Music / Idols
20111202_seoulbeats_beast

Beast: The Phenomenon I Never Knew

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Written by On December 5, 2011

Who is Beast?

This was a question I used to ask myself very often, quickly followed by subsequent thoughts of ‘Meh, I don’t care’. I mean, I knew who Beast was  – I knew that they were some boy group. ‘Just another boy group,’ I used to think, ‘just some mediocre boy group’.

But I’ve learnt otherwise. This year, streaming the 2011 MAMA’s live from MNet‘s Youtube channel, was the first time I’ve ever watched Beast perform, and I was blown away. Suddenly, I was asking myself where I had been, how could I have missed this little gem that was Beast? Here were six hot guys that could actually sing, and I was so easily ignoring them until now!? Blasphemy! How could this happen?

And then I remembered.

Back in late 2008/early 2009, as I trolled K-pop internet forums, I came across a thread of that was featuring some information about Cube Entertainment’s newest rookies… B2ST. A lot of the pre-debut hype around them floating on the internet at that time really boiled down to one piece of information that became really the only thing about B2ST that stayed with me: they were a group of other boy band rejects.

Of all the things that entertainment companies say about how they group trainees, whether it’s cup-size or height or blood type, being a reject was a new one for the list. But I wasn’t interested in a bunch of rejects. For me, I took one glance and saw a 2PM photocopy, and walked away.

Another turn-off was the fact that they were from Cube. Earlier that year, Cube debuted 4Minute, and I instantly did not like them. And no matter how hard I tried, I never caught on to 4Minute’s music. When G.NA hit the scene, I didn’t feel her either; so I figured my opinions about quality music just didn’t lie with Cube and its idols.

So for several ignorant years, I avoided press and performances concerning B2ST (who altered their name somewhere after debut and are now also referred to as Beast) simply because I didn’t care; I never cared for Cube idols, and I wasn’t going to convince myself that it was time to start. But just a mere 72 hours ago, watching the MAMA’s livestream and Beast take the stage, I realized what a tragic mistake being ignorant was.

Needless to say, Beast had one of the best performances of the night. They really showcased a wealth of vocal ability as well as bad-boy charisma, which has made me believe they’ve come a long way from being a bunch of rejects. In my ears I heard the hard-hitting vocals of a rapper and the falsettos of a well groomed voice — those weren’t rejects, that was talent. I could not believe that I had never gave them a chance before.

A moment like this makes me really think about K-pop critically — we all have seen groups half-heartedly put together or who are half-heartedly cohesive. They’re easy to spot, and abound the realm of K-pop. And because I’m so used to hardly ever finding groups that seem different and unique, I usually glaze over debuts and wait for better press on up-and-comings before really vesting my interest in them. But that is also why I failed to see that Beast wasn’t actually a reject group — initial bad press, even that tiny spoonful of it, turned me off of a group of guys that weren’t half bad at all. Sure, maybe once upon a time, in another trainee story, the members of Beast were rejects, but they’ve come together to make a really talented group in the end, one that stands out and commands attention. And that gives me hope.

Hope that there is more talent in K-pop than we may actually give credit for. All too often most us are quick to criticize talentless idols who get by with their pretty faces, or poor music quality put out by big name labels. This may cause some of us to create generalizations, like I did, about what and who we should expect and when. And while it is absolutely true that some idols are bordering on talentless and that some companies need better producers and stylists, encountering Beast has shown me talent may actually lie in the stereotypes we wave off with a nonchalant hand. With so many idol groups crowding the music scene these days, it grows increasingly hard to find talented performers. But we shouldn’t let that discourage us from learning about new, even stereotypical music, and who’s singing it. If anything, it should help us appreciate fresh talent when we see it. But that means we’ve still got to have faith in the music, despite all the poor expectations and high standards the industry has ingrained in us to believe in. If we are not sharp, we may very well miss the talent we’d been craving all along as it passes along the waves of mainstream music.

(EndofCCC)

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  • http://other-worldly.org Justine

    I didn’t start paying attention to Beast until they released Breath last year, and I was instantly impressed. But the thing with Beast is.. I only love them when they perform on stage, mostly because they’re all so well-rounded, but only when they’re together. There’s a reason why AJ didn’t make it as solo singer, or the rest of the guys didn’t debut in their previous supposed-to-be groups and it’s because they lacked something which only came out when they were all brought together as Beast. I would even say that they’re much more talented (especially in singing) compared to 2PM, which is my favorite group. But the thing is, 2PM is a performance group and individually interest me more than Beast.. that’s why I don’t pay attention to much Beast stuff outside performances but really love it when they perform, and enjoy their stages and most of their songs.

  • frou-frou

    I’m surprised it took you so long! ‘Fact and Fiction’ was one of the better K-pop records this year, and most of Beast’s live performances this year have been pretty damn good. Surely you would have caught at least one of them before now?

    But I completely agree that you shouldn’t leave any stones unturned, not just with K-pop, but with music in general. You never know when you’re gonna find your new favourite band. So no matter how off-putting an act seems at first, I always give them a listen before judging. Case in point – U-Kiss. Frankly, just about everything they’ve put out so far has given me the heebie-jeebies, but I still gave ‘Neverland’ a spin – and the song has earned a permanent place in my iPod.

    Of course, with some other groups (Teen Top, Boyfriend, B1A4) my first impression was right, and I will probably never like them. But I’ll keep checking in from time to time, just in case they (miraculously) make a great song.

  • Guest

    ahahha i love this writer because we think the same LOL (NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRY 4minute doesn’t appeal to me :P) . I had no interest in B2ST, too, just because I was tired of keeping up with all these new groups. but then what do you know, now i’m a b2ty forevaaah!

  • http://twitter.com/JM7228JW J-MayTan©

    YUP! U missed out big time! i always have a soft spot for B2ST cos they reminded me of SJ…the rejects and under-appreciated… glad to see B2ST gaining lots of popularities!

  • Anonymous

    its heart breaking reading ur article here. reminds me of how much time ive wasted on ignoring these talents. for boy group i only keep my eyes on big bang and sometimes JYJ and 2AM (i wasnt around when DBSK5 had their glory days). until i watched this year’s MAMA video. as much as i hate that show i am thankful for introducing me to Beast.

  • Anonymous

    Not all the members of B2ST/BEAST are rejects… but hey, I just got into BEAST a week ago and that is just because I didn’t want to distract myself with MORE K-Pop groups so I don’t know their complete backstory really well.
    From what I understand, AJ/Kikwang isn’t a “reject”. He was a pretty successful solo artist before Beast’s debut (hell, I wonder why he decided to be in a group instead of continuing to be solo. Then again, seeing him with Yoseob is really interesting, and funny –these high school friends xD). To me, it seems that Yoseob and Dongwoon were actually trainees that just switch companies and weren’t really knocked out of a group before debut like Doojun and Hyunsung; from 2AM & 2PM and Big Bang, respectively.

    I should have paid more attention to Beast when their “Fiction” MV came out, that’s when I first actually noticed about anything they did. But their performances at this year’s MAMA convinced me to start listening to them. Hell, after seeing them perform “Fiction” (along with “Troublemaker”), I marathon-ed their past MVs, in order. Then the next day, I Youtube-d any English-subbed appearances in variety shows I could find.

    So, YES, Beast is DEFINITELY worth paying attention to and fangirl-ing about.
    After all, they’ve already set a number of records as ROOKIES since their debut; records that could contend with how well DBSK did when they debut too. (Side note: Junsu is good friends with most of them; especially Doojun and Yoseob, who are fellow players with him in FC Men.)

    • maldita

      Kikwang flopped as AJ the solo artist. He was so overshadowed at the time because he unfortunately debuted around the same time as the promotions for SNSD’s “Gee,” Super Junior’s “Sorry Sorry,” 2PM’s “Again and Again,” Brown Eyed Girls’ “Abracadabra, “and 2NE1′s “Fire.”

      Beast was known as the “recycled/reject group” when they debuted. Junhyung was from Xing. Kikwang was a flop soloist. Doojoon missed out on 2PM. Hyunseung was so publically rejected from Big Bang for Seungri. Yoseob and Dongwoon were trainees who changed companies quite a few times.

      It’s inspiring and very heartwarming to see them rise above their “reject” status, especially when they debuted the same day as the much-hyped MBLAQ. They practically spent 2009-2010 constantly promoting song after song, winning over more and more fans with each release. It’s nice to see them finally enjoying success. :)

      • Anonymous

        Oh, from what I read about AJ, it didn’t seem like he flopped that badly. I mean, he is like at sunbae-status to the rest of the members in Beast because four of them (except Dongwoon) were backup dancers and singers for him. But if you thought otherwise since you seem to have known them longer than I guess so…

        I did discover about each Beast members’ past before debutting but I honestly think that other people in groups went through the same thing too –just that it wasn’t that well known. About ten members of SuJu were in dissolved groups before their debut, so was Yunho and Jaejoong. I’m sure most of the girls of SNSD and f(x) were taken from multiple un-debut groups in SM.
        In my opinion, it just seems that before they got together and became Beast, they didn’t really fit anywhere they were; like something was amiss in whatever they did before they started working with one another. It’s not completely any of the boys’ fault for coming from a different company before the one they ended up at; the music industry, especially when trying to be an idol, is a fickle, picky business. Really, I think Cube didn’t do a good job in promoting Beast if they debut being known as a “recycled/reject group”; that shouldn’t have even been known if these boys were meant to be newcomers to the music scene.

        Yes, I absolutely agree that Best have transcended their “reject” status. Actually, it should be erase and forgotten because it’s kind of demeaning and insulting to each member’s talents and current popularity, seeing how far they’ve gotten to be where they are right now. They’ve worked hard and I only see them going up from here. I wish them all the more success and amazing song releases and music to come!
        (No offense to MBLAQ fans, but I feel that although Beast and MBLAQ debuted around the same time, Beast has surpassed MBLAQ –but then again, I’m kind of basing it off on seeing Beast more at the end-of-the-year appearances, like at Kpop Masters and MAMA.)

        • Guest

          “Really, I think Cube didn’t do a good job in promoting Beast if they
          debut being known as a “recycled/reject group”; that shouldn’t have even
          been known if these boys were meant to be newcomers to the music scene.”

          Actually, I think Cube did a decent job promoting Beast considering the fact that it couldn’t be helped but to noticed that these ‘rejects’ were publicly rejected from JYP and YG before Beast even debuted.  I know it’s not unusual to be shuffled from company to company as a trainee/back up dancer before debut, but Beast members were on television shows prior to their debut.  They already had face time with the people.  Two of them had already debuted, one solo and another with a different group.  They were already known rejects/recycled.  They already been newcomers.  How can you hide the fact that there are experienced, however little, members trying to become a newcomer?  You can’t.  You can only admit that these people are going to give it another go around with another group.  After all, it wasn’t Cube entertainment who labeled them rejects/recycled.  Cube entertainment saw something in them and brought them together, debuted them and within a year, they had a good steady following. 

          Sure SME artists went through the shuffling and dissolved groups, but the thing is these groups never made a debut yet. These groups just dissolved and those people just went to join a different group.  Both 2PM and Big Bang are big time KPOP groups who actually debuted.  To be rejected from them on television is not the same as a dissolved pre-debut group.  Xing was an actual debuted group.  AJ was an actual debuted artist.  So having 2/3 of the group having actually been dropped from debuted groups or flopped as a debuted soloist is not the same as having been part of a pre-debuted, pre-video documented dissolved group.  Now if the members picked from Hot Blood never really turned into 2PM and 2AM or that Big Bang never debut, I’d by your argument that SJ and SNSD is the same thing. 

          • Anonymous

            I see your point and I understand your defense. I meant no disrepect or really harsh blame against Cube… it just seem like that to me is all. I recognize that Cube was able to make something work when getting the six of them together but I just thought that when Beast debut, the “reject/recycled” titles could somehow be overlooked. Given that most of them were experienced apart before getting together –and of course that 2PM and Big Bang are big names before Beast debut–, I guess the Internet didn’t really help conceal the facts?

            Like I said, I just got into Beast a week ago and didn’t know them at all when they debut. So, thank you for enlightening me and providing a better perspective.

        • jess1

          To defend MBLAQ a little, I think if their company did what Cube did to Beast, and that was continuous promotions since they debuted, I think they would be at the same level of success. When Beast did that, MBLAQ rested for and came out and rested again. It gave them a disadvantage and right they were left behind. I cannot argue that Beast has indeed surpassed MBLAQ in terms of popularity, and it makes me sad as a fan.
          They offer different kind of music. To be quite honest, one of the reasons I have not been a Beast fan is not because I’m an MBLAQ fan (definitely not!), but because except for Fiction (which is a good song), all their songs sound the same to me. I’m listening to Shock and then the next thing I noticed I’m humming Mystery. I listened to Subi and Amy’s podcast and they discussed this and Subi hit it there when she said that, “Beast is great, but where’s the “oomph!” ? Although there are some who have very good voices here, I can’t hear anything special. And as much as I love Junhyung (fangirling over him so much! lol), I kinda feel his rapping is a bit overrated.
          I’ve seen Beast live and they are indeed good performers. Talented bunch, this group is. No doubt about that. I just especially notice them when they are with MBLAQ. MST ftw!

          • Anonymous

            MBLAQ do deserve some love here, don’t they? I’m sorry, I haven’t really gotten into their music (I’ve only listened to two of their MVs songs) so I am kind of more Beast-biased than MBLAQ… I only know that there’s Mir and Joon in the group, and that’s in passing or seeing them on variety shows.
            Seeing as Beast and MBLAQ are friendly rivals from different companies, in my opinion, I wonder why they should make coming back at different times because I believe it would be better to go head-to-head in promoting at the same time; you get more attention in competition in a way and they could be motivated to make better (not that it’s bad) than before!
            Maybe, just maybe, let’s say Beast surpassed MBLAQ in popularity at the end of 2011; but hey, MBLAQ could totally come back and gain more popularity in 2012, right? x)

            ‘Mystery’ is actually my second favorite song of Beast’s, after ‘Fiction’!
            I think Beast do have “oomph”, it just depends on a person’s expectations. I didn’t listen to most of Subi and Amy’s podcast (I listened to the lesser last half) but I guess because they know more K-Pop groups than I do, their exposure to which groups’ music and charisma and etc. stand out and appeal more to a greater audience allows them to make that statement.

          • http://twitter.com/nowheregirl1993 Fatouma

            For me, the two boy groups that I have been proud of this year has been Beast and MBLAQ, their 2011 albums have really surpassed my expectations, while other, more popular groups, i.e. Big Bang, TVXQ2, have really disappointed with their music.

            The latter two have just churned out the same music I’ve disliked in North American music, boring, repititive dance music or lackluster “ballads”. On the other hand, B2ST and MBLAQ have really showcased their talents. I’m not saying that they have more talent than Big Bang or Homin, but compared to their older singles, their 2011 albums are subpar.

            Maybe since they no longer have to prove themselves and already have large and strong fanbases, they no longer have to try that much or whatever, but both groups haven’t reach the bar they set out for themselves, while B2ST and MBLAQ are finally within reach of it. Both groups deserved recognition this year and I’ll be waiting in anticipation for their next albums, but being a former VIP/would-be Cassie (until I found out they broke up, yay for entering kPop in 2010 :( ), I will be watching tentatively.

          • Anonymous

            Beast and MBLAQ are just starting out and this year seems to be the year that launches their popularity to the ranks of the big-league, with Big Bang and HoMin.

            Both of Big Bang and HoMin have had it rough this year. It may be the five-year curse that have caught up to them.
            Yes, technically TVXQ would be in their 7th year but for me, they are on hiatus since 2009. HoMin returned in the beginning of 2011 and kept fans from Cassiopeia but not all. They’ve had to somewhat start anew, with the split and all –but I do not want to continue because really, this whole post is about Beast and unrelated to the sunbaes in the music industry.
            But I must talk about Big Bang a little too (in fairness, since I did talk about HoMin). For me, most of the members of BB look like they are still trying, just that circumstances have made it seem not like that. Big Bang have suffered through scandals and trials since around March –Daesung’s accident, G-Dragon’s marijuana charges; SB mentioned a lot here: http://seoulbeats.com/2011/12/yge-back-to-business-as-usual/

            Althought, DB5K and Big Bang are my main & 2nd bias, I don’t consider myself a Cassies or VIP. For one, I’m international fans and Cassies are selective of who deserves to call themselves that; VIP are pretty much the same, you got to love ALL of them to be a VIP –when I’m sorry to say, GD kind of off-puts me somewhere.
            Yes, I admit, both groups’ musics were not up to the standards I held of them since end of 2008. YGE made most of BB members be solo in 2009 to 2010 and early 2011 before their long-awaited comeback altogether –which was too long, in my opinion. I honestly only recall liking “Love Song” and “Cafe”; I did like Daesung’s song for a while but seeing as I don’t remember the name…
            HoMin are back as TVXQ2 and it’s hard to be a duo trying to fit a quintet. Maybe they should have used another name at first, to not try to live up to such god-like hopes. I only like “She” and “Before You Go” (and “Confessions” too but that’s CM’s solo) now from WKYHD album; maybe “Journey” and “How Can I”. I was okay with WKYHD for a short time till I cringe at the imaginary of their curtain outfits and kind of feel insulted listening to it. Their TONE album is better but that’s J-Pop.

          • Anonymous

            Beast and MBLAQ are just starting out and this year seems to be the year that launches their popularity to the ranks of the big-league, with Big Bang and HoMin.

            Both of Big Bang and HoMin have had it rough this year. It may be the five-year curse that have caught up to them.
            Yes, technically TVXQ would be in their 7th year but for me, they are on hiatus since 2009. HoMin returned in the beginning of 2011 and kept fans from Cassiopeia but not all. They’ve had to somewhat start anew, with the split and all –but I do not want to continue because really, this whole post is about Beast and unrelated to the sunbaes in the music industry.
            But I must talk about Big Bang a little too (in fairness, since I did talk about HoMin). For me, most of the members of BB look like they are still trying, just that circumstances have made it seem not like that. Big Bang have suffered through scandals and trials since around March –Daesung’s accident, G-Dragon’s marijuana charges; SB mentioned a lot here: http://seoulbeats.com/2011/12/yge-back-to-business-as-usual/

            Althought, DB5K and Big Bang are my main & 2nd bias, I don’t consider myself a Cassies or VIP. For one, I’m international fans and Cassies are selective of who deserves to call themselves that; VIP are pretty much the same, you got to love ALL of them to be a VIP –when I’m sorry to say, GD kind of off-puts me somewhere.
            Yes, I admit, both groups’ musics were not up to the standards I held of them since end of 2008. YGE made most of BB members be solo in 2009 to 2010 and early 2011 before their long-awaited comeback altogether –which was too long, in my opinion. I honestly only recall liking “Love Song” and “Cafe”; I did like Daesung’s song for a while but seeing as I don’t remember the name…
            HoMin are back as TVXQ2 and it’s hard to be a duo trying to fit a quintet. Maybe they should have used another name at first, to not try to live up to such god-like hopes. I only like “She” and “Before You Go” (and “Confessions” too but that’s CM’s solo) now from WKYHD album; maybe “Journey” and “How Can I”. I was okay with WKYHD for a short time till I cringe at the imaginary of their curtain outfits and kind of feel insulted listening to it. Their TONE album is better but that’s J-Pop.

          • Anonymous

            Beast and MBLAQ are just starting out and this year seems to be the year that launches their popularity to the ranks of the big-league, with Big Bang and HoMin.

            Both of Big Bang and HoMin have had it rough this year. It may be the five-year curse that have caught up to them.
            Yes, technically TVXQ would be in their 7th year but for me, they are on hiatus since 2009. HoMin returned in the beginning of 2011 and kept fans from Cassiopeia but not all. They’ve had to somewhat start anew, with the split and all –but I do not want to continue because really, this whole post is about Beast and unrelated to the sunbaes in the music industry.
            But I must talk about Big Bang a little too (in fairness, since I did talk about HoMin). For me, most of the members of BB look like they are still trying, just that circumstances have made it seem not like that. Big Bang have suffered through scandals and trials since around March –Daesung’s accident, G-Dragon’s marijuana charges; SB mentioned a lot here: http://seoulbeats.com/2011/12/yge-back-to-business-as-usual/

            Althought, DB5K and Big Bang are my main & 2nd bias, I don’t consider myself a Cassies or VIP. For one, I’m international fans and Cassies are selective of who deserves to call themselves that; VIP are pretty much the same, you got to love ALL of them to be a VIP –when I’m sorry to say, GD kind of off-puts me somewhere.
            Yes, I admit, both groups’ musics were not up to the standards I held of them since end of 2008. YGE made most of BB members be solo in 2009 to 2010 and early 2011 before their long-awaited comeback altogether –which was too long, in my opinion. I honestly only recall liking “Love Song” and “Cafe”; I did like Daesung’s song for a while but seeing as I don’t remember the name…
            HoMin are back as TVXQ2 and it’s hard to be a duo trying to fit a quintet. Maybe they should have used another name at first, to not try to live up to such god-like hopes. I only like “She” and “Before You Go” (and “Confessions” too but that’s CM’s solo) now from WKYHD album; maybe “Journey” and “How Can I”. I was okay with WKYHD for a short time till I cringe at the imaginary of their curtain outfits and kind of feel insulted listening to it. Their TONE album is better but that’s J-Pop.

          • jess1

            Nah, this is a Beast article. I understand the lack of love for MBLAQ. I just wanted to say some things siding them since they were mentioned. I didn’t mean for the MBLAQ vs. Beast thing to come out again.

            I hope you’re right about 2012 being MBLAQ’s year. :) It makes me anxious that more and more groups are coming out and yet they still have to compete with them since they aren’t very known yet.

            I actually share the same sentiments as you regarding the overlapping of their comebacks. I’ve always wanted these two groups to make a comeback and promote at the same time. They could get the same hype and exposure when they debuted. For sure the endless MBLAQ vs. Beast battle between the fans are there, but I see no other harm. Should just take it as good competition and motivator, as you said.

            However, seeing that Cube and J.Tune Camp’s heads are former colleagues from JYPE and are probably good friends, I don’t think they would want to do that soon. Beast has the larger fanbase and J.Tune may not want MBLAQ to be overshadowed. That’s just me, though.

            I wondered before if MBLAQ didn’t stop promotions the early part of 2010
            and just kept going just like what Beast did, what’s it like for both
            groups now?

        • Anonymous

          Something about MBLAQ turned me off. Yes they have power vocals, yes they have charisma on stage, but it seems like they’re not quite “themselves”. They heavily influenced by Rain, which is not quiet suitable for some members, and now that Rain has gone, I actually hope for a more genuine release from them. 

  • dira kassim

     Err, guess I’ve been in the fandom long enough to have watched Hyunseung from his Big Bang MTV documentary days, to know recognize Doojoon as the Hot Blood reject (err.. watched that from 1st episode), to witness Gikwang’s debut stage and to have come across Junhyung as my sister was a Xing fan since their debut.

    So yea, basically I followed BEAST’s news closely with interest as I know what some of them are at least capable of.  Still waiting to see a huge progress and development in terms of the music and sound of their album (especially when they started churning out mini albums and singles one after another without any real break in between) but this is probably the only group where you can’t really say that there’s a member that is just riding on the talent of the other members.

    • http://www.twitter.com/hipployta Hipployta

      I think I’ve been in fandom too long too…I was only into dramas back then but still aware of all those shows too LOL 

      • dira kassim

        haha high-five! though i must really give credit to DBSK for introducing me to Korea itself – from Jpop and Jdorama, i came across their Japanese debut album and found out later that they are actually Korean :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001035835006 Ruxandra Motoi

    I admit that I’ve never actually been interest in them. I did listen to some of their songs, but I guess that because of the fact that the songs  seemed to me to be just for the public, the band didn’t actually become one of my favourites. But this year they came out with “Fiction”, and, well, it brought a whole new different side of them. There seemed to be something so “mature” about this song, I wouldn’t put it in the same category with the other k-pop songs promoted this year. “Fiction” made them sound and be perceived a little bit like Brown Eyed Girls, in my opinion. And I say that because BEG is on a whole different level, they have that something that separates them from the crowd. Don’t get me wrong, I knew they were good singers, but the album they released earlier this year made me see them as great singers, especially since their ballads are just amazing. Even now I can’t say they are my favourite band, but I acknowledge that they have raised their standards ever since their début and that they are a well-rounded band, with incredible vocal abilities.

  • Anonymous

    i dislike them during their debut,i really2 dont like bad girl.then,i gave them a chance,i watched their shock comeback performance at music bank,it was awesome!!their vocal,their dance,hard choreo,their live performance,all of it wowed me.i keep searching for their videos,and what i found is a talented group,with each of them possesses their own unique vocal,even their dancing style are different wif each other and what impressed me the most is their live performance,sometimes they sound even better in fancams!!i had encountered many people who become their fans after watching them performing live.they do make mistake,they cracked their voices,sometimes going out of tune,or make mistake in their choreo,but overall their singing live vocal are impressive.what i see in them is,they keep improving as time progress,that’s why i love them ^^

  • DeNote

    Your article mirrors my experience with Cube Entertainment and Beast completely. Up until 3 days ago, I ignored all news from Cube artists. The only artist I can recall that came from Cube was Hyuna (and I find her voice grating). For me, Beast had so many things going against them – known as the reject group, annoying spelling of Beast, no real big hit song, and their idols didn’t particular stand out in the sea of idol groups in 2009.

    But then the MAMA performance from Beast smacked me upside the head and made me pay attention. Not only did I love the group’s performance, I loved Troublemaker too. I’m a fan of Beast and like Hyuna as well (in small doses). With the probable success of Troublemaker and news of upcoming sub-units, I’m excited to see what Cube has to offer.

  • Animasaurus

    I like beast songs ( bad girl is actually my favorite lol)  I think Doojoon is hot and Yoseob is nice but I don’t like them as a group honestly… but I do respect them as performers.

  • Lydia Lim

    I feel like such a proud mama reading this article. It’s been such a pleasure to see Beast develop from their debut days to the group they are now. Especially Dongwoon, the maknae, who does the awesome backing vocals while the rap goes on in Fiction, he’s improved the most. He barely even sings in the debut song, Bad Girl. One thing that I find Beast has is that they’re really well-rounded. They can all sing, and they all have different voice qualities and they all contribute to the songs in different ways. I think this is most clearly seen in Fiction. This is one of the many reasons why they are so popular and I’m so glad more people are beginning to appreciate them. They are worth the hype, and I feel that all of them fit in here better than in any of the other groups. 

    • Anonymous

      Something about Dongwoon always bug me. Yes he did improve in “Fiction” stage, but when they perform the earlier song like “Shock” or “Breath”, he still hardly has control over his part. I agree with the well-rounded thing though.

  • Maddy

    They definitely have some great songs. But my reason for not keeping up with them much is a bit more personal. I didn’t appreciate the Mystery parody. Their’s more to my culture than just curry you know? I’m pretty sure Koreans wouldn’t appreciate having their culture/history summed up as Kimchi. I don’t really hold it against them anymore when I realized the whole country is quite ignorant of a lot of other cultures and I’m probably being too sensitive. But It just put me off them for a while. *shrug* Still, not denying they’re talented. 

  • http://twitter.com/mrsjaypark Isabella C.

    You’re not the only one sister. I actually saw Beast in person before they debuted. I was camped outside JYP in Gangnam waiting for 2PM (*sniff* this was before my baby Jay left) to come out. Beast walked by followed by only 3-4 fangirls *gasp*, ikr. I’m sure Doojoon wasn’t among the ones who passed by us, since he was the only one I knew (from watching Hotblood). I’m pretty sure Dongwoon was there since I remember thinking to myself that he was a cutie.

  • Anonymous

    Been following them since their debut days. They have improve so much. Fiction and Fact is their best album so far. I am happy that beast gain another fan^^

  • http://www.twitter.com/hipployta Hipployta

    I love my Beast boys…during their docu when they talk about being known as the rejected/recycled group and how they just have to overcome it…I’m so glad they did. They are doing so well.  No one can say On Rainy Days and Fiction aren’t beautiful songs.  Shock and Breathe really got the momentum going for them. The docu, Beast Almighty, and Idol Maid were good shows for them. Also their Radio Star episode was cute (bonus is that it’s during Heechul’s stint) 

  • whatthefrell

    B2ST is awesome!
    Unfortunately that’s all I have time for right now… 

  • http://www.twitter.com/veiledheart VeiledHeart

    I still can’t get into their music. I’ve listened to it and the only songs I’ve really truly liked were Fiction and Breathe. I like them as personalities and what not; watching them on variety shows is pretty good (I do have a Kikwang cuteness limit though. They can go overboard with that.). I also tend to like when they break off and work with other people, but together I’m just not feeling it. I guess I was just not meant to be a b2uty.

    • Guest

      same. they’re talented (or at least some are like yoseob) but i can’t get into their music and i think they’re boring performers with zero charisma. they look like every other boy band out there, just better promoted.

  • http://twitter.com/nowheregirl1993 Fatouma

    For me, the two boy groups that I have been proud of this year has been Beast and MBLAQ, their 2011 albums have really surpassed my expectations, while other, more popular groups, i.e. Big Bang, TVXQ2, have really disappointed with their music.

    The latter two have just churned out the same music I’ve disliked in North American music, boring, repititive dance music or lackluster “ballads”. On the other hand, B2ST and MBLAQ have really showcased their talents. I’m not saying that they have more talent than Big Bang or Homin, but compared to their older singles, their 2011 albums are subpar.

    Maybe since they no longer have to prove themselves and already have large and strong fanbases, they no longer have to try that much or whatever, but both groups haven’t reach the bar they set out for themselves, while B2ST and MBLAQ are finally within reach of it. Both groups deserved recognition this year and I’ll be waiting in anticipation for their next albums, but being a former VIP/would-be Cassie (until I found out they broke up, yay for entering kPop in 2010 :( ), I will be watching tentatively.

    • whatthefrell

      I am with you 100%.
      I am a fan of both B2ST and MBLAQ, ridiculous MBLAQ fan.
      They deserved so much more recognition this year, 
      but were lost in the sea of repetitiveness and cliché-dom… 
      Forgive me, I am at a loss for words! 

    • whatthefrell

      the word I was looking for was mediocrity…  sea of mediocrity.
      Phew, I can get on with my day now. 

  • Literati Tempo

    I don’t know why people get so upset when they call Beast a recycle group. It’s what they are they all had hardships and didn’t work out with what they were doing previously. That doesn’t make them or any of their accomplishments any less remarkable. In fact I think it sends a great message, opportunity does knock twice. Don’t give up on your dream just because you think you missed out on something big, you never know what this life has in store for you. As much as I love So-1 (and believe me I cried like TOP and GD when he left) he was ment to be in Beast and not Big Bang.

    Beast is a recycled group and in case any of you forgot recycling is a good thing to do. Thank goodness Cube saw their potential and they learned from their mistakes. Beast has grown into a lovely group.

  • Anonymous

    They seem to be missing something. I just can’t put my finger on it. Loved their ‘Say No’ song to this day. Say NOOOOOOOOO. The only thing that caught my attention to look at them as persons instead of just another kpop group was probably Hyunseung. Boy looked so serious and determined on one of the shows that I found it admirable. However, for some odd reason I really can’t bring myself to click any news article regarding them. Heartless, I know.

  • http://twitter.com/PhanTheHotness Jenny

    they really came a long way
    i think what really made them stand out was their hard work and determination
    being called rejects is not an easy thing and they had to show everyone that they were
    above that. and i really respect how far they came :D

  • yuka5470

    the lack thing about BEAST for me is one, their looks. took aside their singing talent and good song choices (i like WHOLE of their “the fact & fiction” album, wow, so rare in K-pop industry where i like all of songs in 1 album, not even DBSK~my babies) their looks are average.

    people said they are handsome, hot, cute, etc. but among the members, the only one i could easily recognized if they’re in a crowd is yoseob (i loveeeeee this boy since i saw him in immortal song 2, soo cute <3), the other? just look the same with any other boy band out there.

    but then again, after a bunch of disappointing acts in K-pop i see BEAST as a fresh air, their songs, their voices, though imo is not strong enough i have hope on them (just give them a year or two i believe they will blown away all the acts). take a look of their fans number in DAUM, raising so fast in just 2 years (?), they even surpass shinee and suju.

    And rather than shinee (which people said as the next DBSK), i think this group will become the next DBSK, not as the copycat of DBSK (becoz DBSK is ONE, and irreplacable) but the fame of DBSK has.

    BEAST will be huge ^^

    • Anonymous

      Not quite agree with you. I first encountered B2ST because of Doojoon. He is not your typical flower boy, but he emitted this strange manly charm that makes me drooled over him. 

      • whatthefrell

        No, I think I have been misunderstood.
        I am in agreement with you.I find their looks refreshing because they are atypical.It brings other characteristics of their personality to the forefront, and almost enhances their looks in a positive way.You appreciate that their not all flower boys, which adds depth to their character, and allows a greater appreciation of their talent.In no way am I implying that they are unattractive… quite the opposite!

        • whatthefrell

          Oops, I replying to someone who was not even replying to me… 
          I should stop now… later!

    • whatthefrell

      Responding to the first part of your first sentence only, 
      I find their looks refreshing, and have noticed that some of the 
      newer boy groups coming out these days seem to be attempting to copy them.
      They’re definitely not typical idol-like in appearance.
      From AJ to Yoseob, you might even say they’re a bit unorthodox, 
      but it works really well for them.  

  • Mika

    I’m kind of regretting that I had such a poor initial impression of them. I didn’t like “Bad Girl”, I didn’t really like 4Minute’s music style, none of them were particularly good-looking (okay, so this changed after I started liking their music), and they didn’t really stand out in any variety shows… Their debut was completely overshadowed by MBLAQ.

    But then. Then, they came out with Shock! And although the poor English grammar did get on my nerves the first time I heard it, the beat, the melody, the vocals, the concept (as in their fashion style), and ESPECIALLY the choreography were wonderful enough for me to ignore the Engrish. And then they came out with Say No, which really solidified my respect for them; they could actually sing (well)! :O And although I don’t think Soom was as popular as Shock, I felt the song was equally as good at showcasing their talent, and the concept was acceptable. And I was absolutely stunned when they came out with Fiction. I loved every song in the album. And the fact that Junhyung composed it was astonishing, I had no idea he had such a talent.

    So even though I didn’t love BEAST from the beginning (I’m sorry ;-;), I think they’re definitely going to be one of the biggest mega-groups in kpop in a few years.

    • Anonymous

      Um, actually “Soom” is more popular than “Shock” if we’re talking about sales and chart position.

    • haaaaa

      Actually Junhyung didn’t compose Fiction; he composed another song in that album, “Freeze”.

      • Anonymous

        Also take note that he is CO-composing. He still has Shinsandong Tiger in his side. :p

  • jess

    I followed Beast a little bit pre-debut and simply due to the hype that surrounded their debut, I was super excited. However, their debut totally disappointed me – mainly because Bad Girl was just such a mediocre song and none of the members really stuck out to me. The rest of their songs until Breathe didn’t impress me either, so I fell out of my Beast phase. Then I got back into my Beast phase after watching Yoseob and Kikwang on Oh My School and Fiction came along and wow, Beast blew me away with their voices, dancing and stage presence. I fell in love with them all over again and now, I can’t imagine ever leaving their fandom. They’ve improved SO much during these past 2 years and there’s only room for more improvement and success for them. They’re kind of like the little engine that could.

    I think it took them awhile to find their image in kpop. They debuted as another boy band (a “recycled” one too) and with competition from DBSK, Super Junior, 2PM, etc. it was pretty much impossible to become popular quickly. I firmly believe groups need that one IT song to launch their success and I believe Fiction was the song that did that (Breathe sort of lead up to it). But yeah, anyways, I can’t wait for their comeback.

  • Anonymous

    Yeah! I love this post-MAMA Beast craze. A credit also goes to Lang Lang for lending his amazing talent to Beast. 

    Anyway, I found their Busan Power Concert stage much more dynamic than this MAMA stage. It was the first time I watched them play around with adlibs. And though some adlibs kinda all over the place, I still love it.

    And honestly, I came to Beast because of my huge crush towards 4Minute. They seem a bit lackluster, but the way they’re enjoying their stages turn me into 4nia. 

    From wherever path we came, we all love Beast now. Cheers!

  • Nad8990

    their perf at MAMA was not their best, one of the best are the perf in Busan Power Concert and a concert in Japan(i don’t remember the name). They are really different from their usual in these 2 concerts! their performances are so energetic and they made tons of adlibs. I like how they change some parts in Beautiful. It sounds so muuchh better than original.

    • Anonymous

      “Beautiful” live stage in Busan Power Concert is my favorite Beast performance!

      • Nad8990

        me too! the perf was so lively! They were totally having fun! The adlibs by Hyunseung are just awesome! what do u think about this perf of “Special”? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S4DTaIMTfo&list=FLzHZ0k8G8Vaze7AA48TY_Yg&index=54&feature=plpp_video

        • Anonymous

          I LOVE IT! Thanks for sharing. Gotta watch the whole performance then~

          Btw, is it also Kikwang’s doing “brrrr-ah” during that “Breath” perf in Busan Power Concert? Boy gotta love this boy more. Haha.

      • Anonymous

        “Beautiful” was awesome, but personally their “Soom” performance at that concert was MY favorite Beast performance ever =)

    • Anonymous

      “Beautiful” live stage in Busan Power Concert is my favorite Beast performance!

  • syazul

    i followed them since their song shock come out..they r my top kpop boy group that i like.. i think they’re more talented than other boy group that already famous..looking forward to their journey in this ent.industry..always and always supporting beast

  • Triinu

    I’m not so much a fan of Beast as a fan of Yoseob. I hadn’t paid them much attention before Fiction, and I was so apprehensive about the latter that when I finally gave it a listen the promotions for the track had already ended. The moment I heard Yoseob’s voice, though, I absolutely melted. I swear, that boy’s vocal chords are made of (metaphorical) gold. 

  • Anonymous

    Welcome to our world! My husband, who normally detests Kpop, is how I took notice of BEAST. He liked Fiction. We tried to do the penguin dance. My interest in BEAST was really lukewarm at best. I already had a favorite group. I liked Hyunseung because he looked most different from all the other idols out there. Once I learned of his story, I developed a soft spot for him. It wasn’t really until we saw them live at Billboards Kpop Masters that I became so fanatic about them. They were the best live group at BKM. They spoke the best English. And they were the most charismatic.

    I like the fact that they were rejects. Who doesn’t like a good story of underdogs getting to the top? I like the fact that they’re not the prettiest idols around. I do like their singing ability. I like their individual personalities. And Yoseob looks like a cherub. BEAST is pretty special.

  • Jimin

    Deprived, deprived kpop fan. But I’m really glad you got into Beast now. Better late than never! :) The one thing I really really REALLY respect about Beast is that every time they have a comeback, they improve. In the beginning, Dongwoon couldn’t really sing, let’s be honest. But now all of them are very decent, if not really good singers. And Junhyung’s rap. Damn. :)

  • http://twitter.com/simpleandpink Asia V

    I’ve loved BEAST from their debut (Bad Girl is still one of my favorite songs, ever) but it really makes me proud to read all of these stories of people getting into BEAST from different points of time. With each comeback, I meet new fans that appreciate and see what I see: 6 talented, amazing boys.

    I love that all of the BEAST members love music. There are lots of K-pop groups that have members whose voices are similar to each other and so, of course, their voices will blend well together, barely any effort needed. In BEAST’s case, all of them have different and distinct voices, so it is more challenging to create cohesion, but they somehow make it work and still retain their own identities. They might not all be the best vocalists or rappers in the industry but the fact that they personally strive to keep improving even when they are so impressive already is so inspiring to me.

    I don’t even mind the reject/recycled label because it helped them grow into what they are now, “rediscovered”.

  • http://twitter.com/spinkfish Jenny

    This is one of my favorite Seoulbeats articles in a long while. Not just because it involves taking interest in Beast, which I’m happy about as a Beauty, but because of the air of hope that imbues it. Seoulbeats makes for some of the most coherent discussions on kpop you’ll ever read online, but at times for an idealistic, impressionable fangirl like myself reading so many articles about how kpop is dead or dying or uninspired or hiding behind a facade or wearing thin or recycled gets me down. I like believing in the magic of this industry, much as I am aware and reasonably accepting of its flaws. That’s part of the fun, to not try to bring rationality into kpop because as a music industry, it’s just bizarre.

    And that’s why reading this article felt a little like opening the blinds and realizing that it actually is a gorgeous day outside. The hope you wrote into this article about the future of kpop really warmed my heart. Yes, I believe Beast is a prime example of a sometimes-overlooked (less and less so as time wears on) gem. I love everything you said about sometimes writing a group off too soon, because it happens to the best of us and is certainly the case with Beast. And yet they show that even in kpop hard work can pay off, that attention doesn’t have to be granted through cup size or blood type or a label as “reject.” Everything you said about appreciating talent makes me so happy to see new fans appreciating that Beast is a group of vocally talented boys with stage presence and a certain charm outside of the standard flower-boy sphere. They know how to perform for an audience, they know how to be diplomatic, they know how to dance and sing and steal their way into your hearts with their incredibly strong personalities. (I digress as a diehard Beauty…)

    The best thing about Beast and the reason why I think they have such appeal is that they never stop improving. With each successive album they release they show leaps and bounds in terms of improvements in all regards, from singing, to dancing, to a more indefinable “togetherness” onstage and a growing, insatiable stage presence. Culminating in “Fiction and Fact”, which blew my mind. Everything about the album was masterfully done and it was truly one of the best kpop albums I’ve heard in a very long time. To think of how far Beast has come from the catchy but reasonably generic “Bad Girl” is astounding. I think it’s nearly undeniable–they are talented, they are charismatic, and they are driven. It is just months after their second birthday and they couldn’t be farther from rejects, on account of their own dedication. I can only see bigger and bigger adventures for Beast in the future and I await them all with baited breath.

    • whatthefrell

      It’s okay girl, 
      I get this way about MBLAQ.
      I’ve ignored postings because I know I’ll get carried away.
      You may be a “Beauty,” but you presented your comment well.
      B2ST would be proud!

      Also, if I may, similar in some ways to MBLAQ
      something about the way the group came together, 
      I think also separates them from the rest of the bunch.
      I think they have a greater appreciation for who they are, 
      how they came about, and what an incredible opportunity they have before them, 
      as well as someone in their entertainment company that equally appreciates them. 

  • http://twitter.com/miyachan11 Miya ( 미야 )

    I can see that you like BEAST. :D You need to watch these fancams if you want. This is from United Cube Concert in London http://www.youtube.com/user/L0anVu#p/u/5/pwS4FV_3MgI BEAST is indeed awesome live performers I tell you. You will be proud how great they are :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/roan.deguzman3 Ro-an de Guzman

    2PM photocopy? Rejects?

    Nope.

    Actually, talent agencies are sometimes fucking cruel, that they only focus on visage en corps than the raw, genuine (not manufactured) talent. In fact, they sing better than the remaining 6 members, and they were the 1st ones to hit #1 in Oricon (in terms of single) than 2PM. Beast do not need to showcase their bodies like manwhores, and if they did, at least they accompany it with attitude and talent and not resorting into some sort of suffering from satyriasis (male counterpart of nymphomania).

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_FS52P3WGP37JJ6YJNRLPPBVS4E A

    OP, I know what you mean. Beast came out at a time when there was a flurry of new kpop idols on the scene. Their marketing scheme was odd (rejects?!), I had already seen AJ’s Dancing Shoes (and hated the song), and I already knew Doo Jon from Hot Blood (didn’t care for him then).

    But, soon, they were EVERYWHERE! On Variety shows that I loved like Star Golden Bell, forcefully charming their way into my heart.
    Their own promotion variety show was a bust for me (I found it kind of boring), but their personalities are brilliant.
    Their first couple of songs were okay, but then they kept turning out amazing choreo and consistent performances.

    I’ll just wrap up and say that Beast grows on you. The fans arent as ” in your face” and I’m not hit over the head with them (to this day, I only know Yoseob, Doo Joon, and Kikwang).

    Maybe I’ll find to explore them more in the future :D

  • http://twitter.com/ryzlbrmudz Rayzel Bermudez

    I’m new to Kpop and I was in a situation where I was exploring all the different artists but somehow overlooked Beast too. It’s not that I made any bad assumptions – it just took me awhile to finally click one of their MVs and that’s when my jaw hit the ground and I realized what I had been missing out on. Beast is totally one of my favourite groups! :) 

  • Blossemcup4

    When I first came across Beast Yoseob’s face bothered me so I avoided them as much as possible. Although I could avoid their music videos, I couldn’t avoid their songs and I soon became a big fan. I’ve since gotten used to Yoseob’s face and I think I might actually find him cute. I now believe they are entertaining both musically and personally (I think I’ve developed a crush on Hyunseung since I saw him on Shin PD). Even though I enjoy seeing and hearing them, I try not to read too many praising comments about them because I feel like that might make me like them less, which is how I feel about 2NE1 and Big Bang. I really do like Beast individually and as a group and I look forward to what they will be doing in the future.