BLACKPINK’s Jisoo released a joint track with former One Direction member Zayn Malik, the digital single, “Eyes Closed.”
The news came after YG Entertainment shared a short teaser video on Jisoo’s official social media channels on Tuesday, showing her silhouette against a monochrome background as a familiar male voice recites the song’s title.
In the teaser clip, it appears that Jisoo is entering a registration stand, mouthing the words “Eyes Closed” as Zayn’s signature tone echoes softly in the background. Fans immediately recognized his voice, suggesting that the two artists recorded the vocals together earlier this year. The single is scheduled to be released on October 23rd on all major streaming platforms.
YG Entertainment confirmed that “Eyes Closed” marks Jisoo’s second solo venture since her debut single. The agency described the track as a “dream pop ballad” that blends Jisoo’s clear, melodic vocals with Zayn’s soulful R&B style. Production credits include longtime BLACKPINK collaborator Teddy Park, along with British producer Jamie Hartman, who has previously worked with top-tier artists.
Zayn Malik shared a brief message on his Instagram story, writing, “Honoured to create something special with Jisoo, can’t wait for you all to hear ‘Eyes Closed’.” The post featured a behind-the-scenes snapshot of the two singers together in a London studio, both smiling at the camera with notebooks and headphones in hand.
This collaboration brings together one of K-pop’s most prominent figures and a global pop star known for her vocal range and chart-topping hits. Jisoo’s solo activities have already attracted considerable attention: her debut single last year reached No. 2 on South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart, and she has since lent her voice to several TV drama soundtracks. Zayn, meanwhile, has sold over 20 million albums worldwide and won critical acclaim for his introspective solo work following his departure from One Direction in 2015.
Social media exploded with fan reactions soon after the teaser was released. On Twitter, the hashtag #EyesClosed trended in South Korea and internationally, with supporters praising the unexpected pairing and sharing the countdown graphic. K-pop fan accounts described the collaboration as “iconic” and speculated that the song’s lyrics may explore themes of desire and vulnerability.
Industry observers note that this cross-genre project it could strengthen Jisoo’s position as a solo artist outside of the K-pop scene, while also strengthening Zayn’s relevance in the Asian music market. Experts predict that “Eyes Closed” will debut at the top of the global charts, especially given BLACKPINK’s strong streaming numbers and Zayn’s established fan base.
“Eyes Closed” will be available to pre-save starting October 16, with a full music video to follow later in November. Listeners can expect a blend of emotional lyricism and refined production that highlights both singers’ distinct strengths.
