After nearly a decade, Highlight reclaims their original name BEAST and releases new music, stirring emotions among fans. The group’s journey back to their debut name, paired with their latest EP, celebrates their 17th year in K-pop with heartfelt performances and a promise to continue their legacy.
Highlight, formed by Yoon Doojoon, Yang Yoseob, Lee Gikwang, and Son Dongwoon, debuted in 2009 under Cube Entertainment as BEAST (also stylized as B2ST, meaning “Boys to Search for Top”). They gained fame with hits like “Bad Girl”, “Shock”, and “Fiction”. In 2016, after their contracts with Cube Entertainment ended, the group left to form their own agency, Around Us Entertainment. Due to trademark issues, they couldn’t use the BEAST name and rebranded as Highlight in 2017.
On April 2, 2024, Around Us Entertainment announced a mutual agreement with Cube Entertainment, allowing the group to reclaim the BEAST trademark. This deal gave them full rights to their past BEAST discography and the ability to perform under their original name. The group decided to continue promoting primarily as Highlight but would use BEAST for special releases and performances.
“We smoothly completed the mutual agreement regarding the use of the trademark for BEAST,” Around Us Entertainment said. “Regardless of the group name, it feels new to showcase BEAST again. We hope this becomes a meaningful gift to fans for our 15th debut anniversary.”
New Music as BEAST: Endless Ending
On April 16, 2025, Highlight released “Endless Ending”, a pre-release track from their upcoming sixth EP, marking their first music as BEAST in nine years. The song, a sentimental ballad, reflects on paused time and reconnecting with fans. It was released under the BEAST name, complete with the group’s original B2ST logo, sparking nostalgia among fans.
The EP, set for release in June 2025, includes four tracks:
- “Endless Ending”: A pre-release ballad about restarting paused moments, released under BEAST.
- “Good Day to You”: A sentimental track about lingering feelings and longing.
- “Follow Me”: An energetic, refreshing song about chasing dreams.
- A title track, yet to be named, described as a powerful performance piece.
Lee Gikwang, who produced the title track, shared its creation process.
“I wrote it thinking Highlight should have a cool performance piece,” Gikwang said. “The company loved it, and it received the most votes. Initially, I thought it’d be a side track, but Yoseob encouraged me, saying with more arrangement, it could be the title track. I worked hard, barely sleeping, to refine it.”
The EP’s release aligns with their 17th year since debuting in 2009, showcasing their growth and commitment to fans.
Reflections from the Members
Reclaiming the BEAST name was deeply emotional for the group, especially Yang Yoseob, who reflected on its significance.
“It’s truly emotional. Just hearing the name BEAST stirs overwhelming feelings,” Yoseob said. ” Endless Ending is a precious song that allowed us to restart the time that had paused for BEAST. Many people have memories tied to BEAST, so I feel a bit burdened to present it with a great live performance.”
Yoseob also expressed gratitude for the collaboration that made this possible.
“I’m happy we can continue to build memories with our fans, B2uty,” Yoseob added. ” Cube Entertainment was very cooperative, and thanks to the strong will of our members, we created positive synergy. Many people, including Around Us and Cube, helped make this happen.”
The group’s fandom, B2uty (for BEAST) and Light (for Highlight), celebrated the news, with many sharing emotional posts online.
Fan Reactions to the Comeback
Fans, known as B2uty, expressed overwhelming joy and nostalgia on social media. The return of the B2ST logo and the name BEAST brought back memories of the group’s early days.
“BEAST = Boys of EAst Standing Tall B2ST = Boys 2 Search for Top BEAST is the B2ST we’re back in 2009 yall 😭😭😭😭 #HIGHLIGHT #하이라이트 #BEAST #비스트” —@hlxlight
“the og b2uties come out of hiding after knowing highlight is coming back as b2st” —@httpgttk“Yay! They’ll always be BEAST (B2ST is superior tho) in my heart, but I’m happy that HIGHLIGHT is a new chapter for them. :)” —Reddit user
“woah… very much SHOCKED i am right now (in a good way of course). i was huge fan of MBLEAST and i am really happy for them to get the name back.” —Reddit user
Some fans noted the group’s resilience, having faced challenges like member departures and trademark disputes.
“a new chapter begins… as BEAST/B2ST. who would’ve ever imagined this day would come? we’ve lost people along the way, faced moments that nearly broke us—but through it all, here we are. still standing. still strong. together.” —@hlxlight
Highlight’s Journey: From BEAST to Now
BEAST debuted on October 15, 2009, with their EP Beast Is the B2ST, featuring the lead single “Bad Girl”. The group, originally six members including Jang Hyunseung and Yong Junhyung, was known for their energetic dance tracks and emotional ballads. Their unique start, with members from different agencies or past projects, earned them the label “recycled group,” but they quickly proved their talent.
Key milestones include:
- 2010: Released Shock of the New Era, with “Shock” earning their first music show win on Mnet’s M Countdown. Their EPs Mastermind and Lights Go On Again solidified their popularity.
- 2011: Dropped their first studio album, Fiction and Fact, with “Fiction” winning a Daesang at the Melon Music Awards, a rare feat for a non-Big 3 group.
- 2016: Jang Hyunseung left to pursue solo work. The remaining members released Highlight, their final album under Cube.
- 2017: Rebranded as Highlight under Around Us Entertainment, debuting with Can You Feel It?. Yong Junhyung left in 2019 due to a controversy.
- 2024-2025: Reclaimed BEAST name and released “Endless Ending”, with a new EP planned for June.
The group has won numerous awards, including Best New Artist at the 25th Golden Disc Awards and multiple honors at the Seoul Music Awards and Melon Music Awards.
Upcoming Concerts and Future Plans
Highlight announced three concerts, titled “Lights Go On, Again”, set for May 10-12, 2025, at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. These mark their first concerts in two years and celebrate their 15th anniversary.
“Together, we will sing for an eternity until the end,” Around Us Entertainment said. “It is a time to ignite a new light.”
Pre-release tickets for fan club members opened on April 9, 2025, with regular tickets available from April 12. The concerts will feature performances under both BEAST and Highlight names, blending old hits with new tracks.
The group also plans to release their full EP in June 2025, with Around Us Entertainment confirming a four-member comeback. Fans can expect more live performances and activities as BEAST and Highlight.
Netizen Reactions and Industry Impact
Netizens had mixed reactions, with many celebrating the group’s perseverance.
“Finally we can call them BEAST instead BEAST/Highlight. B2ST Forever!” —Reddit user
“Big congrats to BEAST though.” —Reddit user
Some questioned the timing, noting Highlight’s established success.
“Why would their company bother giving it now when they spent so many years without it and people have forgotten them aside from hardcore fans?” —Netizenbuzz user
The move sets a precedent in K-pop, where trademark disputes often hinder groups. Fans compared it to B.A.P and Brave Girls, hoping for similar resolutions.
Read More K-Pop News.
The latest updates show Highlight preparing for their June 2025 EP release and May concerts, with “Endless Ending” available on streaming platforms. The group continues to connect with B2uty and Light, promising more music and memories as both BEAST and Highlight.
