The global music world is buzzing with excitement as two of the most recognized names in pop — BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and Zayn Malik — officially announce their upcoming collaboration.
The much-anticipated duet, titled “EYES CLOSED,” is set for release on October 10, 2025, at midnight local time.
The announcement has sparked worldwide attention, uniting fans from both K-pop and Western pop communities in eager anticipation.
The news first surfaced through teaser images and social media posts that sent fans into detective mode.
On October 6 KST, Jisoo dropped a mysterious teaser image on her official account with the caption “A duet is near.”
The image showed her silhouette standing beside a shadowy male figure, whose identity remained undisclosed at the time.
Fans immediately began speculating about the possible collaborator, and within hours, social media platforms were filled with guesses ranging from Korean solo artists to international pop icons.
Not long after, reports from The Korea Herald hinted that Jisoo’s duet partner might be none other than Zayn Malik, the former One Direction member turned successful solo artist.
Zayn, who has previously shown interest in K-pop and attended BLACKPINK’s concert in New York earlier in July 2025, had also posted a thank-you message to the group on Instagram, fueling further speculation about a potential collaboration.
The Official Reveal
The mystery was finally solved on October 7, when Jisoo shared a new teaser image clearly showing her duet partner’s back — complete with Zayn Malik’s distinctive tattoos.
The reveal confirmed what fans had long suspected: the collaboration was real, and it was global.
By October 8 KST, both artists officially announced the project together, confirming that “EYES CLOSED” would drop on October 10.
Along with the announcement came a short teaser clip offering fans a brief but breathtaking glimpse of the upcoming single’s atmosphere — a mix of soft, cinematic lighting and emotional vocals.
The teaser instantly went viral, trending across multiple platforms worldwide, including Twitter (X), TikTok, and Instagram.
Then, on October 9 KST, the duo unveiled the official music video teaser, which heightened anticipation even more.
The short clip showed Jisoo and Zayn in contrasting scenes — Jisoo surrounded by dim, dreamy lighting and Zayn framed against a moody, rain-soaked backdrop.
Their voices intertwined in haunting harmony, with lyrics suggesting themes of heartbreak, vulnerability, and emotional closure.
Fans described the teaser as “mesmerizing,” “hauntingly beautiful,” and “a cinematic masterpiece in the making.”
A Collaboration That Transcends Borders
The partnership between Jisoo and Zayn Malik marks one of the most unexpected yet exciting collaborations of 2025.
Both artists come from powerhouse backgrounds — Jisoo as a member of BLACKPINK, the world’s biggest girl group, and Zayn as a former member of One Direction, one of the most successful boy bands in history.
Their individual musical journeys have led them to develop unique identities: Jisoo with her elegant yet powerful artistry and Zayn with his soulful, experimental sound.
Fans and critics alike have praised the collaboration as a meaningful moment in global pop music.
It signifies not only the continued rise of K-pop as a major influence in the international music scene but also the increasing willingness of Western artists to collaborate authentically with Asian talent.
The anticipation surrounding “EYES CLOSED” suggests that the song may blend multiple musical styles — likely mixing Zayn’s R&B-infused vocals with Jisoo’s emotive, clear tone.
Industry insiders speculate that the single will feature both English and Korean lyrics, aiming to appeal to fans across the world.
The song’s theme, hinted at in the teasers, seems to center around emotional distance and love lost — a story told through haunting melodies and poetic lyrics.
Reactions from Fans and Media
The news of Jisoo and Zayn’s collaboration has set social media ablaze. Hashtags such as #EYESCLOSED, #JisooZayn, and #ZaynxJisoo quickly began trending in multiple countries.
Fans expressed their excitement and disbelief, calling it a “dream collaboration” and praising both artists for bridging cultural gaps through music.
Music outlets like Soompi, Billboard, and Rolling Stone Asia have highlighted the announcement, noting how such cross-continental projects showcase the evolving nature of global pop music.
Many have compared the collaboration to previous K-pop and Western crossovers — such as BTS’s work with Halsey and Coldplay or BLACKPINK’s earlier collaborations with Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, and Dua Lipa — but emphasized that this duet feels particularly special due to its intimate, emotional tone.
Anticipation for the Full Release
With the official music video teaser now out, fans are counting down the hours until the song’s release on October 10.
The production team behind “EYES CLOSED” remains mostly under wraps, but reports suggest that top international producers who have worked with both BLACKPINK and Zayn in the past may have contributed to the track.
The music video is expected to showcase visually stunning storytelling, aligning with the emotional depth of the song.
This collaboration not only cements Jisoo’s growing influence as a solo artist but also marks another bold step in her career after her successful solo debut with “FLOWER” in 2023.
For Zayn Malik, it continues his journey of artistic reinvention, following his acclaimed independent projects that explored vulnerability, love, and identity.
A New Milestone in Global Music
Ultimately, “EYES CLOSED” stands as more than just a duet — it’s a cultural moment. The partnership between Jisoo and Zayn Malik represents the breaking of barriers and the uniting power of music.
As two global icons from different musical worlds come together, their collaboration symbolizes how art continues to transcend language, geography, and genre.
When the clock strikes midnight on October 10, millions of fans worldwide will have their eyes — and hearts — wide open for “EYES CLOSED.”
