From the name “&TEAM” to the greeting “We Link!” to the albums’ titles that read “ME,” “WE,” and “NOW,” &TEAM constantly communicates the message that its members are connected as one. Whether it’s practicing to synchronize the timing of breathing on stage or sharing each other’s language and emotions offstage, the leader EJ stands at the heart of &TEAM’s journey to becoming a “WE.” As a leader who grows together with the team, EJ talks about his life as the team leader and shares his messages to &TEAM and LUNÉ for whom he’s grateful. 

Becoming a leader

EJ: I put much pressure on myself when I became the team leader. I wanted to lead by example and also wanted to improve myself so that I could contribute to the team. Over time, I came to rely more on the sub-leader FUMA and the rest of the members and it helped me unburden myself and become a more responsible leader. I constantly reminded myself that since it was my first time making a debut and leading a team, it was only natural that I didn’t know so much. Still, I believe that I’ll gradually become closer to what I think of as an ideal leader as long as I try not to repeat the same mistakes. I want to grow in small steps together with the other members rather than be impatient about it.

Changes that followed

EJ: Before, I wasn’t the type to plan much and preferred to act spontaneously. But after becoming the leader, I got into a habit of checking our daily schedules in advance, so that I could pass them on to the other members. Also, I used to prefer listening to others and following along rather than voicing my own opinions, but now I know that I need to take the initiative and contribute ideas to get results. So, I’m trying to find the middle ground by first expressing my honest opinion and then listening to the others. There’s a saying that goes, “The position makes the person,” which perfectly sums up my situation. I’ve noticed a gradual change in myself since I became the leader. It’s interesting. (Laughs)

The art of communication

EJ: I can look at our team more objectively than anyone else because I have little emotional ups and downs. It’s almost as if I’m a third party. I’m factual and straightforward when I communicate decisions to the rest of the members. When I have to share feedback, I make sure not to let any emotion seep into my words to avoid misunderstandings. I find it very difficult, given my personality, to be blunt with others, but I try to communicate effectively and keep my emotions out of the process. I make an effort to respect everyone’s thoughts and avoid asserting that I’m right. What I think is right might be wrong, and others might have different opinions. On top of that, I’m a great listener. I think these qualities of mine as the leader contribute to creating a more comfortable environment for the team.

Watching the language

EJ: I remember how I had to contemplate when I was studying Japanese. So, I try to give the members more time to reflect when I’m helping them learn Korean. LUNÉ say that the Korean of the other members resembles that of mine and I also think that I have a big influence on both their spoken and written Korean, so I try to say only the good things. On the other hand, I think that the member who influenced me the most is HARUA. He tends to speak very easily and clearly, so talking with him helped me become more comfortable with Japanese. Also, I’ve picked up the dialect that YUMA speaks, so I’ve been saying things like “何でやねん (nan-de-ya-nen)” without even realizing it. (Laughs)

WE LINK! Endeavors to become a “WE”

EJ: There are times when a member who has a different idea from the majority decides to concede their point of view. I never take that for granted and make sure to let them know how much I appreciate it. In addition, the nine of us are living together and we are getting to know each other more and more. For example, I’ve learned that K loves hanging out and having fun with the rest of the members. HARUA also likes to spend time with us, but he needs to have alone time from time to time. NICHOLAS is quite sensitive, so he’s the first one to notice when someone is down and to go talk to them. K pays great attention to the other members’ interests and tastes and often asks questions about them. I wasn’t used to wearing perfumes, but with the one K got me for my birthday, it feels like the more I wear it, the more the scent suits me. So, I’m frequently using it. K is very good at grasping people’s personalities. I think all these efforts that we make to better understand each other contribute to our synchronized performances on stage, which I honestly think are the best.

A new goal

EJ: We recently performed at many year-end festivals and awards ceremonies. We also filmed various content. All of us took each of them as a valuable opportunity and did our best. For MY FIRST MAMA MATE, NICHOLAS and I studied for the quiz in advance. I was curious to see what other team leaders were like since I didn’t really know how they led their team and I learned a lot by watching them in person. Seeing them skillfully lead their team members in a loud voice off the stage made me think that I would be able to communicate more effectively if I spoke like that, too. So, I’m going to try to speak louder and more confidently.

Having the members as motivators

EJ: As the leader, I’ve had many opportunities to speak on behalf of the team. But, at first, I wasn’t very good at Japanese, especially at understanding business terms and conceiving different tones. So, FUMA would explain the things that I didn’t know or K would speak for me whenever I got stuck and that helped me a lot. Even though the other members are still constantly helping me with what I lack, they always tell me that they are glad that I’m their leader. I feel so grateful and relieved when I hear that. NICHOLAS and I are particularly close, and every time I say something like “This is what I think. What are your thoughts on this?” he says, “That’s exactly what I think” or “You’re right. Go ahead with your decision.” So, he keeps my self-esteem high. (Laughs) FUMA is always there for me, too. He comes to my aid when I’m in need, like a real hero. He reassures me and I’m so grateful for that. And when I’m too busy, TAKI steps in to bring the team together and it feels like a weight is lifted off my shoulders. It makes me want to do better. The members and the staff have entrusted me as the team leader and I often think that I should be a respectable leader for the sake of those who believe in me.

To &TEAM

EJ: First, I want to say thank K for always striving for amazing performances and taking care of us. And to the sub-leader and my tower of strength FUMA, I know it’s important for you to protect the other members, but I want you to take care of yourself as well. I’ll watch over you myself, too. NICHOLAS, as a friend and a colleague, I have so much respect for you. Thank you for listening to my concerns and giving me advice. Let’s build a great future together. YUMA, although you pretend not to be, I know you’re keeping a close eye on each and every one of us. It’s as if you’re a cat watching from a distance and I think it’s so cute. Lately, we have been playing games together and I want us to keep it up. JO, it’s impressive how you always set the bar high for yourself. It helps me look back on myself, too. You’re doing great, so let’s keep up the good work together. TAKI, thank you for always being so considerate and making us laugh. I hope you never lose that bright smile of yours. HARUA, I know that you always do exactly what needs to be done and I don’t worry about you, but I want you to feel a little more at ease and know that you can confide anything in us. Lastly, to MAKI, thank you for doing a great job despite the difficulties that you might face as the youngest of the team. I won’t let you down. I may be the leader, but it’s the nine of us that make our team what it is. Don’t forget that each one of us counts. And remember, health is wealth!

To LUNÉ

EJ: LUNÉ is the driving force behind &TEAM. In the past, we only had the goal of working hard to make the debut. But now that we have you, we want to make sure that everything we do feels like a special gift to you. That’s why we are working even harder than we did during our trainee days. It’s thanks to LUNÉ that I’ve experienced emotions that I didn’t know existed and you have inspired me in so many ways. It has been one truly full year. &TEAM and I will try our best to give you back the positive energy that you’ve given us. Let’s make many more wonderful memories together.