&TEAM Unveils Track Sampler for Korean Debut Mini-Album 'Back to Life', to Join OneRepublic as Special Guest

Global group &TEAM has heightened anticipation for their upcoming Korean mini-album 'Back to Life', set to release on February 28th, by unveiling a track sampler that offers a sneak peek into the album's sound.

The track sampler, released on the 20th and comprising six distinct versions, features short yet addictive beats and striking visuals, significantly raising fan expectations. Centered around the common object 'sandbag,' the sampler showcases a diverse musical world for &TEAM, with varied spatial arrangements, lighting, and directing techniques reflecting each song's lyrical themes and concepts.

The dramatic visuals, including a sandbag swinging to escalating music, flickering lights, and tense directorial choices, immersed viewers in the experience. Symbolic imagery, such as feathers forming wings and water ripples connecting like waves, visually represented &TEAM's expanded musical spectrum.

Alongside the track sampler release, &TEAM (comprising E-j, Fuma, K, Nicholas, Yuma, Jo, Harua, Taki, Maki) announced their special guest appearance at the Japanese concerts of world-renowned pop-rock band OneRepublic next February.

OneRepublic, known for global hits like 'Apologize', 'Counting Stars', and 'I Ain’t Worried' from the movie 'Top Gun: Maverick', shares a connection with &TEAM through frontman Ryan Tedder, who produced &TEAM's song 'Dropkick'.

Through their agency, &TEAM expressed their excitement, stating, "It's an unbelievable and glorious opportunity," and pledged, "We will do our best not to tarnish OneRepublic's reputation."

With their official Korean debut imminent, &TEAM has already garnered significant domestic attention, having surpassed one million cumulative shipments with their previous album 'Go in Blind'. As the first localized group from a HYBE overseas subsidiary, their Korean debut marks a significant step towards becoming a global phenomenon.

Fans reacted enthusiastically to the track sampler release, with comments like "The teaser quality is insane," and "This is a comeback I can't miss." Many also expressed excitement about the OneRepublic collaboration, saying, "It feels like a dream to perform with OneRepublic." Anticipation for their Korean activities is high.