A Decade With WINNER: A Journey of Vicissitudes, Growth, Creativity and Triumph

In a saturated and challenging industry, WINNER has proven longevity is not just a concept, but rather a marvelous feat.

WINNER, the multi-hyphenated quartet, is celebrating a major milestone in their illustrious career in the music industry. This day marks their tenth debut anniversary, and saying it hasn’t been easy would be an understatement. The group has faced so many challenges, but despite everything, they live up to their name, WINNER by continuing to win.

Let’s see what this talented and passionate group has been up to over the ten years they’ve been in the industry.

From Team A to WINNER

Every journey has its beginning and for WINNER members, it started with the survival show WIN: Who Is Next. They came from dissimilar backgrounds and entered the world of idol trainees in different ways. Two of them were part of audition programs; one trained at a different agency (almost joining a group) but eventually debuted in another—this time as part of a vocal group—while the other was brought into the company.

Though, YOON, MINO, HOONY and JINU are no strangers to hardships and challenges, the show did put them through harder tests. As Team A, they competed for ten grueling weeks against Team B, who were also trainees under the same agency. Their competitions were equally talented and hardworking, yet Team A persevered and triumphed against the odds. Throughout the shared tears, frustrations, and fun moments, they forged a bond unlike any other, and formed WINNER. They officially debuted on August 17, 2014.

WINNER the Monster Rookies

Even before officially debuting, WINNER truly captured attention as they were launched via an event similar to a runway show. Media hailed it as a refreshing concept at the time, building so much anticipation for their debut.

The title track “Empty” has topped domestic charts upon release, with “Color Ring”, the second lead single, and other songs from the album also achieved high rankings. “Empty” held the number spot on six major domestic charts for six consecutive days.

The album 2014 S/S also landed at the top of Billboard World Album Chart. As of this writing, WINNER remains the fastest group to win on a music show (M Countdown) – within four days of debut. Apart from music show wins on their rookie year, they were nominated and won several Best New Artist Awards. Gaon Chart Music Awards (now Circle Chart Music Awards), Golden Disc Awards, Melon Music Awards, Meet Asian Music Awards, and SBS Gayo Daejoon bestowed the group its New Artist of the Year trophies.

Four as a Representative Number

Number four holds a special place in both WINNER’s and Inner Circle’s (fandom name) hearts. Prior to being part of WINNER, YOON and HOONY both placed fourth in the audition programs they took part in (Superstar K2 for the former and K-Pop Star for the latter).

After a successful debut, WINNER’s momentum stalled as the group was put on hiatus the following year. They did comeback in early 2016 with mini-album Exit: E and had their nationwide concert tour. However a major change occurred later that year as one member departed from the group. WINNER once again had to take another long break.

They returned as a four-member group and released Fate Number For.  The single album contains tracks “REALLY REALLY” and “FOOL” on April 4, 2017. “REALLY REALLY’ became a massive hit—their biggest to date—while ‘FOOL’ also gained popularity among both fans and non-fans. In an interview with Dazed Digital, they explained the significance of the number. The rest as they say is history, and the number four has indeed become a part of the group’s fantastic journey.

Hands-on and Self-producing Group

WINNER distinguished themselves as unlike the typical YG group from the get-go. Debuting with a slow track instead of a party or dance anthem was a bold and defining move. The members take an active role in the creative process and production.

They produced their own songs, making sure to add their own flavor and distinct color. From  their very first album, the members contributed to the lyrics and music of the tracks—a practice that continued in their subsequent releases.

Besides participating in the making of their own music, the members also have their hands on their choreography. They also come up with ideas and concepts for their albums and stages. HOONY choreographed “Empty” and “Color Ring” as well as their performance for “FOOL”. It was revealed that he completed the choreography for “FOOL” in five hours.

“Versatile K-pop Chameleons”

Apple Music has described the group as “Versatile K-Pop Chameleons” because their music is not limited to certain genres. WINNER songs range from ballad, hip hop, R&B, dance, rock and more. They can easily switch genres, showcasing their musical versatility. They seldom remake or cover songs but when they do, they make it their own while still paying homage to the original music. Here’s their rendition of Kim Bada’s “ First Love (첫사랑)”.

“Trust and Listen”

With their immense talent and music releases that resonated well with South Korea’s general public, they coined the term “Trust and Listen” for the group. This is in recognition of WINNER’s ability and potential to deliver quality music, making them a trusted and must-listen to artist.

Regardless of the mood you are in there will always be a WINNER song to suit your mood. The group may not release as often as fans would have wanted but the moment they do, it’s always worth the wait.

WINNER are Kings of Summer

Whether deliberate or not, WINNER has become closely associated with summer music. It may have started with their second single album, Our Twenty For released on August 4, 2017. It contains two singles, “LOVE ME LOVE ME” and “ISLAND”. Both music videos embrace a summer theme and were shot overseas. Their succeeding releases feature songs that fit the season such as “EVERYDAY”, “MILLIONS”, “AH YEAH”, “HOLD” and “HOLIDAY”, to name a few. In case you these songs don’t suit your summer music list, you can dig into WINNER’s discography and have your pick!

University Festival Favorites

In addition to their reputation as the Summer Kings, WINNER has solidified their status as staple performers at university festivals across South Korea. They have completed the SKY (Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University) festival circuit by performing at these universities, among others. Here they are (sans MINO) showing the behind the scenes happening at last year’s University Festival.

Stellar performers

Without a doubt, WINNER is among the groups that give their all when it comes to performances. The location and circumstances do not matter; you can count on WINNER to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience. They excel in live performances. The group radiate such positive energy that you can’t help but bounce and jive to their music. Their concerts and gigs are must-see events; you have to experience them firsthand to understand how intense and fun they are.

Check out their appearance on Killing Voice to get a preview of what a WINNER concert is like.

Variety Show Gems

WINNER is not your average K-Pop group as they have proven time and again that they are all-rounder entertainers. Not only can they sing, dance and act, they also showcase their variety show skills. WINNER guarantees viewers will be thoroughly entertained, whether they’re featuring on their own show or appearing as guests on established programs. Fans get to see a different side of the members thru these shows. In the ten years they have been in the industry, the members appeared on several television programs.

Despite everything WINNER has gone through, they continue to inspire. All that has happened, both good and bad, has made the group stronger than ever. Happy tenth year anniversary to WINNER! May your journey continue to be full of fun and laughter. Cheers to more years of good music and happy memories!

READ: 7 WINNER Songs That Highlight Their Colorful Discography

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