“We Can’t Help but Give It Our All”: &TEAM on Their Korean Debut

&TEAM on Their Korean Debut: Commitment, Craft and a Fresh Beginning

Ahead of their October 28 Korean debut mini‑album Back to Life, the nine‑member group reflects on growth, their creative identity and what this new chapter means for fans worldwide.


Formed through HYBE’s audition project, &TEAM have spent the past few years building momentum across Japan and Asia. Now, with their official Korean debut and the six‑track mini‑album Back to Life, the group talk about balancing ambition and humility, the performance details they can’t wait to show, and how they keep their initial passion alive as they enter a new phase.

EJ

How did it feel to announce the Korean debut at your third‑anniversary event?

EJ says finally sharing the news felt like a weight lifted. He was eager for LUNÉ to know and relieved by the enthusiastic response — a confirmation that their hard work resonates.

What does this comeback mean with Back to Life arriving on Oct. 28?

Preparing under the banner of an official Korean debut brings fresh pressure and responsibility. EJ explains that seeing everyone — members and staff alike — sacrifice sleep and effort makes it impossible not to give their absolute best.

How does the album expand your concept?

While the werewolf‑inspired worldview remains, EJ says the group’s sound and stage presence feel more mature. The tracks cover varied genres, but the core identity holds them together.

(From left) MAKI, HARUA, FUMA, EJ, JO
(From left) MAKI, HARUA, FUMA, EJ, JO — Photo: Young Bae

FUMA

What stuck with you about announcing the debut?

FUMA felt proud and exhilarated by the crowd’s reaction. He was nervous but thrilled to share the moment onstage and to bring the news directly to fans.

Which track highlights you?

He points to “MISMATCH” as a song that captures the group’s playful chemistry and lets his falsetto shine — a part he’s particularly pleased with.

What keeps you grounded amid a hectic schedule?

FUMA values early morning alone time to recharge: gaming, coffee and quiet moments that help him reset before the day.

K

How does it feel to prepare for the Korean debut?

K describes the debut as a new kind of challenge that pushes him to refine his Korean and step into broader opportunities. He’s curious to see how the group will perform on Korean charts and stages.

What’s a small talent people don’t know about?

K jokes that he’s particular about coffee temperature — a light, human detail that speaks to his taste for routines and comforts.

NICHOLAS

What are you most excited about this cycle?

NICHOLAS is looking forward to music‑show performances and fancams; he studies footage to learn how his expressions read on camera and to refine his stage storytelling.

Which song connects with you personally?

He cites “Who Am I” as a special ballad that challenged him emotionally, and “Back to Life” for its blend of rap and melodic moments that suit his strengths.

YUMA

How are you preparing physically and mentally?

YUMA says the intense prep has built stamina and confidence. He hopes fans will listen closely to the album’s layered vocals and arrangements, especially the bridge of “MISMATCH.”

What does “beginner’s mind” mean to you?

For YUMA it’s maintaining the passion that motivated him at the start — staying hungry while appreciating the growth that comes with experience.

JO

What’s your outlook for the promotions?

JO is focused on making the most of a concentrated promotion period, enjoying each performance and aiming for a music‑show win — a milestone he hopes the team will reach together.

What surprised you about living and working with nine members?

He’s discovered a more outgoing side of himself, thriving in the group’s collaborative atmosphere and valuing solo practice as a way to recharge and refine his craft.

TAKI

How did it feel to finally debut in Korea?

TAKI says the announcement was the culmination of three years of effort — an emotional, grateful moment that reinforced the group’s momentum and togetherness.

What do you most want listeners to notice?

He hopes audiences pay attention to the breadth of &TEAM’s music — from high‑energy tracks like “Back to Life” to intimate ballads such as “Heartbreak Time Machine” and “Who Am I.”

MAKI

Looking back, what made the announcement feel real?

MAKI recalls the enormous cheers when the news hit the screen and says the response made the debut feel tangible. He’s proud of how the group’s teamwork has matured and of the vocal identity he’s developing.

Which musical direction do you want to explore?

He’s drawn to smoother R&B textures and hopes to explore more laid‑back material and unit stages in future releases.

HARUA

What does this official debut mean to you?

HARUA describes it as a step toward fulfilling a dream inspired by Korean artists he admired growing up. The debut brings a greater responsibility to “prove” the group’s skills, and he’s excited for diverse stages and set designs during promotions.

What should new listeners know about &TEAM?

He recommends watching behind‑the‑scenes content to appreciate the members’ natural chemistry as much as their stage personas.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=UJaW2Z5DxS8%22+title%3D%22%26TEAM+video%22+style%3D%22position%3Aabsolute%3Btop%3A0%3Bleft%3A0%3Bwidth%3A100%25%3Bheight%3A100%25%3Bborder%3A0%3B%22+allowfullscreen+loading%3D%22lazy

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