Photo & review by Crystal Li
Photo credit: Crystal Li/Ampersnd Media
Formed through JTBC’s survival show PROJECT 7, the seven-piece boy group CLOSE YOUR EYES, featuring members Jeon Min-wook, Ma Jingxiang, Jang Yeo-jun, Kim Sung-min, Song Seung-ho, Kenshin, and Seo Kyoung-bae debuted in April 2025. Behind the group's creative direction is Lee Haein, who previously worked with KISS OF LIFE, so I was curious to see what she would bring to another project. While I wasn't particularly familiar with CLOSE YOUR EYES' discography before the show, I had listened to their latest release, “Open Your Eyes,” and it caught my attention with its unique production quality. In particular, the incorporation of piano along with its intricate arrangement and unconventional structure made me excited to watch it performed live.
The evening started early for a Monday concert, with the show kicking off at the Melrose Ballroom promptly at 6:30 PM. But the concert itself was only one part of a busy long day for the seven members, who had an array of fan engagement activities scheduled both before and after the show. Despite their packed itinerary, the group opened the night with their namesake ballad track “Close Your Eyes” with great energy and an eagerness to perform in front of NYC CLOSERs(CLOSE YOUR EYES’ official fandom name).
Photo credit: Crystal Li/Ampersnd Media
The setlist picked up some pace with energetic performances of “X,” “2.0,” and “Pose," which showcased the boys’ synchronization and their perfectly executed choreography. Throughout the night, CLOSE YOUR EYES was able to effortlessly transition from high-intensity songs to the more sensual ones, showcasing their maturity as performers, despite still being a rookie group. And what sets the group apart sonically, to me, are their more Jazz- and R&B-focused songs like “Open Your Eyes” and the fan favorite “All My Poetry.”
Beyond the music, much of CLOSE YOUR EYES' appeal came from the distinct charisma and the fun dynamics of its seven members. The maknae of the group, Seo Kyoungbae, in particular, stood out for his vocals and performance. Jeon Minwook, meanwhile, commanded attention with his captivating stage presence that drew all eyes to him. Kenshin always had a big smile on his face and brought an infectious energy, all while performing with an enthusiasm that was hard to miss.
Photo credit: Crystal Li/Ampersnd Media
Despite the unusually early start on a Monday evening, CLOSE YOUR EYES' devoted fans showed up in full force, the Melrose Ballroom was packed to the brim, and the crowd was singing along word for word. The seven members certainly matched that energy, throwing themselves into each performance with equal enthusiasm. At one point, as I was in the corners of the photo pit, one of the stage teleprompters even came tumbling off the edge. It was an unexpected moment that perfectly captured the intensity of the evening: Closers were giving their all, and the boys were giving it right back.
The group's excitement about performing in New York was equally endearing. Spider-Man became the unofficial mascot and somewhat of a recurring theme throughout the night, as the members were caught mimicking the iconic gestures of the superhero and his association with the city. It was a lighthearted reminder that, behind the stage, they were still a group of young artists enjoying the experience of performing somewhere they had previously encountered through popular culture.
As CLOSE YOUR EYES continue to grow as artists, their New York performance offered a small glimpse of what is ahead of them. Judging by how much them and their fans enjoyed the night, perhaps another visit to Spider-Man's hometown isn't too far away.
To view a full gallery of the show, please visit: [GALLERY]: CLOSE YOUR EYES 1ST TOUR [BEYOND YOUR EYES].
Check out CLOSE YOUR EYES’ full discography here:
