Highlight (Yoon Doojoon, Yang Yoseob, Lee Gikwang, Son Dongwoon) has made their comeback with new music and performances, even in their 17th year since debut.

On April 28 at 6:00 PM KST, Highlight released their 6th mini-album, 'From Real to Surreal,' through various music platforms. This marks their first new release in about a year.

Ahead of the album release, Highlight held a press conference two hours prior. Yoseob said, "I’m always so grateful that we can release albums and have so many people listen and show love. We’ll work hard for this promotion as well and show many cool sides of ourselves. We promise to give it our all."

Doojoon shared, "Honestly, every year feels emotional. Every time we release a new album, I still get nervous. Just the fact that we are putting out an album in our 17th year is new and exciting. We always put our utmost effort into every Highlight album, so each moment feels precious. Thank you for being here with us."

Dongwoon reflected, "It’s already been 17 years since our debut. When reporters first met me, I was just a high school student, but now I’m in my mid-30s. It feels deeply emotional to release a new album. I'm grateful and happy that we can continue to present new music. We know that it's all thanks to our fans, Light (Highlight’s official fandom name), so we’ll work hard during promotions. We promise to continue bringing good news as Highlight."

Lee Gikwang expressed, "Thank you so much to everyone who joined us on this great day. Every comeback makes me nervous and excited. The press conference feels like the beginning, and I hope things go well. But even if they don’t, we plan to keep moving forward. We’ll work hard to become good role models for our K-pop juniors."

'From Real to Surreal' captures Highlight’s desire to remain forever present and surreal through music. Listening to each track takes listeners from the throes of an intense, maddening love to a dreamy festival on a green field, offering surreal emotions. As real individuals, the members pack cherished memories and time into their music, affirming their commitment to continue their journey.

Yoseob introduced the album by saying, "We made this album with the desire to always stay close to our fans through both realistic and surreal music, so please give it lots of love and attention."

The title track, "Chains," begins with a fresh clarinet riff and is a hip-hop genre song with a minimal yet addictive flow. Highlight passionately sings about a love so intense it borders on madness, with their energetic and captivating vocals. Gikwang contributed once again to songwriting and composition, enhancing the album’s quality.

Dongwoon explained, "'Chains' is a song about a crazy love you can't escape from, no matter how much you try to run. It's a style we haven’t tried before. I think the music video and choreography will make it a visually enjoyable song as well."

Gikwang, who participated as lyricist and composer, added, "The production process was really fun. Behind the scenes, the initial theme of the title track was different. I wrote it with the thought that Highlight should have a cool performance piece on this album. Fortunately, the company loved it, and if I recall correctly, it received the most votes."

He continued, "Initially, I thought it would be a great side track because it didn’t completely match the album’s main theme and direction. But Yoseob gave me a lot of encouragement, saying that with a bit more development in arrangement, this song could definitely be a title track. After that, I worked hard without even sleeping to refine it. Thanks to the members receiving it warmly, it was lucky enough to become the title track."

The album also includes a total of four songs: "Endless Ending," the pre-release song that generated hot reactions as it was released under the name BEAST (B2ST) for the first time in about nine years; "Good Day to You," a sentimental track about lingering feelings and longing; and "Follow Me," an energetic and refreshing song that delivers a message about chasing dreams.

Dongwoon said, "Including our BEAST and Highlight days, this is our 20th physical album. Through this album, I want to show that our passion is still burning and that we still have so much we want to show. Above all, I hope this album becomes one that creates many fun and joyful memories with our fans."

Last year, on April 2, Highlight finally reached an agreement with Cube Entertainment regarding the trademark rights to their debut group name, BEAST. The members debuted in 2009 under Cube Entertainment as BEAST but established their own agency, Around Us Entertainment, after their contracts expired in 2016. Due to failed negotiations over the trademark at the time, they had been promoting under the new name Highlight for about nine years.

Yoseob reflected on releasing "Endless Ending" under the name BEAST after nine years. He said, "It’s truly emotional. Just hearing the name BEAST alone stirs up overwhelming emotions. 'Endless Ending' is a precious song that allowed us to restart the time that had paused for BEAST. Many people have memories and thoughts about BEAST, so I feel a bit burdened to present it with a great live performance and in the best possible way."

He added, "It was a moment filled with many emotions crossing over each other. It truly felt like a historic moment."

Doojoon agreed, saying, "I think the other members felt the same way, enjoying and appreciating the song."

Regarding regaining the BEAST trademark, Yoseob said, "Above all, I’m happy we can continue to build memories with our fans, B2uty (BEAST’s official fandom name). Cube Entertainment was very cooperative, and thanks to the strong will of our members, we were able to create such positive synergy. It wouldn’t have been possible by our will alone. Many people helped make it happen, including our current agency Around Us and our former agency Cube. I hope we can continue to create many wonderful memories as Highlight with Light, and as BEAST with B2uty."

In their 16th year since debut, Highlight promises to continue group activities and keep their promise of eternity with their fans. With their consistent efforts to try new things and expand their musical spectrum, their new chapter is expected to make the group's unique story, tied together by music, even more meaningful.

When asked about the secret to their teamwork, Yoseob answered, "I think it’s the love we have for our team. And even more so, it’s the love and support from our fans. I’d also like to thank the journalists who have consistently visited and written great articles about us over the past 16 years. I hope for great articles today too."

Doojoon added, "If our efforts to keep moving forward can become even a little bit of an inspiration to someone, especially our K-pop juniors working on the frontlines, I believe it could help K-pop be loved for a much longer time. We are committed to working hard with that great sense of duty."

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