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."
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