&TEAM Members Profiles 2026 & Fun Facts

&TEAM – the nine-member multinational boy group under YX LABELS (formerly HYBE Labels Japan) – is one of the most exciting acts in the J-pop and K-pop world right now. If you haven’t heard of them yet, you’re about to understand why millions of fans across Asia and beyond are completely obsessed. Born from a survival show, shaped by relentless training, and united by a shared “wolf” identity, &TEAM (also written as andTEAM, Korean: 앤팀, Japanese: エンティーム) has spent the last three years building a fanbase that’s loyal, loud, and growing fast.

Their name says it all: “9 diverse members forming a team and connecting diverse worlds.” That mission has driven everything from their chart-topping Japanese discography to their landmark Korean debut in 2025. Whether you’re already part of the LUNÉ fandom or just discovering the group for the first time, this is your complete guide to everything &TEAM.

Band Information

&TEAM officially debuted on December 7, 2022, with their first mini album First Howling: ME under YX LABELS, a subsidiary of HYBE – the South Korean entertainment powerhouse behind BTS, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and ENHYPEN. The group was formed through the &Audition – The Howling survival program, which aired on Hulu Japan and debuted the final nine members via a live broadcast from Tokyo on September 3, 2022.

Before their official debut, the group released the digital pre-single “Under the Skin” on November 25, 2022, introducing their signature wolf-themed lore and cinematic storytelling concept – elements that have become a defining part of their Dark Moon universe.

Their fandom name, LUNÉ, was announced on September 26, 2022, meaning “moon” – a backronym for “Light Up New Energy.” It’s the perfect counterpart to the group’s wolf-and-moon visual mythology.

Although they are primarily based in Japan and operate under a J-pop label, several members participated in South Korea’s landmark survival show I-LAND before the group’s formation. This dual-market identity helped &TEAM expand into Korean-language releases, culminating in their official Korean debut in October 2025 with the mini album Back to Life – making them a genuinely global act.

Official Greeting: “ONE TWO! We Link!” Official Fandom Name: LUNÉ (Light Up New Energy) Official Colors: Various (one per member) Label: YX LABELS / HYBE Active Since: 2022 – present Genres: J-pop, K-pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, pop

The &TEAM Member Profiles

&TEAM is made up of nine members from four different countries – Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Germany – making them one of the most internationally diverse groups in the idol world. Here’s a full breakdown:

Member Profiles Table

EJ (Leader)

EJ

His real name is Byun Eui Joo, but his English name is Eli Byun – and fans love using both!

He grew up in Goyang, South Korea, but spent a year living on Jeju Island when he was little.

EJ was a former BigHit trainee before his time on I-LAND, where he was eliminated in episode 7.

He trained for one year and six months before appearing on I-LAND – talk about dedication.

EJ was an active fencer during middle school. Yes, a sword-fighter turned K-pop idol.

His nickname is “Ponyo,” because fans and even fellow members say he looks like the beloved Studio Ghibli character.

He has an older sister who is reportedly a big supporter of his career.

EJ’s representative emoji is 🍊 – and orange is closely tied to his personal color.

His MBTI type is ISTJ, which matches his reputation as a responsible and grounded leader.

He was the one chosen to lead the group into the Korean debut era – a role he took very seriously.

Fuma (Sub-Leader)

Fuma

Fuma was born in Shizuoka, Japan, and has been passionate about performing since he was young.

He is the oldest member of &TEAM, born in 1998, giving him a calm and mature leadership style.

Fuma’s MBTI is INTJ – often called “the Architect” – which fits his thoughtful approach to music and performance.

His representative emoji is 🦸‍♂️, perfectly matching his superhero-like stage presence.

He is known among members as one of the most dedicated perfectionists in the group’s practice sessions.

Fuma’s representative color is Pastel Grey, which fans say matches his cool, understated vibe.

He speaks Japanese as his primary language and has strong communication skills within the group.

Fans often note that Fuma’s facial expressions during performances are particularly captivating and expressive.

Despite being the Sub-Leader, Fuma often steps up to fill in leadership roles when needed.

He has a deep love for music and has expressed interest in songwriting and creative production.

K (Performance Leader)

K

K’s full name is Koga Yudai, making him one of the eldest Japanese members at 6’1″ tall.

He is the Performance Leader and Main Dancer of &TEAM – and watching him move on stage makes it very clear why.

K was one of the four members confirmed before the survival program aired, meaning he was always central to HYBE’s vision for the group.

He also participated in I-LAND before joining HYBE’s Japan project.

K’s representative emoji is 👑 – an undisputed crown for the group’s dance powerhouse.

He was the member chosen to embody the most dramatic moment in the “Back to Life” MV, transforming into a monster at the climax.

Fans consider K to be one of the group’s strongest visual assets during live performances.

His presence on stage is consistently described as “magnetic” by both fans and music critics.

K is known for an intense and focused practice ethic – he reportedly runs choreography until it’s absolutely perfect.

From late 2025 to early 2026, K temporarily had limited schedule participation due to personal activities.

Nicholas (Main Rapper & Lead Vocalist)

Nicholas

Nicholas’s real name is Wang Yixiang – he is the only Taiwanese member of &TEAM.

He is the most popular member in terms of fan bias additions, with 179 bias adds on tracking sites.

Nicholas was confirmed as a member before the survival program began, alongside K, EJ, and Taki.

He also appeared on I-LAND, where he built a following before the group’s official formation.

His representative emoji is 🍓 – sweet and a little bold, just like his rap style.

Nicholas is bilingual at minimum, handling both Japanese and Korean promotions with ease.

Fans love his versatility – he can go from a hard-hitting rap verse to a smooth vocal line without missing a beat.

He is often cited as one of the most expressive performers in the group during live concerts.

Nicholas has a charming personality that shines through in variety show appearances and fan interactions.

His Taiwanese heritage adds a unique cultural layer to a group that already spans four nationalities.

Yuma (Main Vocalist)

Yuma

Yuma’s full name is Nakakita Yuma, born in Japan on February 7, 2004.

As one of the group’s main vocalists, Yuma carries some of the most emotionally powerful lines in their songs.

His representative emoji is 🐱 – and fans agree the sweet, slightly mischievous personality matches perfectly.

Yuma is one of the shorter members at 174 cm, but his stage presence is anything but small.

He joined &TEAM through the &Audition – The Howling survival program, earning his spot through vocal talent.

Yuma is well-loved for his warm and approachable personality both on and off camera.

He reportedly bonds closely with Fuma and Maki as their dorm roommates (as of January 2026).

His vocal tone is often described as gentle yet powerful – particularly striking in slower, emotional tracks.

Yuma has a natural ability to connect with fans during fanmeetings, often praised for his eye contact and sincere energy.

He’s one of the younger members who fans expect to develop into a standout vocalist in future releases.

Jo (Vocalist, Visual, Center)

Jo

Jo’s full name is Asakura Jo, born on July 8, 2004 in Japan.

He holds the title of Visual in the group, and one look at him makes it pretty obvious why.

Jo also serves as a Center, meaning he often anchors the group’s formations in key choreography moments.

His representative emoji is 🍚 – simple, warm, and essential, which fans say describes his personality exactly.

Jo is one of the taller members at 185 cm, giving him a striking presence on stage.

From late 2025 to early 2026, Jo had limited schedule participation alongside K, due to personal activities.

Fans often highlight his soft facial features contrasted with his fierce dance energy as one of his most compelling qualities.

He is a roommate with K and Taki as of January 2026 – a trio that fans have nicknamed affectionately.

Jo has become a fan-favorite for moments where his natural charisma breaks through even during casual content.

His lines in songs like Back to Life – where he “catches” K during the climax – are considered some of the most visually iconic moments in the group’s MV history.

Harua (Vocalist, Visual)

Harua

Harua’s full name is Shigeta Harua, born on May 1, 2005 – making them one of the youngest Japanese members.

As one of the group’s two Visuals alongside Jo, Harua has a distinctive, soft aesthetic that fans absolutely adore.

Their representative emoji is 🐰 – and the bunny nickname has absolutely stuck.

At 173 cm, Harua is the shortest member, but their performance energy fills every inch of the stage.

Harua is one of the three members sharing a dorm with EJ and Nicholas as of January 2026.

Fans often point to Harua’s warm smile and gentle energy in fan interactions as some of the most memorable moments at concerts and fanmeetings.

Harua took part in the &Audition – The Howling program and won over audiences with a unique blend of visual charm and vocal skill.

Their social media presence is among the most beloved in the group – posts consistently go viral among LUNÉ.

Harua represents a softer, more emotional tone in &TEAM’s content, balancing the group’s otherwise intense wolf-themed aesthetic.

Despite being one of the quieter members in group settings, Harua shows remarkable artistic depth in solo content and close-ups.

Taki (Lead Dancer & Vocalist)

Taki

Taki’s full name is Takayama Riki, born on May 4, 2005 – sharing a birth month with Harua.

He is the Lead Dancer of &TEAM, and his technique is frequently praised by fans and performers in the industry alike.

Taki was one of the original four confirmed members before the survival show, meaning HYBE saw him as essential from day one.

He also appeared on I-LAND prior to the group’s formation, building recognition early.

Taki’s representative emoji is 🐣 – small, lively, and full of potential.

His dorm arrangement pairs him with K and Jo – arguably the group’s most iconic on-stage trio.

Taki’s dancing is described as sharp, precise, and effortlessly powerful, making him one of the most watchable performers in live settings.

He has a playful and energetic personality in behind-the-scenes content, often bringing the mood up during long schedules.

Fans frequently highlight Taki’s facial expressions during intense dance breaks as particularly arresting.

As both a dancer and vocalist, Taki contributes dynamically to the group’s live performance quality.

Maki (Main Vocalist & Maknae)

Maki

Maki is the youngest member – the “maknae” – born on February 17, 2006, making him the baby of the group.

His full name is Hirota Riki, and he is of German-Japanese heritage – the only member with European roots.

Maki is a Main Vocalist, and his vocal range and control are considered among the best in &TEAM’s lineup.

His representative emoji is 🐶 – fans say it captures his adorable yet surprisingly powerful presence.

Despite being the youngest, Maki opens the “Back to Life” MV with a spoken monologue – “They call me a monster… am I a monster?” – which became one of the most quoted lines in the group’s history.

Maki’s mixed German-Japanese background gives him a unique look that often surprises fans who learn about it for the first time.

He is a dorm roommate with Fuma and Yuma as of January 2026.

Maki is considered one of the group members with the highest potential for future solo activities by fans and music analysts.

His vocal tone is warm and emotional, making him particularly effective on ballad-leaning tracks.

For someone born in 2006, Maki’s stage maturity is remarkable – and he’s only going to keep growing from here.

Achievements

Since debuting in December 2022, &TEAM has built an impressive track record of commercial and critical achievements across Japan and South Korea. Here’s a look at some of their biggest milestones:

Chart & Sales Milestones

&TEAM has topped the Oricon charts with five consecutive releases since their debut – a streak that shows exactly how consistent their fanbase support is. Their second single also claimed the top spot on Billboard Japan’s weekly chart with over 461,863 copies sold in its first week alone.

In 2025, things went to another level entirely. Their single “Go in Blind (月狼)” earned them million-seller status in Japan – and their Korean debut album Back to Life sold an astonishing 1,139,988 copies on release day, making them a double million-seller in both Korea and Japan. Back to Life also topped the Oricon Daily Album ranking, becoming the first Korean album by a Japanese artist to ever do so.

When their second mini album First Howling: WE was released in June 2023, it went straight to Number 1 on the Oricon Top 100 Albums chart.

Awards

• 🏆 Best 5 New Artists – Japan Gold Disk Awards (for their debut EP First Howling: ME)
• 🏆 Special International Music Award – 67th Japan Record Awards (2025)
• 🏆 Global Generation Award – 2024 The Fact Music Awards (TMA) – awarded to groups with remarkable achievements in the global music scene
• 🏆 Triple Crown on South Korean music shows – winning on SBS M’s The Show, MBC M’s Show Champion, and KBS2’s Music Bank with “Back to Life” on November 4th, 5th, and 7th, 2025

Broadcast & Cultural Milestones

In December 2025, &TEAM debuted on NHK’s prestigious Kohaku Uta Gassen – Japan’s most iconic annual music broadcast, which only invites the biggest names in J-pop and K-pop. Their appearance marked a major cultural milestone, confirming their arrival as mainstream stars in Japan.

They’ve also been featured across major Korean and Japanese music programs, variety shows, and webtoon universes, including the Dark Moon: The Grey City narrative lore series that ties each member to a fictional character.

Discography and the Music Video

&TEAM has been remarkably prolific since their 2022 debut, building a rich catalog across both Japanese and Korean releases. Here’s a full look at their major releases:

Japanese Discography

Korean Discography

The “Back to Life” Music Video – A Cinematic Masterpiece

If you want to understand what &TEAM is all about, the “Back to Life” music video is the perfect place to start. Released on October 27, 2025, as the pre-release title track for their Korean debut album, the MV is directed by Seong with production from DIGIPED, and it is genuinely cinematic.

The video drops you straight into a post-apocalyptic, science fiction world – think tornados, monsters, dystopian landscapes, and heart-pounding choreography. It opens with Maki delivering a haunting monologue – “They call me a monster… am I a monster?” – before the rest of the group kicks in with an electrifying rock hip-hop performance.

The emotional peak of the video arrives at the climax of the chorus, where K transforms into a monster but is pulled back – literally caught by Jo – as light breaks through the darkness. That single moment became an instant fan-favorite scene, widely shared across social media after the video dropped.

The track itself is described as a rock hip-hop song that captures the nine members’ determination and positive energy as they push toward a bigger world. It’s true to &TEAM’s established “wolf DNA” concept while taking it to a whole new cinematic level. The video is a strong statement of identity – and a bold declaration that &TEAM belongs not just in Japan, but everywhere.

You can watch the full “Back to Life” MV on the official &TEAM YouTube channel.

Live Performances and World Tours in 2026

&TEAM has grown remarkably as a live act since their debut, consistently raising the bar with each tour. Here’s a complete overview of their concert and tour history, plus everything you need to know about what’s happening in 2026.

Complete Tour & Concert History

2026 Concert Tour ‘BLAZE THE WAY’ – Full Schedule

&TEAM’s 2026 BLAZE THE WAY tour is their most ambitious live venture yet – spanning 11 cities across six countries throughout Asia. The tour was announced on February 19, 2026, and kicked off on May 13, 2026, at K-Arena Yokohama in Kanagawa, Japan. It includes their first-ever solo concert in Singapore.

The tour continues the group’s iconic wolf-claw motif from their visual identity, and based on early reviews from the opening Kanagawa shows, the production – new dance breaks, arena-scale staging, and dynamic setlist – has already become the most talked-about live experience in the group’s history.

✅ = Already completed as of the article publication date (May 28, 2026)

The Incheon concerts on July 4 & 5 at the INSPIRE ARENA are generating particularly huge excitement among Korean LUNÉ, as they represent the group’s largest solo Korean concert dates to date. If you’re planning to attend any remaining dates, tickets can be purchased through YX LABELS’ official channels.

Are you a member of LUNÉ? Which &TEAM era or release is your favorite? Join the conversation on social media using #ANDTEAM and #LUNÉ – this is one fandom you definitely want to be part of.

Follow &TEAM on their official channels:

• Instagram: @andteam_official
• X (Twitter): @andTEAMofficial
• YouTube: &TEAM
• Website: andteam-official.jp