BLACKPINK’s Jisoo Reveals She Was ‘Nervous And Excited’ Working With Zayn Malik
In a surprising collaboration that has sent ripples of excitement through the global music scene, BLACKPINK's Jisoo and British singer Zayn Malik have joined forces for a new single titled "Eyes Closed". The digital duet, which dropped today, October 10, marks a significant milestone for both artists, representing Jisoo's first collaboration outside of her solo and group work, and Malik's first foray into the K-pop arena.
Jisoo, currently taking a break from BLACKPINK's "DEADLINE" world tour, revealed her feelings about the collaboration, stating she was both "nervous and excited" to be working with Zayn, whom she called an "amazing artist". She expressed her hope that fans would enjoy the song and appreciate the unique blend of their musical styles.
The collaboration announcement followed weeks of speculation, fueled by cryptic teasers on social media. Jisoo initially posted a photo with a silhouetted figure in the background, leading fans to guess at a potential collaboration with the former One Direction star. Further fueling the rumors, Zayn was spotted attending BLACKPINK's New York concert in July with his daughter Khai, a moment now seen as a potential hint of the collaboration to come. Zayn later shared a photo from the event, expressing his and his daughter's enjoyment of the show.
"Eyes Closed" is described as a heartfelt ballad that showcases the distinct vocal talents of both singers, creating a soothing and emotionally charged harmony. The song's theme revolves around loving someone regardless of their past or what others may say. The release was accompanied by a music video featuring Jisoo and Zayn singing in a spaceship in outer space, quickly amassing over 500,000 views within the first half-hour of its release.
Fans have taken to social media to express their enthusiasm for the collaboration, with many praising the artists' combined sound and expressing their support for Jisoo's venture into new musical territories. One fan wrote, "I want to cry, I'm so happy for our Jisoo, so happy that her first collab is with such a good guy like Zayn," while another added, "It's incredible how good they sound together". Another comment highlighted the song's appeal amidst a landscape of releases deemed "bad, noisy, and unpleasant," praising it as "good music".
For Jisoo, "Eyes Closed" arrives after her solo EP "Amortage," which was released in February and featured tracks like "Earthquake" and "Your Love". In addition to her music career, Jisoo has also been active in acting, starring in the series "Newtopia" and "Boyfriend on Demand". Zayn, who released his album “Room Under the Stairs” in 2024, is also set to reunite with former One Direction bandmate Louis Tomlinson for a travel docuseries. He is also launching a Las Vegas residency in January 2026.
The collaboration between Jisoo and Zayn highlights the increasing dissolution of international music boundaries and the growing appeal of K-pop and Western pop fusions. With both artists boasting massive global fanbases, "Eyes Closed" is poised to be a major hit, further solidifying their positions as influential figures in the music industry.
