The year has barely begun and YG entertainment founder Yang Hyun Suk is already busy talking about future plans featuring the lovely ladies of 2NE1.

As Blackjacks know, 2NE1 is busy preparing for their world tour and new album. Although the tour does not currently extend to North America, many fans believe that if one K-pop girl group can tap into the American music market, it's 2NE1.

No one feels this pressure more than Yang Hyun Suk, affectionately known as Papa YG to K-pop fans.

"Now is the time with most opportunities for the K-Pop market. Seotaeji and Boys would not have dreamt of it," he said according to YG-Life.

"New artists like Big Bang, 2NE1, and Psy chose YG, and I was the chosen one. They are betting their lives on YG, so it’s my responsibility to bring them success. I am going to do everything in my power as a producer to help them succeed."

However, the American music industry is notorious for being difficult for even the most well-known K-pop artists. Boa, Se7en, Wonder Girls, and Girls' Generation have all made attempts with somewhat tepid impact.

But if there's any evidence that 2NE1 is destined to make a big splash in the US, it's Maybelline New York's recent decision to feature CL as the newest face of the cosmetic brand.

“We chose ‘CL’ as a model who can show the value of Maybelline New York’s fashionable make-up brand," said a Maybelline representative according to YGLadies.

“CL is a fashionable figure who is always the center of attention with her sensible fashion and a make-up so we think that she will be able to appeal to the public well the brand image that Maybelline New York is pursuing."

Indeed, even Papa YG believes that CL of 2NE1 has a distinct niche in the US music industry.

"America’s the land of hip-hop, but there isn’t a famous Asian female rapper. So CL from 2NE1 could sell in the US," said the YG founder.

Do you think 2NE1—especially CL—has what it takes to tackle the US market?