CLOSE YOUR EYES Score a Breakout Hit with Spooky, Stylish 'Snowy Summer'
Rookie boy group CLOSE YOUR EYES have officially returned with Snowy Summer, their second mini-album and first comeback since making an impactful debut in April. Released on July 9, the latest project marks a confident leap forward for the dynamic seven-member group, merging playful elements of horror with vibrant pop energy in a way that’s both unexpected and tightly executed.
CLOSE YOUR EYES (2025) | Uncore
The title track, “Snowy Summer,” blends groovy pop-R&B with crisp beats and layered synth textures. The production walks a fine line between dreamy and eerie, perfectly suited to the visual concept, which combines horror-comedy with pastel surrealism. The members drift between haunting and endearing in the music video, and the track’s floaty chorus and rhythmic vocal arrangement mirror that duality. It’s chaotic in the best way—an immersive, mood-first comeback that feels bold without losing charm.
Visually, the music video leans into horror-comedy, set in a pastel-toned haunted house, the members drift between haunting and endearing, with choreography that reflects both tension and playfulness. And overall, the contrast of spooky visuals with sugary melodies gives Snowy Summer a distinct identity, pushing CYE further into their own creative lane.
The rest of the mini album builds on that momentum. “Paint Candy” channels smooth ’90s R&B influences, with sultry melodies and groove-heavy production that feel both nostalgic and fresh. “You (ㅠ)” shifts into a sunnier, more energetic mood, blending components of dance-pop energy with lively drums and guitar additions, giving it a breezy, feel-good tone. Finally, “Bubble Tea” closes the project on a relaxed note—vibey and carefree, layered with whistles, soft chants, and an earworm of a hook that organically lingers.
Following their April debut Eternalt, Snowy Summer feels like both an evolution and a world-building exercise. Rather than chasing trends, CLOSE YOUR EYES continues to explore mood and narrative through tightly crafted visuals and sonics. There’s a theatricality to their approach, but it never overshadows the musicality.
As K-pop’s fifth-gen scene becomes increasingly saturated, this comeback positions CYE as a group willing to take creative swings early in their career. Snowy Summer may play with ghost stories and seasonal dissonance, but at its core, it’s a sharp, stylish, and surprisingly emotional statement from a group with a lot more to show.
Check out the music video for “Snowy Summer” below.
