Winner’s debut EP tops Billboard chart

K-pop boy band Winner has topped the Billboard World Albums chart with its debut album on Friday, becoming the fastest Korean rookie group to take No.1 on the chart.

The quintet’s debut EP “2014 S/S” rose to the top of the chart, and ranked No. 6 on its Heatseekers Albums chart the same day, proving the new group has been receiving global attention.

Winner is creating a frenzy at home as well. Shortly after the group dropped its debut EP on Aug. 12, the title track “Empty” swept major Korean music charts.

Winner was first introduced through the reality survival show “Who Is Next: WIN,” 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.

By Ock Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)