The saga has officially ended.
After months of speculations, BEAST has officially announced the establishment of their new independent label, Around US Entertainment. This also marks their official departure from former label Cube Entertainment.
The news was made public yesterday (Thursday, 15th December), and the label announced that they will be the partner for the members of BEAST – Yoseob, Junhyung, Doojoon, Gikwang, and Dongwoon.
In a touching statement, Around US Entertainment spoke on behalf of BEAST in thanking and apologising to b2uties (as fans of BEAST are lovingly known as) for the “uneasy and confusing period“. They also thanked their previous label, Cube Entertainment, for all that they’ve done for the group.
Both agencies have also revealed that they are in discussions regarding the naming trademark. They have yet to reach a conclusion but Around US Entertainment assured fans that both sides are currently working together to maintain an “amicable and cooperative relationship”.
The full official statement reads:
“Hello. This is Around US Entertainment.
With a new year and a new start ahead of us, Around US Entertainment will be a partner for our agency artists Yang Yoseob, Yong Junhyung, Yoon Doojoon, Lee Gi Kwang, and Son Dongwoon as they enter their 2nd act. We want to introduce ourselves about their special new start to the people who care for them and love them.
First and foremost, we want to express our apologies and thankfulness to fans who trusted and waited during the uneasy and confusing period, and remained steadfast in encouraging our artists. The artists were able to endure because of fans’ hearts. Since both were able to trust each other and be patient, we believe the past 7 years will be even more precious and shine brighter. Also, we sincerely thank Cube Entertainment’s Hong Seung Sung and the employees who raised BEAST and helped them grow. We know very well that our artists were able to grow this much due to the hard work of many individuals.
Both sides will continue to maintain an amicable and cooperative relationship.
The name ‘Around US’ was decided upon with great deliberation in order to express our desires to meet more people and more often. Just like the meaning of our name, we plan on having our artists meet you all with good music and contents in order for them to always be by your side. We will wholeheartedly support our artists in order for them to have fun and stable activities in diverse areas including music, performances, acting, and more. Furthermore, we will work hard in order to communicate and keep our promises with thankful hearts to everyone at all times.
We think that our artists still have further to go in their paths and have many things left for them to do. We promise to do our best in order for our artists and fans to experience happy times. Please look upon our artists and company with affection.
Once more, we thank the many people who have shown passionate support, love, and trust to our artists. We wish for your health and happiness. – The whole of Around US Entertainment.”
In other news, former BEAST member Hyunseung has also officially resigned his contract with Cube Entertainment.
BEAST debuted in 2009 with the single “Bad Girl”, but it wasn’t until 2011 that they achieved mainstream fame. Their popularity was solidified with the release of “Fiction”, and the group gained a huge amount of fans worldwide.
However, in April, Hyunseung left the group after his attitude controversy. Then, in October, the group decided to not renew their contracts with Cube Entertainment and started looking into the possibility of forming their independent label.
UPDATE (20th December, 10:20am):
B2uties, get busy!
Around US Entertainment launched their official Twitter and Instagram yesterday (Monday, 19th December), and they surprised fans with several adorable photos of themselves! The group also announced a fan meeting titled “777 Party”, but sadly, it will only be held in Korea.
안녕하세요 Around US Ent. 입니다. Around US Ent.의 공식 트위터 채널이 오픈되었습니다. 앞으로 많은 관심과 응원 부탁드립니다. 감사합니다:)#AroundUS #어라운드어스엔터테인먼트 #윤두준 #용준형 #양요섭 #이기광 #손동운 pic.twitter.com/kcZiHnr5PQ
— Around US Ent. (@ent_aroundus) December 19, 2016
Coincidentally, no mention of the name “BEAST” or “B2ST” have been mentioned anywhere on their social media posts. This indicates that the naming trademark issue is still ongoing and it might take some time to resolve it.
What are you waiting for? Go follow them now on Instagram and Twitter! ;)
Sources: soompi (1) (2), allkpop.
