Photo = UNCORE

 

[Hanteo News = Reporter KANG SUYOUNG] MA JINGXIANG of CLOSE YOUR EYES, also known as CYE, named improvisational acting by all members as the group’s pledge if they win No. 1.

 

CLOSE YOUR EYES held a press conference to commemorate the release of its 4th mini album ‘256th Note’ at The Riverside Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the 30th. On this day, MA JINGXIANG said, “We worked very hard for this comeback, so I want to win No. 1 at least once,” and made a pledge, saying, “If we win No. 1, all of us will try improvisational acting.”

 

When asked how he felt about the comeback, JEON MINWOOK said, “We prepared hard with excitement because we wanted to create good memories with our fans,” adding, “As this is an album inspired by the genre of jazz, we want to show many new sides of ourselves.”

 

On the goal for this promotion, KENSHIN said, “I want to make the name CLOSE YOUR EYES known to more people,” adding, “I want to promote happily while thinking that our music is really good.” MA JINGXIANG drew laughter by saying, “We worked very hard, so I want to win No. 1 at least once,” and declaring, “If we win No. 1, all of us will try improvisational acting.” JEON MINWOOK said, “Our biggest goal is to leave good memories and moments for the fans who waited for us,” adding, “As we build up our albums, our goal is for a few more people than before to listen to us, and for our music to be heard here and there.”

 

The modifiers they would like to hear through this promotion also became a topic. JEON MINWOOK said, “I think music that is pleasant to listen to is our strength,” adding, “Jazz music is also music that is good to listen to anytime, whether at a relaxed cafe or a restaurant with a nice atmosphere, so I think it fits us well.” JANG YEOJUN also shared his wish, saying, “Thankfully, we have been receiving a lot of comments that our music is good,” adding, “If we gain a new modifier this time, I hope we can be called ‘CYE, a music hotspot.’” KENSHIN lifted the mood by saying, “I learned a new Korean expression,” adding, “I will change our existing modifier from ‘literary boys’ to ‘runaway teenagers.’”

 

On the diverse genres of the B-side tracks, JANG YEOJUN said, “We prepared this album with the mindset that we would let people hear a variety of good music without being limited to any one genre,” adding with confidence, “I can confidently say that every track will be enjoyable to listen to.” He then spoke about the growth they have experienced through touring, saying, “As we build up the experience of communicating with fans and standing on stage, we are continuing to grow in the way we bring out energy.” SEO KYOUNGBAE also added, “As we have gained stage experience, the chemistry among the members has grown a lot.”

 

CLOSE YOUR EYES, which expressed the pure emotions of youth in its own language with its debut song ‘All My Poetry and Novels Within Me,’ has since expanded its musical range by taking on various genres and concepts. Ahead of the official release, the group also raised anticipation for its comeback by releasing the pre-release track ‘Open Your Eyes’ and holding busking events in the city.

 

The album ‘256th Note’ is inspired by the freedom and improvisation unique to jazz. Rather than focusing on standardized expressions, it centers on the emotions and flow of the moment, capturing the process in which passing moments come together to become one piece of music. The album contains a total of seven tracks, including the title track ‘Drop That!,’ and all seven members participated in writing the lyrics for the final track ‘Eternity,’ directly expressing their feelings for their fandom CLOSER in the lyrics.

 

CLOSE YOUR EYES’ 4th mini album ‘256th Note’ will be released today at 6 PM. As CLOSE YOUR EYES returns after five months with an even broader musical world, anticipation is growing for what kind of growth the group will show through this album.

 

 

grace@hanteo.com