"HYBE global group" &TEAM is making a strong showing after winning its first domestic music show trophy.
&TEAM (Uiju, Huma, K, Nicholas, Yuma, Jo, Harua, Taki, Maki) took first place on the cable channel SBS M's The Show on Nov. 4 with the title track of their Korean mini album, "Back to Life."
The members said, "Just standing among the nominees felt strange, and this award is even more meaningful because it's the first one we received since debuting in Korea. We were able to receive this award thanks to LUNÉ (the fandom name). We are truly grateful," they said emotionally.
They have been enjoying great popularity since their Korean debut on Oct. 28. &TEAM's Korean mini album "Back to Life" sold 1,139,988 copies on the day of release alone, taking first place on Hanteo Chart's daily ranking. It went on to record total first-week sales of 1,222,022 copies (tracking period Oct. 28–Nov. 3), joining the ranks of K-pop's undisputed "top-tier groups."
&TEAM previously sold more than 1 million copies with their third Japanese single, "Go in Blind" (certified gold disk by the Recording Industry Association of Japan as of July). &TEAM is the first Japanese artist to achieve million-seller status in both Korea and Japan.
Their presence in Japan remains as strong as ever. "Back to Life" topped Oricon's latest weekly album ranking (Nov. 10) and Billboard Japan's Top Album Sales (tracking period Oct. 27–Nov. 2). This is the first time a Japanese artist's Korean-language album has reached No. 1 on both charts.
&TEAM also showcases a friendly charm off stage through diverse content. They previously appeared on Studio Choom, Idol Human Theater, The Return of SUPERMAN, ON YOUR ARTIST and surprised viewers by appearing as YTN news weathercasters on Nov. 4. Uiju led the on-site report, and K and Harua shared clothing tips for coping with fall temperature swings and health advisories. They ended the broadcast with the team's signature "wolf pose," leaving a strong impression.
&TEAM is a nine-member group formed through HYBE's 2022 global boy group debut project, &AUDITION - The Howling. Aside from Korean leader Uiju and Taiwan-born Nicholas, the other seven members are all Japanese.
[photo] Provided by HYBE.
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