&TEAM’s Korean Debut “Back to Life” Catapults The Global Nonet to Stardom

The year 2025 proved to be career-defining for the Japan-based global group &TEAM. Housed under HYBE JAPAN’s YX LABELS, the powerhouse team consists of members EJ, FUMA, K, NICHOLAS, YUMA, JO, HARUA, TAKI, and MAKI. The nonet made their landmark Korean debut on October 28 with the mini album Back to Life.

Back To Life follows two major career milestones for &TEAM. In April, &TEAM released their third single album in Japan, Go In Blind, which earned them their first million certification from the Recording Industry of Japan. A month later, they embarked on their first Asia Tour, “Awaken the Bloodline.” The tour recorded a total of 14 shows, and concluded with an encore concert at the historic Saitama Super Arena on October 25 and 26. &TEAM continued this streak of success and soared to even greater heights with the release of Back to Life.

Back to Life

&TEAM’s first Korean mini album, Back to Life, features six new songs that span across various genres. Back to Life is emblematic of &TEAM’s artistic versatility, from the romantic Heisei R&B sounds of “MISMATCH” to the genre-defying dance beats of “Rush.” Though each track is sonically unique, the songs are unified by its central theme of resilience. 

The title track, “Back to Life,” is a rock hip-hop track that conveys &TEAM’s determination to push beyond limitations. Rock elements, primarily electric guitar, have grown to be synonymous with &TEAM’s signature sound. The deep guitar melodies that echo throughout the song are the perfect companion to the member’s emotional vocal belts. Meanwhile, dance-inducing drum patterns in the verses lay the foundation for &TEAM’s tight rap delivery. 

In true &TEAM fashion, “Back to Life” expands upon their ongoing world-building with the DARK MOON series. Though the path to success is no easy feat, the nine-members continue to push themselves despite the circumstances. MAKI raps in the second verse: “Tough skin I’ve earned and it’s glorious / In the distance lies utopia / Every cell pushes me on.” The song not only resonates with their deeply rooted werewolf lore, but &TEAM’s desire to develop further as global artists. 

On November 28, &TEAM released “Back to Life – Japanese ver” in anticipation of “Back to Life FAN SHOWCASE (LUNÉ MINI FANMEETING).” &TEAM returned to Japan for the event, where they showcased the Japanese version of “Back to Life” alongside the Korean tracks “Lunatic” and “MISMATCH.” &TEAM also debuted a performance of the B-side ballad “Who Am I.” 

“Ain’t No Limit” for &TEAM

Since the release of Back to Life, &TEAM added numerous achievements to their list of accolades. Back to Life sold 1,139,988 copies on its first day of sales alone — earning &TEAM the coveted title of “double million sellers.” &TEAM became the first Japan-based group to sell over one million CDs in both Japan and South Korea. They also debuted at first place on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart in addition to ranking No.5 on World Albums, No.12 on Top Current Album Sales, No.13 on Top Album Sales, and No.78 on the Artist 100. 

The official music video for “Back to Life” surpassed 30 million views in under five days, making it their most viewed music video to date. &TEAM’s most viewed music video behind “Back to Life” is “Lunatic” at 17 million views — a surprising feat as the track also comes from Back to Life. A press release also shared that U.S. listenership significantly surged, “growing 2.4-fold on Spotify and 3.8-fold on Apple Music.”

Whilst promoting on Korean broadcast programs, “Back to Life” secured &TEAM their first ever music show win on the November 4 airing of THE SHOW. “Back to Life” additionally scored wins on Show Champion and Music Bank, achieving “triple crown” status. &TEAM completed their Korean debut promotions with powerful performances of “Lunatic.” 

From “Extraordinary Days” to an Extraordinary Year

&TEAM are closing off their breakthrough year on a high-note with their first appearance on the prestigious NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen on December 31. This year marks the 76th installment of the Japanese program, with &TEAM standing amongst industry greats across generations of music. 

“Performing on Kōhaku Uta Gassen has always been one of our goals and dreams. We’re truly honored,” &TEAM’s sub-leader, FUMA, shared at the announcement press conference held on November 14. “It’s been almost three years since our debut, and we want to make our fans who have supported us this far feel proud. We’ll treasure every moment and do our best to live up to the program.”

Just like the end of &TEAM’s “Go in Blind” music video foreshadowed, 2025 proved to be “only the prologue to the legend these boys are destined to write.” &TEAM solidified their status as global stars this year, but there is no limit to how much further they will ascend. 

“Run with the pack” and follow &TEAM on X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok!

Interested in more Asian pop groups making their mark across the globe? Check out EnVi’s coverage of Coachella-slated girl group BINI’s new album, FLAMES, here!