Highlight Regains 'Beast' Name Rights, B1A4 Members Form 'B1A4 Company'

Members of veteran boy groups Highlight and B1A4 appeared on the May 2nd broadcast of JTBC’s Knowing Bros to share major career updates. Highlight's Lee Gi-kwang revealed the group has secured the legal rights to their original name, "Beast," while B1A4’s Sandeul announced the group has established an independent agency.

Key Facts

• Highlight reached a legal agreement with original trademark owners to use the name "Beast" alongside "Highlight."
• The group will continue promoting as "Highlight," having used the name for nine years compared to seven years as Beast.
• B1A4 members founded "B1A4 Company," an independent agency currently finalizing its physical office.
• B1A4 returned on April 21st with the album and title track "Rock Paper Scissors."
• Sandeul serves as B1A4's mediator, resolving internal conflicts throughout their ten-year career.
• Highlight is reviewing 50 to 60 songs for an upcoming album.

Key Terms

• Beast: Highlight's debut name; trademark issues forced a change in 2017.
• Knowing Bros: A JTBC variety show featuring a school-themed talk and game format.

Key Quote

"Originally, we could use Beast's songs but not the group name, but now an agreement has been reached so we can use both the names Highlight and Beast." — Lee Gi-kwang

Next

• Highlight will release a new album and hold a concert after finalizing their song selection.
• B1A4 will conduct future activities under B1A4 Company.