&Audition – The Howling is first introduced by Bang Shi-hyuk as a project in which debut trainees K, Nicholas, EJ and Taki will be joined by newly selected members to debut as Hybe Labels Japan's first boy group. The show begins with the four meeting Enhypen and then the other 11 trainees. All are then presented with their first task, the "Signal Song Mission". The meanings of &BALL and &RING are revealed and the episode documents the trials and hardships the trainees face while practicing for their first performance as a group.

Team Nicholas re-charge at an ocean-side grilled eel restaurant while K's team visit a night market in Busan and try various street food. Team K meets a hurdle as a member is unable to participate and they must re-practice with new formations and positions days before the final performance. Nicholas' team show a powerful performance, while Taki's team challenge a performance involving modern dance. Seventeen makes an appearance to reveal the trainees' third mission.