HARUA of &TEAM apologizes to fans after criticism over interview comments about his feelings on debuting in Korea.
February/6/2026 18:14
HARUA of &TEAM apologized to Korean fans. Recently, HARUA's interview with Japanese media received criticism in online communities. He said, "It was a time when results were gradually coming out in Japan. I felt that I wanted to keep working hard and aim higher. So, when I suddenly heard that the next stage to challenge was Korea, there were parts where I couldn't keep up with the understanding." &TEAM debuted in 2022 as the first Japanese group produced by HYBE, and has been active not only in Japan but also in Korea. Despite debuting as idols under the K-POP system, he faced criticism for making negative remarks about activities in Korea. In response, HARUA said, "Seeing LUNÉ (the name of the fans) hurt by the interview made my heart heavy, and I want to leave a message. I want to apologize for giving a sense of loneliness to everyone who always believes in and supports me due to my expression." He also stated, "Becoming a singer loved by many fans has been my dream since my trainee days. That's why, after three years, when I heard the news of my debut in Korea, I felt a great sense of responsibility and burden to show the fans who have been waiting for me my growth, rather than joy. In the interview, I couldn't organize and express my complicated feelings well, and as a result, it seems that LUNÉ felt I was taking my activities in Korea lightly or only considering them as a process, and I am truly sorry for that." He continued, "The time I spent with LUNÉ was the most precious and happy moment that cannot be exchanged for anything. I realized how much impact my words have on LUNÉ. From now on, I will think more carefully and express myself."
Related Articles
&TEAM won first place on KBS 2TV’s Music Bank with “Mark on Me,” the title track from its second Korean mini album. It was the group’s fifth Korean music show win overall. The members thanked fans, producer Bang Si-hyuk, and staff, and delivered a dramatic performance.
Atmos will host Atmoscon 2026, a major urban culture festival blending sneakers, music, fashion, and art, at Shinjuku Sumitomo Building on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 2026. The event will include sneaker awards, live performances, runway shows, brand booths, and food areas.
The Asia Artist Awards 2026, to be held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan on December 5-6, has revealed its full two-day artist lineup. Day 1 MCs are TWICE’s Tzuyu and ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Han-bin, while Day 2 MCs are IVE’s Wonyoung and actor Ji Chang-wook. The event features a wide range of actors and singers from Korea and abroad.
The live-action adaptation of Wandance, the manga by Coffee, will be released nationwide on Nov. 27, 2026. JO of &TEAM stars as Kabo, with Anji Ikehata, Kira Yamaguchi, RAN, TSUKKI, and Aloha Takamatsu also cast. A new poster has been revealed, and movie tickets go on sale Sept. 18.
&TEAM is expanding its fanbase in North America without a U.S. debut or tour. Korean debut boosted global streaming, and their 3rd EP entered Billboard 200 at No. 52, a first for a Japan-origin boy group. U.S. promotions and live stages further proved their strong performance power.
&TEAM’s Korean 2nd mini album Mark on Me topped Hanteo’s weekly album chart with 1,357,357 first-week sales, surpassing the group’s previous record from Back to Life. It also ranked No. 1 on Hanteo’s global World Chart, earning a double crown.
&TEAM held its first solo dome concert over two days at Belluna Dome in Saitama, celebrating its anniversary with LUNÉ through special performances, games, and surprise events. The group also announced a new 18-city tour and thanked fans after a powerful 29-song show.
&TEAM has released a highlight medley for their Korean 2nd mini album Mark on Me, due out in Korea on September 8 and in Japan on September 21. The album tells the story of nine wolves who open their hearts after meeting “you,” and previews six tracks, including the title song Mark on Me.
At the Seoul Fashion Week “HOLYNUMBER7” collection held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul’s Jung District on the afternoon of the 1st, JO1’s Junki Kono and Ruki Shiroiwa, Takuto Hamaya, Shoma Nagumo, and many other stars and influencers attended.
&TEAM revealed the tracklist for its second mini album, Mark on Me, set for release in Korea on September 8 and in Japan on September 21. The six-track album centers on love, change, and growth, and features major global hitmakers, signaling a new chapter for the group.
