Rising boy group Close Your Eyes (CLOYAH) has officially cemented their status as one of 2025’s strongest rookies. The group’s third mini album blackout recorded more than 577,000 first-week sales, earning them a half-million–seller title and marking a major career breakthrough.
A Half-Million Seller in Just Seven Months
According to Hanteo Chart, blackout sold 577,912 copies within its first week of release on November 16. This number not only secures CLOYAH’s highest first-week sales yet but also doubles the record set by their previous mini album Snowy Summer.
In just seven months since debut, the group has surpassed 1.2 million cumulative album sales across only three physical releases ETERNALT, Snowy Summer, and blackout. The exponential rise places them among the fastest-growing rookies of the year.
The new album blackout focuses on CLOYAH’s growth narrative. The members shed their boyish image and present a stronger, more daring identity. With themes of breaking limits and sprinting toward the future, the album amplifies the group’s intensity both visually and musically.
Rookie Kings of 2025 Five Rookie Awards Won
CLOYAH’s explosive momentum extends beyond album sales. This year alone, they secured five major Rookie of the Year awards, including honors from the 2025 K-World Dream Awards, the 2025 Brand of the Year Awards, and The Fact Music Awards.
Their fast rise has drawn attention from both domestic and international fans, establishing them as a fourth-generation boy group to watch.
Japanese Tour Already in Motion
The group is already gaining momentum in Japan as well. CLOYAH will embark on their first local tour next year, with stops scheduled in Tokyo (February 10–11), Nagoya (February 13), and Osaka (February 15). Their rapid fanbase growth signals strong expectations ahead of their overseas expansion.
Upcoming Schedule
Close Your Eyes will appear on Show Champion tonight at 7 p.m. KST, where they are expected to showcase tracks from the new album.
With rising sales, award recognition, and growing global presence, CLOYAH continues to accelerate — living up to their reputation as one of this year’s most promising rookie groups.
Editor’s Insight — Why CLOYAH’s Growth Signals a Shift in Rookie Group Trajectories
CLOYAH’s rapid rise highlights how the definition of a “successful rookie” is evolving in today’s K-pop industry. Reaching half a million sales within seven months isn’t just impressive it reflects a system where early scalability and immediate global traction are becoming the norm rather than the exception. What stands out is not only the numbers, but the pace at which they’ve built momentum across multiple releases, suggesting a well-structured rollout strategy that keeps audiences continuously engaged. Their concept shift with blackout also plays a key role, signaling a move from introduction to identity a critical phase where groups either plateau or establish long-term direction. In this context, CLOYAH’s trajectory points to a broader trend: rookie groups are no longer given years to grow gradually they are expected to prove longevity potential almost immediately, and CLOYAH is doing exactly that.