&TEAM, Moving Beyond Million Sellers to a Bigger Stage... "We Will Show Our Matured Charm" [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

&TEAM returns with a more matured appearance.

&TEAM (Ujyu, Huma, Kai, Nicholas, Yuma, Jo, Haruto, Takki, Maki) held a showcase to commemorate the release of their second Korean mini-album 'Mark on Me' at SBS Prism Tower in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 8th.

'Mark on Me' is the group's first album released 11 months after 'Back to Life,' which came out last November. It unfolds a new story by adding the emotion of 'love' to &TEAM's identity, the 'Wolf DNA.' The album carries the meaning that two beings connected by fate leave indelible marks on each other.

On this day, Ujyu said, "I hope our activities will be able to repay the love we received during our first Korean activities."

Kai stated, "The excitement I felt while promoting with our previous Korean album comes to mind. We will show you our more grown-up selves."

Huma said, "I am happy to be able to show &TEAM's stage and music again," while Nicholas added, "We will strive to show various sides of &TEAM."

Haruto urged, "This album is one that adds the emotion of love to our 'Wolf DNA.' Please watch over this new story."

The album includes a total of six tracks: the title track 'Mark on Me,' along with 'Good Boy,' 'Lovejang,' 'Accelerate,' 'Empty,' and 'Night to howl!'

Haruto introduced the album, saying, "If the previous story was about wolves who were alone until now meeting and growing together, this time it is a story of wolf boys meeting one person. Because that boy's scars and wounds were accepted as they are, the content includes him opening his heart and growing."

The title track 'Mark on Me' is a pop genre song with beautiful piano melodies and dramatic development that leave a strong impression. The members' diverse vocals stand out, from low, deep tones to powerful high notes. Their voices, oscillating between restraint and explosion, complete the dramatic narrative.

Regarding the selection of the title track, Yuma said, "I was surprised it was chosen as the title track. I thought that if we are who we are now, we could express this song well and show our grown-up selves."

Huma explained, "When I first heard it, the grand atmosphere of the intro and chorus gave me a musical-like feeling. I was worried about what kind of voice to put in with the producer, but I tried to express it with a powerful voice and even paid attention to breathing sounds."

&TEAM is HYBE's global group that debuted in Japan in 2022. Their first Korean debut album 'Back to Life' last year broke initial sales of 1.22 million copies and secured a triple crown on music shows. Following this, they achieved three consecutive million-seller albums with their third Japanese mini-album 'We on Fire,' released last April. That album also reached number 52 on the US Billboard main album chart, 'Billboard 200.'

Reflecting on their first Korean activities, Maki said, "I think my first Korean activities were the first step toward moving to a wider stage. It was not an easy challenge, but we worked hard together and were happy to achieve our big goal of becoming million sellers and topping music shows."

He continued, "Personally, I remember the media showcase that started my first Korean activities. Back then, I had more worries, but this time I have a strong desire to take on bigger goals."

Jo expressed his expectations for Korean activities, saying, "I really want to get number one on 'Inkigayo.' We got number one during our last activities, but not on 'Inkigayo.' If Ujyu-hyung calls out our names directly, it will be a special moment."

He added, "I hope this will be an opportunity to introduce &TEAM more to those who do not know us well."

Ujyu stated his determination, saying, "We want to show that &TEAM fits these looks well and is good at these genres. If we were able to let people know our name and stage, now I want to convey the charm of a matured and deeper &TEAM. We will work hard so that it can be more deeply impressed."

He also shared his honest thoughts about the burden of the title 'HYBE's First Global Group.'

Ujyu said, "We are trying to make new music fitting for this title. To narrow the gap between the music K-pop fans expect and the music we want to show, we are trying various genres to find music and performances that suit &TEAM, and we research every activity on how to maximize them."

He added, "Through our last Korean activities, we tried to show a good side to our fans and introduce &TEAM anew. We hope that through this second comeback, we can fill the regret of short activities. We hope that our efforts to show &TEAM's unique color and new sides are well conveyed."

They also revealed their ambition for overseas activities and a bigger stage. Ujyu said, "We had a great time for two days at Verona Dome. We promised fans to meet them on a dome stage, so it was good that we could meet our fans in such a short time. I want to work hard so that many people can enjoy us on a bigger stage." He also added, "I like festival stages too, and I want to take on challenges wherever I am invited."

Kai stated, "I went to the US, and the energy of local fans was impressive. I learned that there are people waiting for &TEAM even in places we have not visited yet." He continued, "My desire to perform on stages in countries or regions we have not visited has grown stronger."

Maki shared his wish, saying, "I want to go to Lollapalooza. I think it would fit &TEAM very well."

&TEAM will hold the '2026 &TEAM CONCERT TOUR 'BLAZE THE WAY' ENCORE in KSPO DOME' at KSPO Dome in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the 3-4, capping off their Asian tour.

Haruto said, "We are scheduled to perform at KSPO DOME in October as well. We thank our fans who have waited for us for a long time and loved us. We look forward to it."

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*This content was translated by AI.