When Jisoo’s BLACKPINK dropped the teaser for his new song “Eyes closed” on Oct. 9, the internet exploded, and not just because it marked her first-ever duet with Zayn Malik, the former One Direction star once dubbed “the most handsome man in the world.” It was the timing, the precision and the unmistakable message: Jisoo is officially entering her global era.
The outing comes just days after Jisoo dominated headlines during Paris Fashion Week, attending the Dior show as a global ambassador. While her dressing room look went viral for its elegance, her official appearance sparked mixed reactions and endless debates online. Yet, before the voices even quieted down, Jisoo’s team dropped the Eyes closed teaser, turning chatter into anticipation.
“A duet is near” read her cryptic first teaser post, which shows her silhouette against the faint shadow of a man.
The internet exploded with theories, but on October 7, the secret was out, the mystery man was Zayn Malik, and the collaboration was real. The pair immediately trended worldwide, with pre-orders topping 60,000 on QQ Music and hashtags reaching millions of views on X (formerly Twitter). Within hours, Warner Records’ teaser post garnered over 145,000 likes, confirming the project’s massive global appeal.
A calculated comeback
For Jisoo, Eyes closed it’s not just another single, it’s a moment of strategic rebranding. Since leaving YG Entertainment, the BLACKPINK member has taken the time to establish an independent artistic direction. While Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa quickly pivoted to Western collaborations, Jisoo remained rooted in Korean-language publishing and acting. Now, his move to release an English-language duet with an international pop heavyweight signals a deliberate shift towards the global market.
The teaser’s aesthetic mirrors that ambition: a minimalist black palette, cinematic lighting, and an aura of luxury and mystery. Jisoo exudes elegance with an edgy edge, while Zayn’s signature R&B complements her emotional tone. Fans online have dubbed the duo “the ultimate visual harmony” – and judging by the teaser, it’s hard to disagree.
Behind the music
“Eyes closed” arrives about eight months after Jisoo’s solo EP Amortage, which solidified her identity as both a singer and lyricist. This time, he joins a powerful creative team that includes Kiddo A, Alex Hope, Mikky Ekko and Stefan Johnson, all known for shaping modern global pop sounds.
The song reportedly tells a story of healing, closure, and overcoming past pain – themes that resonate universally but are also deeply personal. Jisoo co-wrote parts of the track, highlighting her growing confidence as a storyteller through music.
“Eyes closed” it seems like a message of quiet strength – of letting go, not out of weakness, but out of self-confidence, a fan wrote on X.
Timing is everything
Jisoo’s marketing strategy is textbook brilliant. It leveraged the visibility of Paris Fashion Week, turned media scrutiny into momentum, and immediately followed with a transcontinental collaboration reveal. The result? Complete control over his narrative: a move that shows his evolution from idol to independent global artist.
The release is scheduled for October 10 at 1pm KST, with the MV premiering during the so-called “global prime time” slot, a deliberate choice to reach both Eastern and Western audiences simultaneously.
The bigger picture
Beyond the immediate outcry, Eyes closed represents something deeper: Jisoo’s declaration of independence. After years of being labeled the “safe” or “confidential” member. BLACKPINKnow he’s making bolder, more calculated moves — and they’re paying off.
If Eyes closed achieves the viral success you’ve come to expect, this collaboration could mark a career-defining turning point, pushing Jisoo into the league of soloists who can command the global charts on their own terms.
“He’s not just catching up with his peers, he’s redefining his own path,” a Korean entertainment columnist noted.
AS BLACKPINKAs her world tour resumes at the end of this month, all eyes are on Jisoo – and this time she’ll lead with her eyes wide open.
Sources: Kenh14, Star News Korea, Naver
