Highlight Continues To Shine 15 Years On In Lights Go On Again

Article By Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli

It was momentous for both Highlight and their fans back in April this year when the K-Pop group finally reclaimed the trademark to its original name, Beast, after seven years.

(Pic cr: Highlight’s X page)

Coincidentally, 2024 marks the group’s 15th anniversary, so what better way to celebrate both milestones than by holding a meaningful three-day concert event?

The joyous affair was successfully held at KSPO Dome in South Korea in May, but those who couldn’t make it can still experience the fun through Highlight’s concert documentary film, Highlight: Lights Go On Again.

The movie takes viewers behind the scenes as Highlight members – Yoon Dujun, Yang Yoseop, Lee Gikwang, and Son Dongwoon – prepare for the show, from curating their setlist to perfecting the dance moves.

(Pic cr: Highlight’s X page)

In between song performances, the movie shows interview clips with the boys, where you can not only see how handsome they are but also how they seem to have barely aged since their Beast days.

It’s amusing and fun to see them reminiscing about their good old days, including some of their first music videos and their first music show win – along with their unique eyeliner style and feathery outfits.

(Pic cr: Highlight’s X page)

The members share their honest thoughts on how they can’t believe it’s been 15 years and how they owe a lot to the fans who have stood by them since day one. “I should have no regrets and give everything I have,” said Gikwang.

Equally touching is when the boys discuss their long-standing friendship and how lucky they are to have one another during both the best and worst of times.

(Pic cr: Highlight’s X page)

It becomes even more emotional when they discuss the meaning of Beast to them. There is a deep longing for and connection to the name, even though they’ve performed as Highlight longer. With a small bittersweet smile, Dongwoon said it was a name that used to cause hurt, but not anymore.

For the uninitiated, the four boys originally debuted as Beast under Cube Entertainment, together with former members Yong Junhyung and Jang Hyunseung. Upon the end of their contract in 2016, Jang left to pursue a solo career while the rest established their own agency Around Us Entertainment. Yong eventually left the group in 2019.

(Pic cr: Highlight’s X page)

Unfortunately, the trademark for “Beast” belonged to Cube until 2026, with a possibility of extension. In order to perform using the name and their previous songs, Highlight would have to pay a copyright fee. Thankfully, this year, Cube and Highlight reached an agreement that finally gave the Highlight members the rights.

On D-Day, Highlight said it “felt like a dream” to hear fans’ cheers at the concert venue, and the overwhelming feeling only pushed them to work harder to deliver their best show.

A short segment featured interviews with fans, who shared their thoughts on what it meant to be B2uty (Beast fans) or Light (Highlight fans). One of them said, “We want to support them just like how they’ve been a source of support for us.”

AN AUDIOVISUAL TREAT

Catering to fans of both Beast and Highlight, the concert movie showcased the performances of old and new songs. They include “Papercut,” “Body,” “Ribbon,” “The Fact,” “Lights Go On Again,” “Lightless,” “Feel Your Love (48.6Hertz),” “Not The End,” and “Lights Go On Again.”

Older fans would enjoy the older numbers such as “Bad Girl” (their debut track), “Shock,” “Shadow,” “Breathe,” “Special,” “Good Luck,” “V.I.U (Very Important U),” and “Fiction” (the orchestral version of this was glorious!). The iconic melodies as well as dance moves would bring back fond memories, even though most of the tracks have been remixed for the big stage.

One of the best performances of all was for the poignant ballad “On Rainy Days” where the mood turned melancholic, the lights were dimmed, and the boys delivered a heartfelt, goosebump-inducing rendition. The moving number was made even more special thanks to each member’s unique sound, especially Yoseop’s silky yet powerful vocals. In case you’re wondering, yes, they sang live.

For songs that came with choreography, the boys exhibited sleek and sexy dance moves that left fans swooning. They still got it!

When asked what they’d be doing in 15 years’ time, the boys wondered the same thing: Would they still be able to perform the dance moves? Dongwoon even joked, “Will we be able to perform ‘Bad Girl’ when we’re 50 years old?”

Regardless of their condition, they all expressed their genuine wish to be artistes and be together with their fans for a long time. Their passion for their craft and their sincerity towards the people who made it possible are truly exemplary for the younger generation of K-Pop idols.

PARTY FIRST, MOVIE LATER

Prior to the movie screening on November 16, 2024, at Sunway Velocity, fans who purchased tickets were treated to a Fan Party held at the TGV Cinemas foyer. The cinema chain had collaborated with some Highlight fan clubs to deliver a truly fan-tastic gathering filled with laughter and cheer.

A happy gathering of My

The fun activities included various photo corners, fan-made merch giveaways, and even a lucky draw – the winner gets to take home a Highlight Lightstick!

“We want to give a little something extra to the fans whenever we bring a K-Pop concert film to the local big screen. Our mission is to ensure that the whole experience becomes even more meaningful to them,” a TGV Cinemas representative shared.

Stay tuned for more exciting fan parties organised by TGV Cinemas!