HYBE’s multinational boy band &TEAM, who first launched in Japan, will make their official Korea debut next month. The nine-member act will release its first Korean-language mini-album, 'Back to Life,' on Oct. 28 ― a milestone that follows their recent million-certified sales in Japan and sets up a fresh chapter on K-pop’s home turf.
The news was announced Sept. 3 in Tokyo during the '&TEAM 3rd Anniversary [En Day]' event, where members EJ, FUMA, K, NICHOLAS, YUMA, JO, HARUA, TAKI and MAKI confirmed the release from the stage.
While the group has appeared on Korean music shows for special stages ― often performing Korean versions of their Japanese tracks ― this marks their first official Korean album.
“Thanks to LUNÉ’s support and love, we’ve come this far,” &TEAM said in a statement, referencing their fandom. “With our Korea debut, we want to take our music farther and share more of who we are. We’ll keep giving you our best.”
According to YX Labels, 'Back to Life' reflects the nine-piece’s three-year journey and signals a bold reset, blending &TEAM’s distinct sonic identity with the global-minded pop sensibility championed by HYBE founder and chairman Bang Si-hyuk.
In April, the group’s third single 'Go in Blind' surpassed 1 million cumulative shipments, earning &TEAM its first Million certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). Their first Asia tour, which ran for roughly two months starting in May, drew about 100,000 attendees and further solidified their status as a global act.
Momentum has been strong in Korea as well: their standalone concert at Seoul’s Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium sold out at onsale, with even limited-view seats snapped up immediately. The current tour will wrap with encore shows Oct. 25-26 at Saitama Super Arena ― the largest venue the group has played to date.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)