Highlight reunites with Beast in a comeback that marks their 17th anniversary and delights longtime fans. The group celebrated the milestone with the release of their sixth EP, “Real to Surreal,” on Monday. Prior to the full album drop, they released the prerelease track “Endless Ending” on April 16 under the name Beast. This marked the first time in nine years they used their original name in an official release. While they will still promote as Highlight, reviving the Beast name carries deep emotional weight.
Emotions ran high as Highlight reunites with Beast through this new music chapter. Yang Yo-seob expressed his feelings at a press conference, saying just hearing the name Beast brought him to tears. He also praised Cube Entertainment’s cooperation in reaching the agreement. Their agency Around Us Entertainment and the members’ strong will made this meaningful reunion possible. Fans welcomed the return with overwhelming love and nostalgia.
The EP includes four tracks: “Endless Ending,” title track “Chains,” and B-sides “Good Day to You” and “Follow Me.” “Chains” blends hip-hop with a clarinet intro and a minimal yet addictive beat. Its lyrics explore an intense emotional struggle within a toxic relationship. Lee Gi-kwang, who composed the song, described the sound as a bold new step. He emphasized how they explored a genre never tackled before as Beast or Highlight.
To strengthen the impact, Lee also discussed the choreography and its complexity. He mentioned how syncing with dancers included formations they had never tried before. This inventive approach supports their ongoing evolution. Son Dong-woon noted that “Real to Surreal” is their twentieth physical album release. Now in his mid-30s, he reflected on their growth from youth to maturity.
Highlight reunites with Beast in both name and spirit, showing how far they’ve come. Lee Gi-kwang stressed that staying still leads to decline, but growth brings success. The members continue to push boundaries with fresh creativity. Leader Yoon Doo-joon said they hope their journey inspires younger idols in the K-pop world. Their comeback not only honors the past but also promises a strong future.
