&TEAM Announces Korean Debut, Igniting Fan Excitement and Japanese Media Frenzy

The highly anticipated K-pop debut of HYBE's global group &TEAM is set for October 28th, marking their official entry into the Korean music scene. The group officially declared their arrival on the K-pop stage with the announcement of their first Korean mini-album, ‘Back to Life’, during a recent 3rd-anniversary event. A live stream of this momentous occasion has garnered nearly 200,000 views, reflecting the fervent enthusiasm of domestic fans who pledge to support &TEAM's global journey.

The news of &TEAM's Korean debut has also generated significant buzz in Japan. Featured on the main news page of Yahoo! Japan, the nation's largest portal site, and extensively covered by major local media outlets, their Korean venture is being hailed as a pivotal 'first step towards the global stage'. &TEAM has already achieved remarkable success in Japan, with their third single ‘Go in Blind’, released in April, surpassing one million cumulative shipments and earning a 'Million' certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan. Their inaugural Asia tour attracted approximately 100,000 fans, and their solo concert at the Seoul Jamsil Indoor Stadium sold out completely, underscoring their rapid ascent.

With a reported 37.5% recognition rate in a May Oricon survey of K-pop and global groups, &TEAM boasts considerable popularity in Japan, further bolstered by over 300 television appearances. As HYBE's first overseas, localized group, benefiting from the full backing of Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, their Korean debut is poised to be a defining moment. This move transcends a mere extension of their Japanese activities; it signifies &TEAM's integration into the global music landscape under HYBE's 'Multi-home, Multi-genre' strategy. Industry insiders view this as a critical juncture for HYBE to demonstrate the efficacy of its global expansion plans. &TEAM expressed their ambition to share their charm with a wider audience, accompanied by their fandom, LUNÉ, through this Korean debut.

Formed through the Japanese survival show ' &AUDITION - The Howling -', &TEAM members come from diverse backgrounds, fostering a unique global chemistry. The group's name, &TEAM, symbolizes connection and unity, emphasizing their journey with their fans, known as LUNÉ. Chairman Bang Si-hyuk plays an instrumental role in shaping the group's concept and musical direction.