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HYBE’s Japan-based boy group &TEAM poses during the showcase for its first Korean mini album Back to Life at Blue Square in Yongsan District, Seoul, on October 28. / Source: HYBE

HYBE’s Japan-based boy band &TEAM has officially made its Korean debut, three years after its formation, releasing its first mini album Back to Life on October 28.

At the group’s showcase held at Blue Square in Yongsan, Seoul, &TEAM said, “Debuting in Korea—the home of K-pop—is an important new starting point for us as artists. This album represents our first step toward greater growth and new challenges.”

Formed through the 2022 survival program &AUDITION – The Howling, the nine-member group belongs to HYBE’s Japanese subsidiary, YX Labels, and has been steadily building a fan base through activities in Japan. Their Korean debut album embodies their journey of teamwork, maturity, and ambition built over the past three years.

The title track, Back to Life, combines intense rock sounds with hip-hop rhythms, expressing the group’s determination to break boundaries and reach for a larger world. The album includes six tracks in total, including Lunatic and Heartbreak Time Machine.

Member Maki said, “This album captures the growth and teamwork we’ve built over three years. Like the title, it’s about being reborn and taking on a new challenge.”

The group also emphasized their effort to perfect stage performances. “We practiced endlessly to synchronize our moves as nine members,” they said. “Each gesture carries emotion—we wanted the performance to feel like a story unfolding.”

For the Korean debut, non-Korean members worked hard on language and cultural preparation, studying pronunciation and watching Korean entertainment programs. Harua said, “I practiced facial expressions for music shows’ ‘ending fairy’ moments and fan cams,” before striking a pose onstage with a smile.

As HYBE’s first Japan-based group, &TEAM has seen strong results in Japan. Their debut EP First Howling: ME topped the Oricon Daily Albums Chart, and their second album Yukiakari was named among the “Best 5 Albums” at the Japan Gold Disc Awards. Their first Asia tour, held from May to October this year, drew an audience of 160,000 across multiple cities.

“We’ve continued to challenge ourselves since debut and gained confidence through those experiences,” the group said. “Through our Korean activities, we hope to grow stronger as a team. Our greatest strength is our unity—nine different personalities that become one on stage.”

Back to Life was released on major streaming platforms at 6 p.m. on October 28.