[NEWS] Boy band BEAST changes name to Highlight

SEOUL, Feb. 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korean boy band BEAST will restart its activities with five members under the new name "Highlight," its management agency said.

Around US Entertainment said the group --- Yoon Doo-joon, Yong Jun-hyung, Yang Yo-seob, Lee Ki-kwang and Son Dong-woon -- will now be known as Highlight, as the use of their former group name became legally impossible.

The new name is from the title of BEAST's latest album "Highlight," which was the first and only album the band released with the five members under Cube Entertainment.

Since its debut in 2009, BEAST became popular at home and in Japan with hit songs "Bad Girl," "Shock," "Midnight Sun" and "On Rainy Days." It started out as a six-member act, but Jang Hyun-seung quit in April and remains signed to Cube. The remaining five signed up with Around US after their contract with Cube expired in October. But they were no longer BEAST, because the former agency has the trademark rights to the name.

"We thank fans for tirelessly waiting till the new name is made," Highlight said in a statement released through its news agency on Friday.

Following the announcement, each of Highlight's members took to social media to thank fans for their support and asked for their continued love under the new name.

"BEAST is a name bearing many good memories. We worked hard to keep it, but this is goodbye. Now we will begin from square one again with the new name Highlight," Yoon, the group's leader, said on his Instagram. "I bet it will take a very long time before we become accustomed. But I hope you will welcome us all together with smiles."

By: sshim@yna.co.kr
Cr: Yonhap News

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[NEWS] K-Pop Band Beast Changes Name to Highlight After Leaving Agency, Losing Member

B2ST perform onstage during the 28th Golden Disk Awards at Kyunghee Grand Peace Palace on Jan. 16, 2014 in Seoul, South Korea. 

Goodbye, Beast. Hello, Highlight!

The Korean quintet formerly known as Beast has officially announced they will now be known as Highlight after leaving Cube Entertainment at the end of 2016.

The band's new agency, Around US Entertainment, told Korean media that the name signifies their potential to be exceptional and stand out. The name is based on the title of Beast's latest album, Highlight, which was the first and only album the band released with five members --Yoon Doojoon, Yong Junhyung, Yang Yoseob, Lee Kikwang and Son Dongwoon -- under Cube Entertainment. Former member Jang Hyunseung withdrew from the band in April and remains signed to Cube.

In a statement, Highlight thanked fans for their support and revealed that they are in the midst of preparations to release new music.

Beast debuted in 2009 as an underdog act whose members had already embarked on separate careers (Lee had pursued a solo career) or were passed over by other bands (Jang didn't make the final cut to be in BIGBANG). Over the years, Beast grew to became one of K-pop’s most recognized acts, rarely failing to impress with their sleek, energetic approach to dance music and sentimental pop ballads. Several of the group’s albums appeared on the World Albums chart -- with last year’s Highlightcharting at No. 9 -- while hits like “Beautiful Night” and “Shadow” landed them on Billboard’s Best of K-pop lists in 2013 and 2014 before “Good Luck” came in at No. 1 in 2015.

Following the announcement of their new name, each of the Highlight's members took to social media to thank fans for waiting to hear Beast's fate and asking for continued love as Highlight. Yoon, the group’s leader, expressed the quintet's desire to retain the name Beast, but explained that they weren’t able to do so. “The name [Beast] is filled with memories and we worked hard to keep it, but this is goodbye. Now we will begin with Highlight!”

Lee, Yang and Son also were similarly poignant, with the three thanking fans, reminiscing on the past and looking forward to the future.

But Yong, who has written many of the group’s most popular songs, took a more lighthearted tone and poised Highlight as a brand-new band on the verge of debuting. "To gain this amount of interest before we even debut,” he wrote on a post featuring a screenshot of “Highlight” trending on Korean search engine Naver. “The new group Highlight will work hard."  

cr: Billboard

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[NEWS] Son Dong Woon Drops Surprise New Album!

B2ST member Son Dong Woon has released a surprise digital single titled, 'UNIVERSE'!  The boy group's official Twitter revealed the digital single on February 1.

Dong Woon has paired up with singer/lyricist Yoo Jae Hwan for a collaboration on this digital single. Fellow band member, Yang Yo Seob has also taken part in the album, from writing to composing all the tracks! The album includes two more songs titled, 'The Alchemist', and 'First Farewell'.

Remember to check out the digital single!

How do you feel about Dong Woon's surprise?

cr: kpopstarz

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[NEWS] Yong Junhyung Speaks Out About Controversy Regarding B.HEART Supposedly Plagiarizing BEAST

As a co-composer for BEAST’s “Ribbon,” member Yong Junhyung has addressed the recent controversy surrounding rookie group B.HEART.

Many pointed out that B.HEART’s “Realistic” sounded as if it were a mix of BEAST’s “Ribbon,” “12:30,” and “Butterfly.” In addition to the song, some called attention to how are similarities between the choreography too.

Yong Junhyung took to his Instagram on January 27 to explain his side of the story.

His full statement reads:

“I think many people are very confused, and I would feel very apologetic if I didn’t say anything while knowing the truth, so I’m attempting to write this like so.

That producer [StayAlone] contacted Kim Tae Ju -the co-composer of ‘Ribbon’- at the end of last year, saying that he was a rookie producer and that he really liked our music. He sent us some of his work, and amongst those was a demo of the controversial track [‘Realistic’] in question. Kim Tae Ju, at the time, told that producer that it sounded too similar to ‘Ribbon,’ and that producer also reportedly stated that he was inspired by ‘Ribbon’ while making that track. So, we said that it was probably better that this track is never released, and we were never informed that it would actually be coming out as an official song.

While I think it’s a great thing that the music we made can inspire someone, and for new productions to come out of it, this kind of situation is very unfortunate. Also, it’s regrettable that this kind of situation could happen to not only us, but other producers as well.

While I still feel uncomfortable even while writing this right now, I have too many things to do to keep dragging this on. I’m writing this in the hopes that this will wrap up the situation from here on out.

A part of me is worried that this kind of action might be too rash on my part, but I leave this here so that the people who love and listen to our music will no longer become hurt. I hope that everyone has a fun and relaxing Lunar New Year.”

He posted this along with a picture of an eggplant, which sounds similar to the beginning of a phrase meaning, “all sorts of excuses,” implying what he believes about StayAlone’s statement.

What are your thoughts on Yong Junhyung’s statement and explanation?

cr: Soompi

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BEAST released comeback still photo of 5.. A meaning of ‘holding hands’ is?

‘No problem with five members’

BEAST who has comeback ahead released teaser still photos.

Their label CUBE Entertainment released each member’s teaser photos in order from 8 pm to midnight through official social media. The photos released every hour, in order of Yoon Du Jun, Yong Jun Hyung, Lee Gi Kwang, Yang Yo Seop and Son Dong Woon which look like they are heading towards someone.

The meaning of ribbon tied each other’s hands especially attracting fans attention. BEAST faced change with Jang Hyun Seung’s withdrawal and what kind of music would they make fans satisfy with attracts expectation.

BEAST’s 3rd album ‘Highlight’ is a studio album releasing after about 3 years. It is filled with the tracks presenting BEAST’s matured musical development as they faced the ‘highlight’ after 7 years since they debuted.

BEAST is having busy days for comeback preparation while travelling between Korea and Japan for 2016 National Tour Concert ‘Guess who?’ held in Japan.

BEAST’s new album will be unveiled on July 4.

Source: Osen

via Starcast

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Watch: BEAST Releases Dreamy Prologue Video for “Highlight”

BEAST finally releases their first teaser video for their upcoming comeback!

In the “prologue,” each member has a forlorn expression on their face, and seem to be reminiscing about something. They stand or sit in different places, surrounded by greenery all around.

Each member looks like they are about to leave, when a ribbon wraps around their wrists, stopping their movements. Unlike the teaser images, the ribbons are black as opposed to white. It’s as if something is both figuratively and literally holding them back from moving on.

In the background, a lush orchestra plays a melancholy tune, accented by a guitar streaming. In the beginning, a strong beat can be heard as well, before it mellows out.

Watch the dream-like video here!

Meanwhile, the entire full album will be released on July 4, at 12 a.m. KST.

cr: Soompi

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Cube Reassures That Jang Hyunseung Will Attend Fan Meetings and That He Is Not Leaving BEAST

Cube Entertainment sets the record straight regarding recent reports aboutBEAST‘s Jang Hyunseung.

Earlier, it was reported through the Taiwanese media that Jang Hyunseung will not be attending BEAST’s fan meeting in Taipei on April 4. Cube Entertainment, the group’s management, refutes the report, stating, “All six members will be attending the fan meeting in Taiwan, as well as all other upcoming group activities.”

It also refutes a recent report from a Korean media source that Jang Hyunseung was leaving the group. According to Kukinews, BEAST has already prepared changes in outfits, choreography, and song arrangement, and that rumors of Jang Hyunseung leaving has been known throughout the industry for about a year now. He apparently took different planes and cars than the members, pointing at discord among the group. Cube Entertainment denies rumors of Jang Hyunseung leaving the group, however, saying, “It’s completely untrue.”

cr: Soompi

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Doojoon to record as an MC on 'Weekly Idol' and meet which two girl groups?

MBC Everyone's 'Weekly Idol' has had some great special MCs appear on the show in Jung Hyung Don's stead so far, and coming up next is Doojoon! Can't wait for his adorably awkward ahjussi humor.

A rep from Cube Entertainment stated on February 3, "Doojoon will be appearing on 'Weekly Idol' as a special MC." This will be his first time ever! He's planning to enter recording on February 10.

Keep an eye out for the handsome B2ST member! He will be MC-ing for AOA Creamand MAMAMOO's episodes!

cr: Allkpop

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B2ST start off 2016 with successful concerts overseas

B2ST started off the new year with a bang!  They successfully started off their first overseas promotions of 2016 through a tour concert in China.

Recently, they opened their Chinese tour concert 'Beautiful Show in China 2015-2016' at the Guangzhou Stadium to meet their fans there.  This was their second city since their Shanghai stop back in December.  3,000 fans gathered in Guangzhou to see these boys' charismatic performances, which was particularly special because it was their first time there ever for an exclusive concert!

They started off with their summer hit "YeY" before moving onto other upbeat songs and popular james like "We Up," "Shock," and Shadow."  They slowed things down with songs like "On Rainy Days" and a personal favorite "12:30" for a total of 22 songs!  On top of that, they also performed as solo and unit groups.  Besides performances, they even had a surprise birthday party for Yoseob, whose birthday is on January 5.  The concert lasted for two hours.

In the end, B2ST stated, "We are happy that we got to have such cool stages with our Chinese fans, starting in Shanghai.  We want to turn our Chinese tour into an opportunity to meet a lot of our fans on-site."  They also said happy new year's to their fans to wrap up the show!

They will also be taking part in the 'Weibo's Night' award ceremony opening in Beijing on January 7 as the representative Korean artist!

cr: allkpop

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B2ST members wish Yoseob a happy birthday!

B2ST made sure to wish his member Yoseob a very happy birthday!

On January 5, Doojoon posted the photo above on his Instagram with the message, "It's late, but happy birthday to Yoseob." Dongwoon wrote, "Married couple for 11 years with no issues. Happy Birthday." Kikwang also shared an old-school photo of himself and Yoseob with the message, "Yoseob, I'm a bit late. Kekeke. Happy Birthday!!! Everyone, please congratulate him a lot!!! ^_^." 
Yoseob turned 26 years old on the 5th. 

Happy Birthday, Yoseob!

cr: allkpop

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BEAST to Represent K-Pop at Weibo Awards

BEAST has been invited to attend an award ceremony by China’s Weibo.

The group’s management company said on December 18 to TV Report, “BEAST will be attending ‘Weibo’s Night.’” This is the first time they will attend an award ceremony that is being produced in China, and BEAST is set to perform at the ceremony as well.

BEAST will be representing K-pop at “Weibo’s Night,” and they are likely to get an award, since every Korean star that was invited has so far received an award.

The award ceremony with stars who were popular on Weibo will take place on January 7 in Beijing.

cr: Soompi

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Beast, best K-Pop band, finally coming back to Manila in March 2016

BEAST in Manila 2016

THE LONG wait is over.

Beast, arguably the best Korean pop (K-Pop) music act in the world today, is finally making its return to the Philippines.

Beast will hold a “fan meeting” on March 19, 2016, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

The event will be made possible by Cube Entertainment, Beast’s agency, and by Butterfly and All Access Productions from the Philippines.

According to All Access Productions managing director Doc de los Santos, the event will be all about fan interaction in which the audience will not only get to enjoy the impeccable and powerful live performance of Beast, but even play games with the members, pose for photos and more.

The response via social media has been very good, De los Santos said.

“Filipino fans have really been clamoring for a long time to see them,” he added.

Making the fan meeting all the more important is that it could very well be the last public activity of the group before members enlist in the Korean military for compulsory national service, said De los Santos.

Fans will have the opportunity to vote via social media the songs they want to watch Beast perform.

Who knows, Beast will even sing a Tagalog song, the promoter added.

Pre-selling for tickets will be on the first week of January.

K-Pop legend

The last time the sextet was in the Philippines—in 2010—it was just a rookie act.

But on March 19, 2016, Beast will return as a multi-awarded K-Pop legend with a fan base reaching as far as Europe, North and South Americas, Asia Minor and the Middle East, even Central Asia.

In Southeast Asia, Beast is firmly entrenched as a musical act against whom One Direction and Justin Bieber combined could hardly measure.

This year alone, Beast held fan meetings in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.

Last month, it held fan meetings in Australia.

Beast is highly acclaimed for the variety and brilliance of its discography, whose songs the boy band performs flawlessly on stage, often sounding better than the recording.

Beast’s vocalists Jang Hyunseung and Yang Yoseob are considered among the best singers in the K-Pop world.

In 2013, Grammy-winning soprano Jo Sumi asked Yang Yoseob to sing a duet with her in a concert. 

This year, Yang was the only K-Pop star the diva invited to record for her new album.

Beast members are also known for their good looks, with leader Yon Dojoon often called in the Korean media as the “national boyfriend;” dancer-singer Lee Kikwang having a million Twitter and Instagram followers; and youngest member Son Dongwoon, who had stayed for a year in the Philippines prior to Beast to learn English, often called as “son nam shin” or a “god-man” and a “work of art.”

Aside from their charismatic stage presence, Beast is also well-loved for its humor and humility.

cr: Dexter Matilla & Phil. Daily Inquirer

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Doojoon talks about his new drama ‘Splash Splash Love’

Upcoming MBC TV drama special ‘Splash Splash Love’ will soon premiere, and lead actor Yoon Doojoon has taken the opportunity to address fans.

Doojoon said, “I will play a young King of the Joseon period named Lee Do. He is full of ambition because of his young age, and is also looking forward to finding love. It was hard filming a period drama, but it turned out pretty well thanks to the filming staff.”

In addition, Doojoon revealed that actress Kim Seul Gi might be younger than him, but she really helped him a lot because of her richer acting experience.

The drama will tell the story of senior high school student Dan Bi who transports to the Joseon period, and falls in love with a young King of the Joseon period, Lee Do.

‘Splash Splash Love’ will premiere on December 10th through NAVER, and will be aired in two parts, with the first 5 episodes to air between December 10th and 14th, and episodes 6 to 10 between December 17th and 21st.

cr: kpopfighting

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