Info B2ST

Info B2ST

Beast (South Korean band)

Beast (비스트, stylized as BEAST or B2ST) is a boy group from South Korea that consists of six members, under Cube Entertainment. The group was originally known as B2ST, an acronym for boys to Search for Top. However, their name was changed to BEAST (Boys of the EAst Standing Tall) a few days before debut. They released their first mini-album Beast Is The B2ST on October 14, 2009.

History

2009: Debut

In late 2009, news articles started to surface online about Cube Entertainment's new group, B2ST (pronounced "BEAST") as explained by member, Dong Woon, in episode 8 of their MTV documentary MTV B2ST which showcased their journey leading up to their debut. On October 14, the group's first mini-album, Beast Is The B2ST, was released selling over 20,000 copies in October 2009 and has even further reached 40,000 copies sold in sales to date. A Cube Entertainment representative for BEAST revealed that they have sold all the albums they printed in the first batch and are tentatively planning to produce 5,000 more and also considering reissuing AJ's album due to strong demands. On October 16, they made their live debut on KBS Music Bank with their debut track, "Bad Girl". The group became very popular after debuting, following various commercial calls from companies around Asia. On December 2, 2009, BEAST won their first award, Rookie of the Month, awarded by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. It was later announced by Cube Entertainment that Universal Records would be assisting BEAST and 4minute with international launches of their albums.

2010: Gaining Popularity

On January 23, 2010, BEAST commenced their international promotions in Taiwan. The group was awarded with the Best Newcomer Award at the 19th Seoul Music Awards on February 3, 2010.

The group's second mini-album, Shock Of The New Era, was suppose to be released on March 2, 2010, however it was put forward a day and was released on March 1 due to the fact that all of their songs have been leaked and have seen in Youtube.com. Despite the leak of their songs, the album has been rising up on various music charts and have already sold 20,000 copies to date. The new genre prepared by BEAST is 'Rocktronic.' With a powerful sound and BEAST's added color to Shock of the New Era, they sped up the overall completion of the album. Their title song "Shock" was reviewed as serving a powerful voice while having a strong sound with an abundance of melting sensibility, and will be performing a VTach dance with dynamic poses. On March 25 of 2010 BEAST surprised their fans as they transformed as Ballad Singers and sang an orchestra version of the sad ballad 'Despite Holding On' by Noel that once attracted popularity as they were recognized as a boy group with singing ability.

On March 25, 2010, BEAST receive their very first win on Mnet’s ‘Mcountdown’ with their new song ‘SHOCK’. Without the help of anybody in the staff BEAST has given the fans their special Music Video of ‘Take Care of My Girlfriend’ (Say No) on the 14th of April, 2010. BEAST will be performing at the 8th Korean Music Festival held at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California on May 1, 2010. In the third episode of the MTV show ‘B2ST Almighty’, BEAST members released a Music Video 'Mystery' as a response to the fans wishes, Girls Generation and Kara also appeared in the Music Video as special guests. New digital single version of ‘Easy’ is officially released on April 29, 2010 that has the title ‘Easy (Sincere Ver.)’together with the strings and piano music helps BEAST to show off a whole new attraction which is totally different from the normal hip-hop and the electronic instruments feel. BEAST was featured in the teaser music video "Who`s next" 4minute.

On the 22nd of May 2010, BEAST performed for ‘2010 I love Korea DREAM CONCERT’ alongside with other Korean artists such as Rain, Lee Hyori, Girls Generation, 2PM, Super Junior, SS501, F(x) and many more. From June 16, 2010, to June 20, 2010, BEAST attended the ‘Helping the Single Mom’ concert in the Philippines. BEAST was in Singapore and Malaysia from the 22nd to the 29th of June 2010 and from the 30th of June to the 5th of July 2010, they held showcases back to back in Japan.

BEAST appeared as special guests in Precious Land, Dance Show in Japan on the July 1st, 2010. BEAST`s album Shock Of The New Era Asia Version that was released in Singapore had even made it into the Gold Disk category, which the requirements include the sale of 100,000 copies. Even though this had been their first promotional activities in Singapore, their popularity had even won them a spot in the Gold Disk category. BEAST will be appearing at the BRAND NEW CONCERT - THE BURNING DAY on August 20, 2010 together with 2AM, Brown Eyed Girls, KARA and T-ara. BEAST and 4minute were invited to perform on Singapore Youth Olympic pre-opening stage as the first Korean artists on August 13, 2010. BEAST was awarded with the Smoothie King Cool Star Award on 2010 Mnet 20's Choice Awards on August 26, 2010. On August 26, 2010, Omarion made a surprise appearance as a guest when BEAST was receiving their award on Mnet 20’s Choice Awards and he also requested that he perform a special stage with BEAST.

On September 17, 2010, BEAST revealed one of their songs as a single from their 3rd mini album, Mastermind namely ‘Clenching My Fist Tight’ on various music sites. The song had gained the hot anticipation and attention from the public as BEAST had been recognized as skilled dance artist with perfect live, however they gained more attention with emotional acting and explosive vocal ranges that matches up well with traditional ballad singers. As of 25 September 2010, BEAST was the first boyband to try the ‘radio teaser’ method and they revealed a part from the title song of their 3rd album titl ed, ‘Breath’ (SOOM). BEAST’s 3rd Mini Album ‘Mastermind’ was revealed on September 28, 2010. BEAST receive 'Asia Influential Artist' award on October 23, 2010, and this award is given to those who had the most attention in Asia for the year. BEAST will be entering Japan with a Japan Premium edition that is compiled of the two mini albums ‘BEAST Is The B2ST’ and ‘Shock Of The New Era’ which were both released in Korea with an addition 30 minute documentary video DVD of their first visit to Japan in July. On October 8, 2010, BEAST had reached first on KBS Music Bank a week since their comeback with the song 'Breath' off of their mini album Mastermind. On October 14, 2010, BEAST had also won a Mutizen award on Mnet! Countdown, increasing their popularity. On October 12, 2010, KBS Broadcasting systems have collaborated with the idol group BEAST to make a cheer song for the National Korean Soccer Team.

BEAST will have their first solo concert opening on the December 12, 2010 with the title of ‘WELCOME TO BEAST AIRLINE’. Their ticket sales opened on October 26, 2010, however with the influx of 70,000 users coming on to the site at once, the server eventually ended up crashing. BEAST officially released their first album set in Japan called "BEAST-Japan Premium Edition" on November 24, 2010. It debuted at 6th place on the Oricon daily album charts. The Japan Premium set was made up of their first two mini albums "BEAST is the B2ST" and "Shock of the New Era." It also included a special DVD. On the 27th of November, BEAST held their first Japanese showcase called the 'THE LEGEND OF BEAST VOL.1' at Tokyo Big Site in Ohdaiba, Tokyo. Although Beast has yet to debut in Japan, Beast was able to attract 10,000 Japanese fans to their showcase, 4,800 of them coming in early to create a "human letter" of the word B2ST. The members were transported to the site of the showcase by helicopter, a treatment only top stars like Michael Jackson had. BEAST was able to see the "human letter" and thanked their fans sincerely for welcoming them. BEAST finished a successful showcase, performing 9 hit tracks from "Bad Girl," "Shock," and "Soom." BEAST will officially debut in Japan sometime in February 2011.

On November 3, 2010, BEAST had opened up the preorder sales on different online sites for the upcoming 4th mini album namely Lights go on again , and the track list showed a surprise with all new type of songs that filled the whole album which will be later released on November 9,2010. [44] BEAST managed to get all top 5 spots on November 8th, 2010 with 'Lights Go on Again' on the Mnet charts – their main track, “Beautiful”, debuted at 1st place, while the album’s remaining four tracks nabbed 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th respectively. According to album sales site Hanteo, the group’s album sales showed great success, as their sales figures ranked first.On November 15, 2010, BEAST had released the first part of the relay music drama from the 4th album on their Official Youtube Channel that are garnering interests from the fans as well as the overseas promoters and media as attentions are turned to the concept and the style of the music video that BEAST will bring in.

Other activities

BEAST was the topic of a short-lived reality show, MTV B2ST, which was hosted by MTV. The show ran on a weekly basis from August 23, 2009 to October 9, 2009, with a total of ten episodes. The program was to showcase their journey to debut. It was announced in March 2010 that BEAST will be hosting a second season of MTV B2ST entitled MTV BEAST Almighty. After last year's broadcast debut, season 2 will have fans and viewers' wishes as the concept of the program. BEAST members will have to pick one wish for every episode. The show ran on a weekly basis from April 10, 2010 to May 29, 2010. BEAST has become the protagonists of variety show 'Idol Maid' running on a weekly basis from July 21, 2010 to October 13, 2010. BEAST will be having a cameo on More Charming by the Day.

On November 25, 2009, it was announced that the group would release the song "Crazy" in promotion for the film, Attack the Gas Station 2. On January 25, 2010, the group participated in the God of Study official soundtrack, with the song "Ready Go", which topped various charts.

Shin Sae Kyung and BEAST were chosen as the models for BBQ Chicken after the Wonder Girls, and they will be filming the commercial for BBQ Crispy Chicken. BEAST appeared together as a group with DooJoon on one episode of reality-variety series Danbi, a segment part of MBC's Sunday Sunday Night line-up. Beast was chosen as ambassadors for ‘Seoul Character•Rising Licensing Fair 2010’ co-hosted by both Korean Contents Promotions & Co-Ex on July 12, 2010. 4minute and Beast have been chosen as the mains for Signal Music and they will be appearing before the living room audience through Signal Music in SBS’s ‘People Looking for Laughter’ and it will be commencing on 10 July 2010. BEAST has been chosen as the new models for the Young TD Casual CLRIDE.N to match well with the trendy and casual brand concept.

On November 26, 2010, BEAST members Yoon Doojoon, Lee Kikwang, Jang Hyunseung, and Yong Junhyung will be creating the theme song for the ‘University Music Festival’ with a self-composed song. However, it was just a congratulation stage performance that they had accepted due to request as they are attending their studies in Dongshin University.

Also known as :
B2ST
Origin :
South Korea
Genres :
Pop
Years active :
2009–present
Labels :
Cube Entertainment (South Korea) , Universal Music Group (International)
Website :
playb2st.com

Member

Yoon Doo Joon

* Birth name: Yoon Doo Joon (Hangul: 윤두준)

* Date of birth: July 4, 1989 (1989-07-04) (age 21)

* Position: Leader, Vocalist, Rapper

Doo Joon is the leader of BEAST. He was a trainee from JYP Entertainment. He was featured in the Mnet documentary Yeolhyeolnama (Korean: 열혈남아, Hot Blooded Men) with 2AM and 2PM but was eliminated. He was then transferred to JYP Entertainment's sister company, Cube Entertainment. Before his debut with BEAST, he auditioned for High Kick Through the Roof and was offered a role in the sitcom but turned it down to focus on his music career. He became a member of reality-variety series Danbi, a segment part of MBC's Sunday Sunday Night line-up. It ended with the last broadcast on August 15, 2010.

Doo Joon was featured in AJ's music video for "Nunmureul Dakko" (Korean: "눈물을 닦고", "Wipe the Tears") as a rapper along with Jun Hyung before they debuted as part of BEAST. He was also a rapper for Gavy NJ's song "Sun Flower".

Doo Joon worked with Shin Saekyung on an ad for premium jeans brand, Buckaroo

As Girls' Generation member Taeyeon will be leaving MBC Radio FM4U 91.9Mhz ‘Chin Chin Radio’ , he was chosen as the temporary DJs for two weeks together with solo singer IU. Doo Joon was featured for G.Na's album title song ‘I’ll Back Off So You Can Live Better’ music video along with the other Beast member, Jun Hyung. Doojoon, Kikwang and IU appeared as special hosts on Music Core on August 21, 2010. DooJoon was casted to appear in the new MBC daily sitcom ‘All My Love.’

Jang Hyun Seung

* Birth name: Jang Hyun Seung (Hangul: 장현승)[62]

* Date of birth: September 3, 1989 (1989-09-03) (age 21)[62]

* Position: Lead Vocalist, Lead Dancer

Hyun Seung first received media attention as a trainee under YG Entertainment with nickname So-1, when he was preparing to debut as a member of Big Bang. He appeared in 10 out of 11 episodes of the Big Bang Documentary, but wasn't chosen to be a part of the final group formation by YG's president. He received a lot of concerns from Cube's management when BEAST was being formed, as the first thing the members were instructed to do was to have Hyun Seung gain weight. On August 23, 2010, a video of Prepix ILL with Jang Hyunseung dancing was released, revealing swift dance to song Money Right by RnB Musiq Soulchild.

Yong Jun Hyung

* Birth name: Yong Jun Hyung (Hangul: 용준형)l[62]

* Date of birth: December 19, 1989 (1989-12-19) (age 20)[62]

* Position: Main Rapper, Vocalist

Before debuting as a member of BEAST, Jun Hyung was first a member of XING, known by his stage name as Poppin' Dragon. He is noted to have unusual hairstyles. Jun Hyung was also featured in fellow member's AJ's music video "눈물을 닦고" ("Wiping the Tears") as a rapper with Doo Joon. Along with fellow BEAST member Yo Seob, MC and comedian Lee Hyukjae, Moon Hee Jun (formerly of H.O.T.) and Kim Sook, they welcomed Japanese tourists for "Visit Seoul 2010" campaign, where Korean celebrities and Japanese tourists explore Seoul in MBC's Star Guide Doshiraku to raise awareness of Seoul's famous areas as well as its delicious cuisine.

Jun Hyung was the featured rapper in Hyuna's solo debut single "Change". Jun Hyung along with 4minute were also featured in "Heard 'Em All" for Amerie's Asian version of the album In Love & War. He was also a guest rapper for K.Wills song "Present". He also starred in MBC High Kick Through the Roof for a scene. He was featured in the rap making and featuring for 4minute’s album "Hit Your Heart" where his composing skills are dutifully noted. Jun Hyung was featured for G.NA’s album title song ‘I’ll Back Off So You Can Live Better’ music video and his appearance will be giving the opposite vibe from Doo Joon. Jun Hyung is featured for FADDY ROBOT FOUNDATION together with 4minute`s Hyunah, Outsider, Verbal Jint, Mighty Mouth’s Ssangchu, Vasco and Jico, any profit from this song will be helping the society. In order to encourage the public participation in commemorating Seoul Summit Asia Bridge Contents (Representative Choi Jin) had announced that the G20 summit held in Seoul have created campaign song ‘Let’s Go’ composed by Shinsadong Tiger, Lim Sanghyuk, Eddie, and BEAST`s Yong Junhyung. Junhyung will also be rapping for the song. Junhyung will be a guest rapper for chaeyeon song namely 'Ma Lover' on SBS inkigayo on October 31, 2010.

On November 23, 2010, Young Jee will be releasing a single namely "It Is Love If You Are Crazy" which also features the rap making and featuring from Yong Junhyung from BEAST, which adds to the high level of completion.

Yang Yo Seob

* Birth name: Yang Yo Seob (Hangul: 양요섭)

* Date of birth: January 5, 1990 (1990-01-05) (age 20)

* Position: Main Vocalist

Yo Seob is the main vocalist of BEAST. Noted to be the "cute" member of BEAST, his various hairstyles have received much attention, being compared to that of a Fairy Pitta and a Shih Tzu among other things. Yo Seob was a former JYP Entertainment trainee. He moved agencies, to M Boat Entertainment (a former sister company of YG Entertainment) then to Cube Entertainment. He was also known for his self-created videos and parodies. He was a backup dancer for AJ's music video "Wiping the Tears" and "Dancing Shoes".

Along with fellow BEAST member Jun Hyung, MC Lee Hyukjae, Moon Hee Jun (formerly of H.O.T.) and Kim Sook, Yo Seob welcomed Japanese tourists for "Visit Seoul 2010" campaign, where Korean celebrities and Japanese tourists explored Seoul in MBC's Star Guide Doshiraku to raise awareness of Seoul's famous areas as well as its delicious cuisine. On July 16, 2010, Yo Seob participated in the More Charming by the Day official soundtrack in promotion for the film with the song "Happy Birthday". On November 29, 2010 , Yoseob will be releasing a digital single together with Dalmatian`s Daniel, namely "First Snow and First Kiss". Starting from when they were trainees, they were coined 'soulmates0115'. The two had an intimate relationship, prior to their debut, they released a UCC series, "To Pick On Mr. Daniel" which even succeeded to rise up as a hot topic when selected as #1 amongst the weekly TOP 5 UCC's by a sports newspaper.

Lee Ki Kwang

* Birth name: Lee Ki Kwang (Hangul: 이기광)

* Date of birth: March 30, 1990 (1990-03-30) (age 20)

* Position: Vocalist, Main Dancer

Ki Kwang was initially a trainee under JYP Entertainment. He later transferred to sister entertainment company, Cube Entertainment where he originally debuted as a solo singer by the stagename, "AJ". Cube Entertainment then decided to have him join BEAST where he redebuted under his given name. He is known as SaeHo in MBC High Kick Through the Roof, and was selected as MC for MBC's Sunday Sunday Night segment Hot Brothers. Lee Kikwang was chosen as the new MC for the KBS show 'Win Win'.

Gi Kwang is featured in K.Will's music video for the song, Present. He was also chosen as the model for the ‘Ice Tea Tio’ from DongSuh Foods. Lee Kikwang will be featuring in Ahn Jinkyung’s title song ‘Love is Pathetic’ off of her second mini album ‘BE THE VOICE’ this will be his first project that he will be rapping in. Doojoon, Kikwang and IU appeared as special hosts on Music Core on August 21, 2010. KiKwang will be doing CF filming of LG Tromm cf with model Lee Nayoung.

Son Dong Woon

* Birth name: Son Dong Woon (Hangul: 손동운)

* Date of birth: June 6, 1991 (1991-06-06) (age 19)

* Position: Vocalist, Rapper

Dong Woon was a trainee from JYP Entertainment and was the last member chosen to join BEAST and is also the maknae (youngest) of the group. He is known for having a "Western" look, which makes him stand out from the rest of his group members. Fans often make jokes about Dong Woon, saying that Nichkhun of 2PM looks more Korean than him (Nichkhun is Thai). Dong Woon's nickname is 16D, as he is known for having a "16 dimensional" personality. He went to school at Seoul Hanyoung High School. Dong Woon is able to play piano and the electric flute, and can speak Chinese.