BEAST/B2ST

Beast/B2ST

All information from wikipedia.com

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").Their journey leading up to debut was showcased in their MTV documentary MTV B2ST. On October 14, the group's first mini-album, Beast Is The B2ST, was released, selling over 20,000 copies in October 2009. It went onto sell another 40,000 copies overall. Cube Entertainment revealed that they had sold all the albums they printed in the first batch and were planning to produce 5,000 more. They were also plans to reissue the solo album of member AJ (Lee Gi Kwang) in response to strong demand. On October 16, Beast made their live debut on KBSMusic Bank with their debut track, "Bad Girl". The group became very popular after debuting, receiving a variety of 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.Cube Entertainment announced that Universal Records would sign with Beast and their labelmate, girl group 4minute, for the international launches of their albums.

2010: Shock Of The New Era 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 scheduled for release on March 2, 2010. The album was released a day early after being leaked on Youtube. Despite the leak, the album climbed the Korean music charts and quickly sold 20,000 copies. Reviews of the title track "Shock" described it has having both powerful vocals and an overall strong sound, with the live performances incorporating a complex VTach dance routine.
On March 25, 2010, Beast presented a different image by singing an orchestra version of the sad ballad 'Despite Holding On' by Korean group Noel, and were subsequently recognized as a boy group with outstanding singing ability.

On March 25, 2010, Beast received their first number-one win on Mnet’s ‘M! Countdown’ with 'Shock'. On April 14th, 2010, the group released a self-made music video for their track 'Take Care of My Girlfriend (Say No)' as a gift to their fans. Beast performed at the 8th Korean Music Festival held at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California on May 1, 2010. In the third episode of their MTV documentary ‘B2ST Almighty’, the group released a selfmade parody video to their single 'Mystery' as a response to fan demand. Popular Korean girl groups Girls' Generation and Kara featured in the video along with the Beast members. A digital single version of their track ‘Easy’ was released on April 29, 2010 with the title ‘Easy (Sincere Ver.)’. The track used strings and piano as opposed to the hip-hop feel and electronic instruments of the original. Beast was featured in the teaser music video for "Who's Next" by labelmates 4minute.

On the 22nd of May 2010, Beast performed for ‘2010 I love Korea Dream Concert’ alongside popular Korean artists such as Rain, Lee Hyori, Girls' Generation, 2PM, Super Junior, SS501, and f(x). From June 16 to June 20, 2010, Beast performed at the ‘Helping the Single Mom’ concert in the Philippines. The group then performed in Singapore and Malaysia from the 22nd to the 29th of June 2010 and held showcases in Japan from the 30th to the 5th of July.

Beast appeared as special guests in 'Precious Land, Dance Show' in Japan on the July 1st, 2010. After their first ever appearance in Singapore, the Shock of the New Era album sold over 100,000 copies and was certified into the Gold Disk category. Beast appeared at the 'Brand New Concert: The Burning Day' on August 20, 2010 with popular Korean music acts 2AM, Brown Eyed Girls, KARA and T-ara. Beast and 4minute became the first Korean artists to be invited to perform at the Singapore Youth Olympic pre-opening stage on August 13, 2010. Beast was awarded with the Cool Star Award on 2010 Mnet 20's Choice Awards on August 26, 2010. On August 26, 2010, American R&B musician Omarion made a surprise appearance as a guest onstage when Beast received their award on Mnet 20’s Choice Awards. Omarion had also performed a special showcase with Beast after seeing their performances.

2010:Mastermind, Lights Go On Again, and My Story On September 17, 2010, Beast released the song 'Clenching My Fist Tight' as a single from their 3rd mini album, Mastermind. The song gained anticipation and attention from the public for the excellent vocal ability to displayed. Mastermind was released on September 28, 2010. BEAST received the 'Asia Influential Artist' award on October 23, 2010. This award is given to those who had the most attention in Asia for the year. Beast's discography entered Japan with a Japanese Premium edition that is compiled of the two mini albums ‘BEAST Is The B2ST’ and ‘Shock Of The New Era’, with an addition 30 minute documentary video DVD of their first visit to Japan in July. On October 8, 2010, a week after their comeback, Beast claimed first place on KBS Music Bank with the song 'Soom (Breath)' from Mastermind. The song was noted for its original sound and distinctive choreography. On October 14, 2010, Beast went on to win the Mutizen Award on Mnet! Countdown. On October 12, 2010, KBS Broadcasting systems collaborated with Beast to make a soccer anthem for the national football team of Korea.

Beast had their first solo concert on December 12, 2010. The concert's official title was 'Welcome to Beast Airline.' Beast released their first Japanese album, called "Beast: Japan Premium Edition," on November 24, 2010. It debuted at 6th place on the Japanese Oricon daily album charts. On November 27, Beast held their first Japanese showcase called 'The Legend of Beast, Vol.1' at Tokyo Big Site in Ohdaiba, Tokyo. The members were transported to the site of the showcase by helicopter, where they were able to see a human formation of the group's name made up of fans as a welcome greeting. The group performed 9 hit tracks, including "Bad Girl," "Shock," and "Soom." They also announced plans to officially debut in Japan in February 2011.

On November 3, 2010, Beast opened up the preorder sales for the 4th mini album named Lights Go On Again. The album took the top 5 spots on the Mnet music charts on November 8, 2010, with their lead track, “Beautiful” debuting at 1st place, while the album’s remaining four tracks placed 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th respectively. According to album sales site Hanteo, the group’s album sales showed great success, with their sales figures ranked first. On November 15, 2010, Beast released the first part of the relay music drama from the 4th album on their official Youtube channel. It garnered interest from fans as well as overseas promoters and media for the style and concept of the upcoming music videos. On December 1, 2010, Beast won an award for being one of 2010's most photogenic figures by the 11th Korean Visual Arts Festival, hosted and organized by the 'Korea Broadcast Camera Directors Association'. On December 9, Beast was awarded with the Yepp Newcomer Award at the 25th Golden Disk Awards.

On December 23, plans for the release of self-composed duets by the members of the group were announced. The tracks released were 'Thanks To', a hiphop track from Yo Seob and Jun Hyung, Hyun Seung and Gi Kwang’s R&B track ‘Let It Snow’, and Doo Joon and Dong Woon’s ballad track ‘When The Door Closes’. The tracks were debuted at the Mnet ‘Mcountdown’ stage. The songs were released as the mini album My Story, released on December 21, 2010.

Image and Artistry

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. This this will be their first time being clothes models from the 2010 Fall/Winter collection from CLRIDE.N. They will be modelling their clothing in a trendy British vintage style.

On December 3, 2010, BEAST attended the Patricia Field Collection fashion show located in Seoul Chungnamdong MCM Haus and was praised by Patricia Field herself for their “distinctive and modern look”. BEAST had their fashion tastes recognized by the worldly known fashion stylist Patricia Field. For this collection, MCM’s Heritage and Patricia Field worked together to show off a modern New Yorker style with a trendy shopper bag, backpack, clutch, and more items and any money earned from it will be donated to the ‘Korea Disaster Relief’ to benefit the civilians left homeless from the Yeonpyeong incident.

Other Activites

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.

On November 26, 2010, BEAST members Yoon Doojoon, Lee Gi Kwang, Jang Hyunseung, and Yong Junhyung will be creating the theme song for the ‘University Music Festival’ with a self-written 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. On December 2, 2010, it was announced that the group would release the song "Loving U" in promotion for the sitcom, All My Love On January 5, 2011, it was announced that the group would be releasing the song "너 때문인걸 (Because Of You)" in promotion for the mini drama, My Princess

Members

Yoon Doo Joon

Birth name: Yoon Doo Joon (Hangul: 윤두준)
Date of birth: July 4, 1989 (1989-07-04) (age 21)[72]
Position: Leader, Vocalist, Rapper, Dancer

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 Sekyung 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, Gi Kwang and IU appeared as special hosts on Music Core on August 21, 2010. DooJoon was cast to appear in MBC daily sitcom ‘All My Love.’ and 'More Charming By The Day'. On December 29, 2010, DooJoon was awarded with Rookie Comedy Award from the 2010 MBC Entertainment Awards for the cast in 'All My Love' and 'More Charming By The Day'.

Jang Hyun Seung

Birth name: Jang Hyun Seung (Hangul: 장현승)
Date of birth: September 3, 1989 (1989-09-03) (age 21)
Position: 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

Real Birth Name: Yong Jae Soon(Hangul: 용재순) but changed to Yong Jun Hyung when he was 6l
Date of birth: December 19, 1989 (1989-12-19) (age 21)
Position: Main Rapper, Dancer

He was a member of the boyband "Xing" which also consists of Kevin from "U-Kiss". Noted by his unique hairstyles and exceptional talent in rapmaking, Jun Hyung was featured in 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 explored Seoul in MBC's Star Guide Doshiraku to raise awareness of Seoul's famous areas as well as its delicious cuisine.

Jun Hyung also featured 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 as a cameo in one of its episodes. He was also involved in the rap making and featuring for 4minute’s album "Hit Your Heart" where his composing skills were dutifully noted. Jun Hyung was featured for G.NA’s album title song ‘I’ll Back Off So You Can Live Better’ music video, his appearance giving an opposite vibe from Doo Joon's. Currently, Jun Hyung is featured for FADDY ROBOT FOUNDATION together with 4minute`s Hyunah, Outsider, Verbal Jint, Mighty Mouth’s Ssangchu, Vasco and Jico; all profit from this album has been promised to be given out to charity. 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 released a single named "Crazy, that's what love is" featuring Junhyung in rap making and the rapping. On January 19, 2010, Navi released a single named "Go Again" featuring Junhyung rapping.

Yang Yo Seob

Birth name: Yang Yo Seob (Hangul: 양요섭)
Date of birth: January 5, 1990 (1990-01-05) (age 21)
Position: Main Vocalist, Dancer

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 Gi Kwang

Birth name: Lee Gi Kwang (Hangul: 이기광)
Date of birth: March 30, 1990 (1990-03-30) (age 20)
Position: Lead Vocalist, Main Dancer

Gi 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 MBCHigh Kick Through the Roof, and was selected as MC for MBC's Sunday Sunday Night segment Hot Brothers. Lee Gi Kwang 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 Gi Kwang 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, Gi Kwang and IU appeared as special hosts on Music Core on August 21, 2010. Gi Kwang will be doing CF filming of LG Tromm cf with model Lee Nayoung. Gi Kwang was casted as the comical role in the drama ‘My Princess’ starring Song Seunghun and Kim Taehee. On December 29, 2010, Gi Kwang was awarded with Popularity Award from the 2010 MBC Entertainment Awards.

Son Dong Woon

Birth name: Son Dong Woon (Hangul: 손동운)
Date of birth: June 6, 1991 (1991-06-06) (age 19)
Position: Vocalist, Rapper, Dancer

Dong Woon was a trainee from JYP Entertainment for 2 years, and was the last member chosen to join BEAST. He is the maknae (youngest) of the group. Dong Woon is known for his Western look from the other members. In December 2010, Dong Woon released a digital single album "Udon" together with Davichi’s Kang Min Kyung. After it`s release, the song quickly rose up to the top of the charts, bringing in immense popularity and it is expected to start another trend. However, it is said that by the composers of ‘Udon' that the title of the song is in Japanese, hence the main 3 broadcasting networks confirmed that they will not be showing on television.

Discography

Extended plays

Beast Is the B2ST (2009)
Shock of the New Era (2010)
Mastermind (2010)
Lights Go On Again (2010)
My Story (2010)

Concert

Welcome To BEAST Airlines (2010)
Welcome BACK to BEAST Airlines (18-19th February 2011) (encore concert)

Awards

Year Award 2009

Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism: Rookie Music Award (December)
Cyworld Digital Music Awards: Rookie of the Month (December) ("Mystery")

2010

19th Seoul Music Awards: Best Newcomer Award
2010 Mnet 20's Choice Awards : Smoothie King Cool Star Award
2010 Asia Song Festival : Asia Influential Artist
11th Korean Visual Arts Festival - Photogenic Award
25th Golden Disk Awards : Samsung Yepp Newcomer Award

2011

20th Seoul Music Awards: Bonsang Award ("Soom" & "Shock")

Award Show

Inkigayo
Year        Date Song
2010 December 5 "Beautiful"

Music Bank
Year        Date              Song
2010   October 8   "Soom"

M! Countdown
Year Date              Song
2010 March 25     "Shock"
                October 14    "Soom"