Rookie K-pop group Winner has made a splash not only at home but also abroad with its debut album released Tuesday.
As Winner dropped its debut EP “2014 S/S” at midnight on Aug. 12, one of the band’s two main tracks, “Empty,” instantly topped Korea’s nine major music charts.
(YG Entertainment)
A day after the release, the track is drawing positive reactions from abroad as well. The tune debuted at No.1 on iTunes album charts in five countries -- Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan while landing at No. 39 in the U.S.
Winner was first introduced through the reality survival show “Who Is Next: WIN,” as part of YG CEO Yang Hyun-suk’s latest project to pick members for his newest boy band.
During the program, Team A and Team B, all composed of trainees under the label, vied for a chance to debut in the winner-takes-all competition. The victory went to Team A, which is now the group Winner.
Winner is set to launch their official debut with an onstage performance at the “AIA Real Life: Now Festival 2014,” on Aug. 15 alongside their label mates including Big Bang, Psy and 2NE1.
By Ock Hyun-ju (
laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)
