“신인 끝, 이제 정상 노린다”… 클유아의 당찬 선언[인터뷰]

Moving Beyond Rookie Status

The K-pop group CLOSE YOUR EYES is making bold moves as they enter their second year. Their mission is clear: transform from award-winning newcomers into respected artists who can claim any trophy with confidence.

A Year of Rapid Growth

Reflecting on twelve months since debut, the members shared their journey. One member noted how meaningful it felt to achieve their first music show win and connect deeply with fans. Another acknowledged that despite producing substantial work, there’s always room for improvement.

The group’s strategy involves frequent comebacks—this marks their third release in just one year. Member Song Seung-ho explained that regular activity exposes them to diverse musical styles, accelerating their artistic development while giving fans more content to enjoy.

The “OVEREXPOSED” Concept

Their latest digital single draws inspiration from photography terminology. When excessive light hits a camera sensor, images become washed out—yet the group wants to remain crystal clear despite overwhelming brightness. This metaphor represents their determination to stand out in any circumstance.

Jeon Min-wook described this as their first digital single carrying a promise: to prove themselves no matter the challenge.

Musical Direction and Performance

The title track “POSE” incorporates Brazilian baile funk rhythms—an unexpected choice that initially felt unfamiliar. Kim Seong-min admitted the powerful sound seemed daunting at first, but rehearsals built confidence. Song Seung-ho similarly found the rhythm strange initially, though repeated practice made it click.

The concept of “composure” guided this release. Jeon Min-wook emphasized they wanted a more mature vibe, showing comfort on stage. The choreography reflects this—technically demanding yet appearing effortless, featuring an intuitive “shutter dance” designed to hook audiences.

Creative Participation

Member involvement reached new heights. Jeon Min-wook and Jang Yeo-jun contributed lyrics across all tracks, while Kenshin helped craft the title choreography.

Writing lyrics proved challenging but rewarding. For “POSE,” the keyword was “refined exterior versus undeniable interior feelings.” After hours of brainstorming, the word “pulse” emerged—something impossible to hide, perfectly capturing uncontrollable emotions.

The B-side track explores anxiety that accompanies peak moments. Jang Yeo-jun explained how even during brilliant times, uncertainty creeps in—emotions they naturally wove into the songwriting.

Looking Forward

The group’s ambition extends beyond their rookie label. After winning newcomer awards, they’re ready to compete without qualifiers attached to their name.

They hope this release becomes an energy source for listeners facing daily fatigue—music that breaks conventional boundaries and encourages free expression. Whether commuting to work or school, they want their songs to provide that needed boost.

This comeback represents what they hope will be a significant turning point in their journey.