BEAST's time flows again... Group Highlight, who regained the name BEAST, makes a comeback with their sixth mini-album 'From Real to Surreal'

"Just hearing the name 'Beast' makes me emotional. The pre-released track 'No Ending' is a precious song that allowed us to restart the time that had paused for Beast." (Yang Yoseob)

The group Highlight, who have reclaimed the name 'Beast', has made a comeback. On the 28th, Highlight held an online press conference to celebrate the release of their sixth mini-album 'From Real to Surreal'.

'From Real to Surreal' marks Highlight's first full-group album in about a year. The title track 'Chains', co-written and composed by member Lee Gikwang, is a hip-hop song that begins with a fresh clarinet riff. It tells the story of a maddening love that one cannot escape from.

Lee Gikwang, who actively participated in the creation of the title track, said, "I wanted a song that was performance-oriented and cool. I focused on the performance aspect when writing the song." He added, "The company liked it. As far as I remember, it received the most votes. I thought it would be a track on the album, but they encouraged me that it could be the title track. After that, I stayed up all night arranging it."

Yoon Doojoon drew attention with his sharper visuals ahead of the comeback. Fans were concerned about his noticeably slimmer appearance. He explained, "I lost weight for the comeback," and humorously added, "I'm actually quite cost-effective." Yoon Doojoon continued, "All the members managed their diets and exercised. We all worked hard to lose weight, but my facial structure makes me look thinner. My face tends to lose weight easily." He reassured fans, "Some were worried because I lost too much weight, but I'm healthier than ever."

Highlight, having finally settled the trademark rights for 'Beast', heightened the comeback excitement by releasing a song under the 'Beast' name for the first time in nine years. Yang Yoseob expressed, "It's truly overwhelming." He added, "Many people have thoughts and memories about Beast. There was pressure to present a great song and live performance." He described it as "a moment filled with various emotions and a historic moment."

Reclaiming the name allows them to preserve the time spent with fans. Yang Yoseob said, "I'm happy that we can continue to protect the memories of our Beauty fans." He also expressed gratitude to their former agency, Cube Entertainment. "The former agency cooperated with us. It wouldn't have been possible with just our will. Many people from the former and current agencies helped us. I'm sincerely grateful," he said.

Looking to the future as both Highlight and Beast, he stated, "I hope to create wonderful memories with the names Beast and Highlight, and with our fans as Beauty and Light."

Highlight celebrates their 17th year in the industry this year. This album marks their 20th physical release. Despite their long career and numerous albums, the members still feel excited about releasing new music. Son Dongwoon said, "Every time we release an album, it feels new. Our passion is still strong. There's so much we want to show," with a sparkle in his eyes. Lee Gikwang added, "They say stagnant water rots. I believe that's true. We want to keep working hard to present great albums and performances."

The members expressed their commitment to being a responsible long-standing group. Yoon Doojoon said, "If our efforts to improve even a little can inspire someone, that would be great. I hope our long activity can be a model for K-pop juniors. If so, K-pop might be loved worldwide for a longer time. We'll work hard with a sense of mission, knowing we're doing something significant."

Highlight's 'From Real to Surreal' was released at 6 PM on the same day.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr