&TEAM makes Korean debut: ′A major new beginning to become greater artists′

&TEAM makes Korean debut: 'A major new beginning to become greater artists': K-POP / 연합뉴스 / 2025-10-28 15:39:48

▲ HYBE’s Japan-based boy group &TEAM perform at the press showcase for its first Korean mini album “Back to Life,” held Oct. 28, 2025, at Blue Square in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (Yonhap) -- “Making our Korean debut marks a big and important starting point for us to become greater artists,” member Maki said.

HYBE’s Japan-based boy group &TEAM has made its long-awaited debut in the Korean music scene, three years after its formation.

At a press showcase for its first Korean mini album “Back to Life,” held Tuesday at Blue Square in Seoul, the group said, “We want to show our own color and identity here in Korea, the home of K-pop. This debut is the first step toward a bigger stage.”

▲ HYBE’s Japan-based boy group &TEAM perform at the press showcase for its first Korean mini album “Back to Life,” held Oct. 28, 2025, at Blue Square in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Formed through HYBE Japan’s audition project “&AUDITION – The Howling –” in 2022, the nine-member group has been active mainly in Japan under HYBE’s subsidiary label YX Labels. “Back to Life” marks their first official album release and promotion in Korea.

The mini album captures the team’s journey over the past three years and their determination for a new leap forward. “This album shows the teamwork and growth we’ve built,” Maki said. “Just as the title suggests, it’s about reviving ourselves with stronger energy and facing new challenges.”

The album features six tracks, including the title song “Back to Life,” along with upbeat track “Lunatic” and rock ballad “Heartbreak Time Machine.” The title track is a rock-hip-hop number with raw, powerful energy, expressing the group’s resolve and optimism for the future.

“It’s a song that plays out like a drama,” the members said. “We practiced hard to synchronize our moves as one in the choreography and tried to put genuine emotion into every movement.”

▲ HYBE’s Japan-based boy group &TEAM perform at the press showcase for its first Korean mini album “Back to Life,” held Oct. 28, 2025, at Blue Square in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Except for Korean member EJ, all &TEAM members are of foreign nationality. The group said they spent much time practicing Korean pronunciation and watching Korean variety shows in preparation for their debut.

As for what they look forward to most, the members picked the unique “ending fairy” moments and “fancam” clips popular on Korean music shows. Member Harua said, “We practiced facial expressions and poses for the ending scenes and prepared a lot to show our best moments.”

As HYBE’s first overseas-based boy group, &TEAM has steadily expanded its presence. Their debut EP “First Howling : ME” topped Japan’s Oricon Daily Album Chart, and their second studio album “Yukiakari” was named one of the “Best 5 Albums” at the 39th Japan Gold Disc Awards.

Their first Asia tour, held from May to October, attracted 160,000 fans across Korea and Japan. “We’ve been continuously challenging ourselves and overcoming obstacles since debut,” Maki said. “The success of our Asia tour and becoming million sellers gave us great confidence.”

Looking ahead, the group hopes to hold a world tour and perform at major music festivals, showcasing their unity as nine members. “Our greatest strength is our teamwork,” member Fuma said. “Each of us is different, but when we come together on stage, we become one.”