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Photo Credit: Uncore Entertainment Emerging as one of the most talked-about rookie groups of 2025, seven-member multinational K-Pop ensemble CLOSE YOUR EYES  (CYE) has rapidly cemented themselves as a global force. Formed through JTBC’s survival show Project 7, the group captured over 17 million votes worldwide, with 91% of that support coming from international fans. Comprising Jeon Min-wook, Ma Jingxian, Jang Yeo-jun, Kim Sung-min, Song Seung-ho, Kenshin, and Seo Kyoung-bae, the septet made their official debut on April 2, 2025, with the mini album ETERNALT . The album sold an impressive 316,000 copies in its first week, while the title track, “All My Poetry,” earned them a Music Bank win just nine days after debut, solidifying their place as one of the fastest fifth-generation groups to achieve such a feat. Their follow-up release, Snowy Summer , continued the momentum, selling over 200,000 copies on its first day and collecting multiple music show victories across The Show, Show Champion, and Music Bank, earning the group recognition as one of K-Pop’s most exciting rising acts. With their third mini album, “ blackout ,”  CLOSE YOUR EYES presents a bold and ambitious evolution, blending R&B textures, house-inspired beats, and dynamic synth layers to create a sonic palette that is both globally appealing and unmistakably CYE. The project reflects the group’s artistic maturity, exploring themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and transformation while maintaining the high-energy hooks and polished performance quality that have become their signature. Opening the album, “ X ” immediately signals a shift toward a more sophisticated sound. The track is anchored by a restrained yet powerful bassline that underlines complex synth layers, creating a spacious yet intense soundscape. Vocally, the members deliver a precise balance of power and nuance; verses are measured, almost introspective, before building into pre-chorus and chorus segments that soar with confidence. Lyrically penned by Jeon Min-wook, the song emphasizes breaking through personal limitations, embracing challenges, and moving forward with determination—a theme that resonates across the album. The production cleverly manipulates rhythm and dynamics, using subtle tempo shifts to build anticipation and give the chorus extra punch, while the harmonies in the bridge showcase each member’s technical skill. The English version of the song later in the album not only provides accessibility to international audiences but also amplifies the track’s universal themes of ambition and self-empowerment. “ SOB ,” the album’s first collaboration track with Grammy-winning producer Imanbek, immediately commands attention with its house-inspired beats and propulsive energy. Layered percussion, pulsating bass, and electronic flourishes create an immersive club-ready atmosphere, yet the lyrics retain emotional weight, exploring feelings of longing, vulnerability, and desire. The contrast between the upbeat production and introspective lyrics adds a unique tension, giving the song depth beyond its energetic surface. Vocally, CYE navigates rapid rhythmic shifts and syncopated phrasing with precision, delivering both melodic smoothness and sharp intensity. The track demonstrates the group’s ability to bridge global electronic trends with K-Pop sensibilities, showcasing versatility that signals their readiness for international stages. On “ CHIC ,” the group pivots to a more playful, synth-driven sound. The track is built around cascading arpeggios and dynamic hooks that immediately stick in the listener’s mind. Lyrically, it’s a confident anthem celebrating individuality, style, and charisma, giving each member room to showcase distinct vocal tones and personality traits. Rhythmically, the song blends R&B-inspired phrasing with electronic beats, creating a track that is simultaneously danceable and rich in melodic nuance. The production is tight yet airy, allowing CYE’s vocal layering to remain front and center, and the clever arrangement ensures the song never feels repetitive despite its catchy hooks. CHIC  exemplifies the group’s ability to balance approachable pop sensibilities with musical sophistication—a hallmark of their evolving artistry. “ 2.0 ” demonstrates the group’s skill in manipulating rhythm and texture to heighten listener engagement. Alternating between halftime and double-time segments in the chorus, the track keeps the audience on their toes, creating a pulsating, hypnotic effect that reflects the song’s lyrical exploration of personal evolution and self-reinvention. The instrumental layers are intricately arranged; subtle synth pads, melodic keyboard flourishes, and rhythmic percussive elements complement the members’ harmonies without overpowering them. Vocally, the members switch seamlessly between smooth, R&B-inflected passages and more urgent, rhythmic deliveries, underscoring both technical precision and emotional expressiveness. 2.0  reinforces the album’s thematic core of transformation and growth while highlighting CYE’s capacity for experimentation and innovation within K-Pop conventions. Closing the Korean-language section of the album, “ Who’s Dat? (Jane Doe) ” stands out as a sensual, dreamlike track that emphasizes atmosphere and emotional nuance. Falsetto runs, airy harmonies, and layered vocal textures create an ethereal soundscape that mirrors the lyrics’ mysterious, alluring subject. The production, while minimalist compared to the album’s dance-heavy tracks, is highly effective: subtle synth pads and soft percussive accents allow the vocals to remain the focal point, evoking a sense of intimacy and intrigue. The song’s pacing, with its measured verses and gently swelling chorus, creates an immersive listening experience that lingers long after the final note. This track highlights the group’s versatility, proving they can command both energetic club tracks and introspective, emotionally charged ballads with equal finesse. blackout  represents a definitive step forward for CYE , expanding their artistic identity while reinforcing their rapid rise in the global music landscape. The album’s careful balance of high-energy, rhythmically intricate tracks and introspective, emotive songs demonstrates a group that is fully aware of their strengths while willing to challenge themselves musically. Each member brings distinctive skill and charisma, from Jeon Min-wook’s lyrical introspection to Ma Jingxian and Jang Yeo-jun’s melodic precision, and Kim Sung-min, Song Seung-ho, Kenshin, and Seo Kyoung-bae’s commanding stage presence. Together, they deliver a project that is not only cohesive but also richly layered, appealing to longtime fans and new listeners alike. By blending R&B, house, and modern K-Pop influences, CLOSE YOUR EYES not only showcases versatility but also positions themselves as a vanguard of fifth-generation K-Pop, capable of crafting globally resonant music while maintaining their unique identity. blackout  is a bold, ambitious project that proves CYE is ready to continue leading the next wave of K-Pop innovation. With their striking visuals, precise performances, and undeniable artistry, CLOSE YOUR EYES are more than a rookie sensation—they are a group whose growth, vision, and musical ambition are shaping the future of the genre.

Korean hip-hop and R&B artist Bryan Chase  is making a bold statement with his surprise new single “ Flaunt It ” (feat. Sik-K, CAMO). The track, which marks Bryan Chase’s second release since signing with the label earlier this year, sees him pushing the boundaries of Korean hip-hop while embracing global sounds, confident lyricism, and cutting-edge production. Since his debut in 2015 with Lost in the City Part.1, Bryan Chase has consistently pushed the boundaries of Korean hip-hop. As a former member of the legendary Cohort crew, he helped shape Seoul’s underground scene while releasing landmark tracks like “Let Us Prey,” “Walkin (Remix),” and “Underwater Bank” through 88rising, each garnering millions of views online. Hypebeast has called him “a staple of the underground rap scene of Seoul,” highlighting his versatility, melodic flows, and innovative approach to music. Produced by Nick Spiders, known for crafting beats for American rap heavyweights like Playboi Carti and Ken Carson, and co-produced by JuniorChef, whose credits include Jay Park and Jeon Somi, “Flaunt It” blends trap-inspired percussion, punchy 808s, and vibrant synth textures. The instrumental opens with a hypnotic, melodic motif layered over a crisp hi-hat pattern, immediately setting a confident, high-energy tone that drives the track forward. The production balances heavy-hitting beats with atmospheric elements, creating a soundscape that feels both club-ready and polished for mainstream appeal. Lyrically, “ Flaunt It ” is a celebration of self-expression and unapologetic confidence. From the first verse, Bryan Chase establishes the song’s overarching theme: unapologetic confidence. Using a mix of melodic rap and smooth singing, he delivers lines that highlight ambition and individuality. Listeners will notice how he shifts effortlessly between rhythmic punches and elongated R&B-style notes, creating contrast and momentum. With lines referencing personal style, and fashion choices, Bryan Chase, sends a message of encouragement to listeners to embrace whatever truly makes them unique. The chorus is both catchy and declarative. Adding to the track’s momentum are guest appearances from Sik-K  and CAMO, each bringing a distinctive energy that elevates the song. Sik-K, recently named Artist of the Year at the 2025 Korean Hip-Hop Awards, returns to collaborate with Bryan Chase after their acclaimed track “ LOV3 (feat. Bryan Chase, Okasian) ”. On “ Flaunt It ,” Sik-K delivers a tight, fast-paced verse filled with clever wordplay, assertive flows, and his signature swagger, perfectly complementing Bryan’s melodic style. Meanwhile, CAMO, fresh from the release of her EP Secret , brings sleek, confident, and trend-setting bars, layering the track with her unique tone and rhythmic versatility. Her verse emphasizes empowerment and boldness, making her a perfect foil for the track’s overall theme of self-confidence. Musically, “ Flaunt It ” is structured with a dynamic arrangement that builds anticipation throughout. The hook combines catchy melodies with layered ad-libs and vocal harmonies, creating a chorus that is both memorable and radio-ready. Bryan Chase uses vocal textures and pitch variations to give the track a sense of movement and emotional depth, while Sik-K and CAMO provide contrast with punchy, rhythmic deliveries. The production also features subtle background effects—reverb-soaked vocal chops, occasional siren-like synths, and layered percussion—that enhance the futuristic yet gritty vibe of the track. “ Flaunt It ” follows Bryan Chase’s earlier 2025 collaboration with pH-1, “Show Must Go On” , which hinted at his evolving sonic palette. With this latest release, he continues to experiment with cross-genre influences, mixing elements of Western trap, melodic R&B, and Korean hip-hop, creating a sound that feels both globally relevant and distinctly his own. The track also serves as a teaser for a forthcoming EP that promises to expand his creative range even further, cementing his place as a key figure in the global hip-hop and R&B landscape. Reflecting on his partnership with Universal Music Korea, Bryan Chase shared: “Joining UMG is an incredible honor. We’ve built this from the ground up with love and belief in the music. Now with this partnership, we’re ready to share our sound with the world. This is a new beginning and we’re expecting great things ahead.” With “ Flaunt It ”, Bryan Chase is staking his claim on the global stage, delivering a track that’s confident, high-energy, and creatively ambitious. Fans can expect the song to become a summer anthem for bold self-expression, while also serving as a preview of the artist’s evolving sound and upcoming projects.

STAYC illuminated Atlanta with vibrant energy and irresistible charm during their “Stay Tuned” world tour stop at the Coca-Cola Roxy on October 12, 2025. As soon as the six members—Sumin, Sieun, ISA, Seeun, Yoon, and J—appeared on stage, the venue erupted with cheers so loud that the floors nearly shook. This Atlanta stop felt like a long-awaited reunion between STAYC and SWITH, with fans arriving excitedly, carrying merch bags and hearts racing in anticipation. The group began the night with “BEBE,” setting the stage for an evening that highlighted their transformation from a bright, youthful image to a confident, more mature sound. As the first chorus hit, the entire venue joined in—voices harmonizing with the group, hands waving, and fans dancing as if they had awaited this moment all year. A group of young SWITH near the front sang every lyric with such joy that their enthusiasm quickly spread, turning the venue into a collective celebration of music and connection. Throughout the show, STAYC demonstrated that their charm extends beyond their performances. Between songs, the members took ample time to interact with the crowd, answering questions, engaging in playful banter, and even asking for Atlanta restaurant recommendations. STAYC’s setlist perfectly balanced nostalgia, power, and emotion. Nearly twenty songs shaped the evening—from explosive hits like “Run2U” and “ASAP,” to the sweet rush of “So Bad,” and the fan-favorite “Teddy Bear,” which had every section of the venue on its feet. One of the most memorable performances was “Meant to Be,” a tender, dreamy moment where the members’ voices softly enveloped the room, shifting the concert from high-energy dancing to a reflective pause. The song’s message of destiny and connection resonated so deeply that the crowd fell into an almost reverent silence before bursting into applause. Later in the show, unit stages allowed each member to shine. From soft and sentimental to bold and powerful, these performances showcased the group’s diverse talents. Their chemistry—both onstage and with fans—remained effortless, playful, and warm. A video montage highlighting their journey from debut to world tour played on the giant screens midway through the night, tugging at heartstrings and allowing fans to relive the group’s growth alongside them. SWITH shouted encouragement as STAYC watched with proud, emotional smiles. The night culminated in a beautiful ending as Atlanta resonated with the final song, “Stay WITH me.” Fans sang along, creating a sea of voices filled with the night’s emotions—joy, nostalgia, pride, and love. STAYC listened with soft expressions, reaching out to the crowd as if absorbing every moment. Before leaving the stage, the members expressed their heartfelt gratitude and promised Atlanta they would return with more music and even stronger performances. STAYC’s Atlanta stop was more than just another tour date—it was an intimate, joy-filled gathering between artists and fans who continue to grow together. Even with a few moments where the pacing slowed, the night’s overwhelming spirit overshadowed everything else. From laughter to tears to full-throttle dancing, the Coca-Cola Roxy became a space where SWITH and STAYC celebrated their journey so far and the even brighter future ahead. Atlanta didn’t just welcome STAYC—it embraced them, uplifted them, and reaffirmed why this group’s star continues to rise.

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