The group Close Your Eyes, formed through a survival audition program, has already marked its first anniversary since debut. In just one year they surpassed 1.2 million cumulative album sales and swept eight rookie awards at domestic and international award ceremonies, breaking major records in the music industry. Behind the dazzling spotlight were the members' pure passion and strong trust in one another.
Close Your Eyes held an interview at OSEN's building in Mapo District, Seoul before their comeback and shared their thoughts on marking their first anniversary since debut.
Regarding the tremendous love and results that poured in over a short period, Jeon Min-wook humbly said that rather than expecting success from the start, he only wanted to do his best for the fans who had supported and waited for them since the survival show, and he is grateful to have received such great love. Jang Yeo-jun also recalled, "Seeing the staff and producers who work with us behind the scenes genuinely happy on music shows, I realized, 'Ah, something incredible has happened now.'"
Although it seemed they were on a road of nothing but success, they also experienced great anxiety as rookies. Kim Seong-min confessed that when he worried a lot about his skills before debut, he was greatly encouraged by leader Jeon Min-wook's advice. He said, "At first I felt lost, but Min-wook hyung advised me to look at the messages left by fans, like pen letters. After debut, when I actually read the messages left by fans, they were warm words that became a great source of strength to me, so I was grateful." Jang Yeo-jun recalled the pressure of having to perform on the 'Golden Disc' stage just a week after they formed, saying, "In a situation where we were even confused about who the members were, we were preparing for a big stage, so although we didn't show it, we felt a lot of impatience and anxiety."
The secret to overcoming those trial-and-error moments and forging perfect teamwork was the members' "purity." Jeon Min-wook credited the members, saying, "There are age differences and I had no experience leading someone, so I worried, but the members are friends who really enjoy activities purely without jealousy. They joke first and come up to you, so we became one quickly."
The foreign members' endearing adaptation stories to life in Korea also drew laughter. Mazingsiang and Kenshin struggled in the early days with Korea's meticulous garbage separation culture. Jang Yeo-jun revealed, "When I asked why Si-ang hyung threw a can into general trash, he insisted, 'This is steel, so it's not a can,'" turning the interview site into a sea of laughter. Kenshin also expressed gratitude toward the members, saying, "At first I didn't know anything and it was hard, but the members helped me a lot, so now I can do it well on my own."
They also shared anecdotes about becoming even closer like a family through their recently started tour. Jang Yeo-jun smiled and said, "When we tour and eat in various cities, even if we're not hungry we always share a bite. That process felt like a family traveling abroad together."
What does the future that Close Your Eyes envisions look like after their first anniversary? Jang Yeo-jun's eyes sparkled as he said, "After finishing our solo concert, among ourselves we dreamed big, saying 'let's hold a concert at KSPO Dome' and 'let's go on the Coachella stage.' We often say things that motivate each other."
Ahead of activities for the new album Overexposed, Seo Kyung-bae said warmly, "I hope many people remember our new side and that it becomes a trend. Above all, I hope all the members finish in good health," leaving a heartfelt resolve. It is a moment that raises expectations for the next fleeting moments these people united by pure passion will create.
[OSEN]