WINNER opens up about rivalry with iKON

WINNER met with the media for an interview sesh on February 1 over their recent mini-album 'EXIT:E.'

Of course, as they debuted within a relatively short amount of time before iKON, the topic of the other YG group came up.  Regarding this, the group said, "Among ourselves, we are extremely friendly, but people view us as rivals.  Among ourselves, we think of it more as a friendly competition."

SEE ALSO: Tiffany Young shows off ring at first public appearance after marriage

Regarding iKON having their own exclusive concert before senior group WINNER, the group stated, "Honestly, when we heard that, we thought we would get a stomachache. However, we ended up seeing iKON's exclusive concert stage through a video, and they were so cool that we had nothing to say.

"Because of our schedule, we were unable to personally go to their concert.  We really wanted to go.  In the end, it feels like both iKON and WINNER are in a win-win situation. We, of course, have our own exclusive concert planned."

Regarding their Japan tour last year, they said, "While meeting a lot of Japanese fans, the assessment on us improved.  It was a good opportunity for us to give a shot at getting a good experience.  We will probably have a lot of different new tours soon.  I think this time, we will be able to fly.  We've become confident."