EJ

EJ (의주 / ウィジュ), born Byun Eui Joo (변의주) on September 7, 2002, in Goyang, South Korea, is the leader of &TEAM, the nine-member J-pop group under YX Labels (formerly HYBE Labels Japan). Standing 184 cm tall, he operates as the gravitational center of the group: disciplined, accountable, and widely respected by the members for his measured leadership.

A former BigHit Music trainee, EJ competed on I-LAND in 2020 before being eliminated in episode 7. He was then chosen as one of four pre-selected debut candidates for the 2022 survival program &Audition: The Howling, which formed &TEAM. His leader status was confirmed on September 3, 2022. The nickname Ponyo traces to a resemblance to the Studio Ghibli character that stuck among fans. He was an active fencer during middle school and is known for his Virgo-coded diligence.

&TEAM debuted December 7, 2022, with First Howling: ME. Through 2023 and 2024, the group released a steady run of Japanese EPs and seasonal singles, culminating in the Yukiakari full album. Their Korean debut followed on October 28, 2025, with Back to Life scoring a triple crown on The Show, Show Champion, and Music Bank within the first week.