&TEAM achieved a Japanese release win on the April 29 broadcast of Show Champion. The nine member group took first place with their Japanese mini album We on Fire. This achievement is particularly notable because the group secured a No.1 win on a Korean music program with a Japanese release. Consequently, this Japanese release win highlights their strong cross border appeal.
Previously, &TEAM earned a triple crown on domestic Korean music shows. Their Korean debut album Back to Life topped KBS2’s Music Bank and other programs. In their acceptance speech, the members expressed deep gratitude to their fandom LUNÉ. They said the win was possible thanks to their fans’ unwavering support. Thus, the release win belongs to both the group and their dedicated followers.
&TEAM debuted in 2022 as HYBE’s first Japanese group. Since then, they have actively promoted across both Korea and Japan. Their efforts have gained them significant global recognition. The group’s latest Japanese mini album has also achieved strong commercial results. For instance, We on Fire topped Oricon’s weekly combined album chart. It also surpassed one million copies in first day sales. Furthermore, the album ranked No.1 on Hanteo’s daily album chart. Therefore, this Japanese release win reflects both critical and commercial success.
The group consists of nine members: EJ, Fuma, K, Nicholas, Yuma, Jo, Harua, Taki, and Maki. They have built a loyal following across Asia and beyond. This Japanese release win marks another milestone in their career. It proves that Japanese language releases can compete effectively on Korean music shows. Industry observers note that &TEAM’s strategy of promoting in both markets pays off.
Looking ahead, &TEAM will perform at the ASIA STAR ENTERTAINER AWARDS 2026 on May 16. The event takes place at Belluna Dome in Saitama, Japan. Fans anticipate another strong showing from the group. The Japanese release win adds momentum to their upcoming performance. Consequently, &TEAM continues to blur the lines between Korean and Japanese pop markets. Their success may inspire other Japanese acts to pursue similar cross border strategies. This Japanese release win also strengthens HYBE’s position in the global music industry. Future releases will likely receive even more attention from fans and critics alike.
