HYBE’s first locally developed global boy group &TEAM, who debuted in 2022 and moved over a million albums in Japan, has officially launched in Korea. Dropping their first Korean mini-album, "Back to Life", the nine-piece called the milestone “the crucial last checkpoint before we go worldwide.”
Signed to HYBE LABELS JAPAN, &TEAM held a Korean debut media showcase at 2 p.m. on the 28th at Blue Square SOL Travel Hall in Seoul, hosted by broadcaster Shin A-young, where they premiered the first performance of "Back to Life".
The members said the Korean debut brought a mix of nerves and excitement. EJ, the group’s Korean member and leader, shared, “I was surprised when I first heard. Seeing the fans and staff who waited for us made me want to do even better.” HARUA added, “I felt more anticipation than worry. I was happy to have a chance to step onto a new stage.”
"Back to Life" packs six tracks. MAKI called it “an album that captures the teamwork we’ve built over the last three years,” adding that, true to its title, it signals their resolve to come back stronger and take on new challenges. EJ described the title track as “a promise not to stay down no matter what we face―as if we’re coming 'Back to Life'.”
Formed through HYBE’s global boy-group debut project in 2022, &TEAM drew 160,000 attendees across their first Asia tour in May. Their third single, “Go in Blind,” has surpassed 1 million in shipments. They also topped a K-pop recognition survey in May and scored their first Best 5 Albums honor at the Japan Gold Disc Awards―firmly planting their flag in the Japanese market.
For the group, a Korean debut was a must-do. HARUA said, “It’s the stage the world is watching and a step we have to take to chase our goal of becoming a truly global act. I’m most excited to meet fans, and most nervous about Korean. All nine of us have been studying hard, but we worry about conveying our hearts clearly.”
Several members previously competed on Mnet’s survival show "I-LAND", which they say shaped their growth. K noted, “Because of I-LAND, we were able to grow a lot,” while EJ added, “It was a huge, invaluable experience. Even after the show ended, we pushed each other, and that time made us solid. I’m grateful we became nine.”
As HYBE’s first locally developed global group, they also reflected on the K-pop training system. EJ said, “What sets K-pop apart is how artists develop from a young age―not just singing and dancing, but in many ways. That’s why such compelling artists emerge. I’m proud to have trained and debuted in that system.”
Looking back on three years, MAKI shared, “It’s been challenge after challenge since debut, and we grew each time we cleared a new wall. The milestones―million-seller, Asia tour―were all thanks to our fans’ support.” He added his wish list: “A world tour, and personally, I want to hit the Lollapalooza stage.”
"Back to Life" features executive producer Bang Si-hyuk and Soma Genda, alongside Latin Grammy-nominated producer-songwriter JULiA LEWiS, and producers Tyler Spry, Scotty Dittrich, Mick Coogan, and Korean musician Park Moonchi.
Photo: Baik Seung-Chul
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
