&TEAM Finally Makes Their Korean Debut! "A Starting Point to Become a Bigger Artist"

HYBE's Japanese local boy group &TEAM (&TEAM) has taken their first step into the Korean music scene after three years since their debut. The nine-member group announced that they will officially start their Korean activities at the showcase for their first Korean mini-album 'Back to Life' on the 28th at Blue Square in Seoul.

Member Maki stated, "The Korean debut is, in a word, a big and important starting point to become a bigger artist," adding, "We want to show our own color and identity on the main stage of K-pop, Korea." He further mentioned, "The Korean debut is the first step towards a wider stage."

&TEAM, which belongs to HYBE's Japanese local corporation 'YX Labels', was formed through the boy group debut project '&AUDITION -THE Howling-' in 2022. This is the first time they are officially releasing an album and promoting in Korea after continuing their activities in Japan.

&TEAM explained that their mini-album 'Back to Life' contains their journey over the past three years and their determination for a new leap. Maki introduced it as "an album that shows the teamwork and growth we have built over three years," stating, "Just like the title 'Back to Life', it contains our resolve to face new challenges with a stronger appearance."

The album includes a total of six tracks, including the title track of the same name, the upbeat 'Lunatic', and the rock ballad 'Heartbreak Time Machine'. The title track 'Back to Life' is a rock-hip-hop genre song that highlights rough and intense energy, capturing the firm will and positive energy to run towards a bigger world in its lyrics.

&TEAM described it as "a song that can be listened to like a drama," stating, "We practiced hard to synchronize the breathing of the nine members during the group dance parts." They emphasized, "We tried to infuse emotions into every movement, so please pay attention to that."

Excluding the Korean member Uiju, &TEAM is composed entirely of foreign national members, and they revealed that they invested a lot of time in mastering Korean by practicing pronunciation and watching variety shows ahead of their Korean debut. Member Harua said, "We practiced hard for the moves and expressions for the 'ending fairy' that can only be seen on Korean music broadcasts," and showcased a pre-prepared ending pose.

&TEAM, which attracted attention as the first overseas local group introduced by HYBE, has shown steady growth over the past three years. They topped the Oricon daily album chart with their first album 'First Howling: ME' upon debut and achieved the feat of being selected as 'Best 5 Albums' at the 39th Japan Gold Disc Awards organized by the Recording Industry Association of Japan with their second regular album 'Yukiakari'.

From May to October, they gathered 160,000 audience members on their first Asia tour, which toured Korea and Japan. Maki stated, "It has been a continuous series of challenges since the beginning of our debut, and we have grown by overcoming one wall at a time," adding, "We gained great confidence through achievements like million-seller certification and the Asia tour."

&TEAM expressed their goal of growing into a team that will hold a world tour and participate in large music festivals in the future. Member Huma emphasized, "I believe the charm of &TEAM is the teamwork that is displayed when all nine come together," stating, "Although the members have different personalities and strengths, we want to show the teamwork that becomes one when we are on stage."