
The global group &TEAM from Japan, with the title track 'Back o Life' from their 1st mini-album 'Back to Life' released on October 28 (Tuesday), won 1st place on the Korean music program MBC M 'SHOW CHAMPION' on November 5 (Wednesday). Following SBS M 'THE SHOW', they achieved a double crown on Korean music programs, showing a strong presence right after their debut in Korea. &TEAM appeared on 'SHOW CHAMPION' on November 5 (Wednesday), performing the title track 'Back to Life' and the included track 'Lunatic'. Regarding their 1st place win, leader EJ expressed gratitude, saying, 'Thanks to LUNÉ (the fans of &TEAM), we received our first award on 'SHOW CHAMPION'. Every day since our debut in Korea feels like a dream. I am truly grateful.' K greeted in Japanese, 'Thank you always. I really love you. I will do my best to respond with the music I love.' NICHOLAS and MAKI greeted in Chinese and English respectively, showcasing their global group aspect. After the broadcast of 'SHOW CHAMPION', the play count of the included track 'Lunatic' continued to rise, achieving 10 million views in about 62 hours since its release, creating a big topic on SNS due to its unprecedented speed. The Korean 1st mini-album 'Back to Life' recorded 1.13 million copies on its first day, rising to become a million-artist in Japan and Korea, and recorded a total of 1,222,022 copies sold in one week (October 28 to November 3). This is the highest sales volume among Korean albums released in October (according to Hanteo chart) and ranks high for the entire year, rapidly climbing to the top tier group. &TEAM's popularity is not limited to music programs and charts. A pop-up event '&TEAM KR 1st Mini Album 'Back to Life' POP-UP' held in Seongdong, Seoul, to commemorate their Korean debut saw an average of over 1,000 visitors per day during its 8-day run, with fans from around the world interacting. This pop-up will move to Japan and is scheduled to be held at 'XYZ TOKYO' in Jingumae, Shibuya from November 29 (Saturday) to December 14 (Sunday) for a limited time. &TEAM's popularity in Japan continues to rise, winning 1st place in the latest 'Oricon Weekly Album Ranking' announced on November 4, and also achieving their highest cumulative points in the latest 'Oricon Weekly Combined Album Ranking' announced on November 5. Their first-week sales exceeded 700,000 copies according to SoundScan, and they topped the Billboard JAPAN Weekly Album Sales Chart 'Top Albums Sales' released on November 5 (counting period: October 27 to November 2). They recorded their highest first-week sales, surpassing the 491,677 copies of their 2nd ALBUM 'Yukiakari'. Achieving the double crown on Korean music programs, which was set as a goal for Japan to Global, &TEAM is moving closer to their path from Japan to the world.
On the morning of the 29th, a photo event for BARRIE's 2026 collection was held in Seoul, featuring attendees like IVE's Wonyoung, NCT's Yangyang, THE BOYZ's Hyunjae, and &TEAM's EJ. Wonyoung is rumored to be launching her own brand and possibly a solo album, while NCT members and BTOB's Changsub revealed insights about the audition show 'UNIVERSE LEAGUE.'
KCON Japan 2026 will take place from May 8-10 in Chiba, showcasing K-POP and Korean culture. The festival promises a diverse program reflecting global fan requests, featuring artists like &TEAM, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, and CORTIS. KCON has established itself as a leading platform for K-culture worldwide.
On the morning of the 12th, &TEAM completed their schedule and left through Gimpo International Airport. This article is based on local media coverage. The performances included award-winning acts from ILLIT, BOYNEXTDOOR, and &TEAM, along with a dance relay between Japanese and Korean artists and a kendama challenge at the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
HYBE JAPAN has launched a new label, JCONIC, aimed at producing iconic artists that reflect Japan's unique culture. This initiative is part of their 'HYBE 2.0' strategy, focusing on multi-home and multi-genre approaches. JCONIC will integrate strategy, production, and management to strengthen Japan's entertainment market presence.
At the 67th Japan Record Awards, ILLIT performed 'Almond Chocolate,' BOYNEXTDOOR sang '今日だけ I LOVE YOU,' and &TEAM showcased 'Go in Blind.' Each group expressed gratitude to fans for their support and shared their excitement about their achievements. ILLIT and &TEAM are set to perform at the upcoming NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
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