonstrated exactly why fans have continued to rally behind them. Judging by the reaction in New York, their story is only just beginning. If this show was any indication, the future is bright for the seven members and CLOSER ready to follow them wherever the journey leads. 

Thank you to UNCORE, J&B Entertainment and especially to the CLOSE YOUR EYES members and their team for having us.