WINNER, Team A from the competition "WIN", will be the second male group released by YG Entertainment in seven years. Due to the sheer numbers of the combined groups, WINNER and Team B, who will remain trainees at YG, are instantly facing comparisons to mega groups EXO and Super Junior. However, YG tends to think outside the box from the cookie cutter formula that pervades SM Entertainment. The key to Yang Hyun Suk's approach of WINNER is not that he wants to imitate the success of his competitors but is establishing the successors for the globally dominant, yet aging group Big Bang.

Earlier this year, a list surfaced which contained the rumored enlistment dates and plans for the five members of Big Bang. Following this list, were the subsequent solo comebacks for members Daesung, G-Dragon, and Seungri. Each member was marketed in a unique way, with Daesung's vocal talent on ballads and popularity amongst Japanese audiences heavily focused on. G-Dragon received a world tour, although it concentrated within Asia and was provided the unique opportunity of showcasing his vocal talent as well as his production skills on the brilliant double album, "Coup D'Etat". Like Daesung, Seungri was also heavily promoted within Japan and was able to prove that he was a viable solo artist.

November will bring the solo activities of Big Bang to a conclusion, with Taeyang releasing a solo album and T.O.P on the silver screen in the highly anticipated film, "Commitment". As the media undergoes a deluge of promotional segments for the members of BigBang, including the nominations for G-Dragon and Seungri for MAMA Awards, YG Entertainment will capitalize on the opportunity to promote WINNER.

Other points of interest were statements made by Big Bang leader G-Dragon, last week. G-Dragon hinted to the creation of a new BigBang sub-group, which would make a lot of sense once members of the group begin to serve their term within the military. G-Dragon also confirmed that he intended to remain with YG Entertainment, which hints at the possibilty of contract renewal. Earlier this year, Se7en and Gummy were among artists whose contracts were not renewed with YG Entertainment.

Further substantiating the theory that YG intends WINNER to be a Big Bang successor more so than an imitator of SM Entertainment acts is the attachment of the group formerly known as Team A to BigBang's 6 dome tour in Japan. VIPs are known to be a fiercely loyal fan base and creating the atmosphere that BigBang has accepted the rookie group fully into YG Family is a brilliant move. The inclusion of YG production dynamos Teddy and Choice 37 on the "Final Battle" mini album, which was released following the compeition, clearly shows Yang Hyun Suk's commitment to fostering the competitors within both groups.

If WINNER is to continue within the tradition of YG Family and maintain an identity that is hip-hop flavored, not only will they face stiff competition from groups such as EXO, but from B.A.P and BTS, who have also dominated the market since they debuted. It will be interesting see where Papa YG leads the newest addition to YG Family. Will WINNER be capable of filling the very large shoes of BigBang or will they create an identity at YG that is uniquely their own?