2009: Debut
In late 2009, news articles started to surface online about Cube Entertainment's new group, B2ST (pronounced "Beast")heir journey leading up to debut was showcased in their MTV documentary MTV B2ST. On October 14, the group's first mini-album, Beast Is The B2ST, was released, selling over 20,000 copies in October 2009. It went onto sell another 40,000 copies overall.Cube Entertainment revealed that they had sold all the albums they printed in the first batch and were planning to produce 5,000 more. They were also plans to reissue the solo album of member AJ (Lee Gi Kwang) in response to strong demand.On October 16, Beast made their live debut on KBS Music Bank with their debut track, "Bad Girl". The group became very popular after debuting, receiving a variety of commercial calls from companies around Asia.On December 2, 2009, Beast won their first award, Rookie of the Month, awarded by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Cube Entertainment announced that Universal Records would sign with Beast and their labelmate, girl group 4minute, for the international launches of their albums.
2010: Shock Of The New Era
On January 23, 2010, Beast commenced their international promotions in Taiwan.The group was awarded with the Best Newcomer Award at the 19th Seoul Music Awards on February 3, 2010
the group's second mini-album, Shock Of The New Era, was scheduled for release on March 2, 2010. The album was released a day early after being leaked on Youtube. Despite the leak, the album climbed the Korean music charts and quickly sold 20,000 copies.Reviews of the title track "Shock" described it has having both powerful vocals and an overall strong sound, with the live performances incorporating a complex VTach dance routine. On March 25, 2010, Beast presented a different image by singing an orchestra version of the sad ballad 'Despite Holding On' by Korean group Noel, and were subsequently recognized as a boy group with outstanding singing ability.
On March 25, 2010, Beast received their first number-one win on Mnet’s ‘M! Countdown’ with 'Shock'. On April 14th, 2010, the group released a self-made music video for their track 'Take Care of My Girlfriend (Say No)' as a gift to their fans.Beast performed at the 8th Korean Music Festival held at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California on May 1, 2010. In the third episode of their MTV documentary ‘B2ST Almighty’, the group released a selfmade parody video to their single 'Mystery' as a response to fan demand. Popular Korean girl groups Kara and Girls' Generation featured in the video along with the Beast members. A digital single version of their track ‘Easy’ was released on April 29, 2010 with the title ‘Easy (Sincere Ver.)’. The track used strings and piano as opposed to the hip-hop feel and electronic instruments of the original.Beast was featured in the teaser music video for "Who's Next" by labelmates 4minute.
On the 22nd of May 2010, Beast performed for ‘2010 I love Korea Dream Concert’ alongside popular Korean artists such as Rain, Lee Hyori, Girls' Generation, 2PM, Super Junior, SS501, and f(x). From June 16 to June 20, 2010, Beast performed at the ‘Helping the Single Mom’ concert in the Philippines. The group then performed in Singapore and Malaysia from the 22nd to the 29th of June 2010 and held showcases in Japan from the 30th to the 5th of July.
Beast appeared as special guests in 'Precious Land, Dance Show' in Japan on the July 1st, 2010.After their first ever appearance in Singapore, the Shock of the New Era album sold over 100,000 copies and was certified into the Gold Disk category.Beast appeared at the 'Brand New Concert: The Burning Day' on August 20, 2010 with popular Korean music acts 2AM, Brown Eyed Girls, KARA and T-ara.Beast and 4minute became the first Korean artists to be invited to perform at the Singapore Youth Olympic pre-opening stage on August 13, 2010.Beast was awarded with the Cool Star Award on 2010 Mnet 20's Choice Awards on August 26, 2010.On August 26, 2010, American R&B musician Omarion made a surprise appearance as a guest onstage when Beast received their award on Mnet 20’s Choice Awards. Omarion had also performed a special showcase with Beast after seeing their performances.
2010: Mastermind, Lights Go On Again, and My Story
On September 17, 2010, Beast released the song 'Clenching My Fist Tight' as a single from their 3rd mini album, Mastermind. The song gained anticipation and attention from the public for the excellent vocal ability to displayed.Mastermind was released on September 28, 2010. BEAST received the 'Asia Influential Artist' award on October 23, 2010. This award is given to those who had the most attention in Asia for the year.On October 8, 2010, a week after their comeback, Beast claimed first place on KBS Music Bank with the song 'Soom (Breath)' from Mastermind. The song was noted for its original sound and distinctive choreography. On October 14, 2010, Beast went on to win the Mutizen Award on Mnet! Countdown. On October 12, 2010, KBS Broadcasting systems collaborated with Beast to make a soccer anthem for the national football team of Korea. Beast's discography entered Japan with a Japanese Premium edition that is compiled of the two mini albums ‘BEAST Is The B2ST’ and ‘Shock Of The New Era’, with an addition 30 minute documentary video DVD of their first visit to Japan in July.
Beast had their first solo concert on December 12, 2010. The concert's official title was 'Welcome to Beast Airline.' Beast released their first Japanese album, called "Beast: Japan Premium Edition," on November 24, 2010. It debuted at 6th place on the Japanese Oricon daily album charts. On November 27, Beast held their first Japanese showcase called 'The Legend of Beast, Vol.1' at Tokyo Big Site in Ohdaiba, Tokyo. The members were transported to the site of the showcase by helicopter, where they were able to see a human formation of the group's name made up of fans as a welcome greeting. The group performed 9 hit tracks, including "Bad Girl," "Shock," and "Soom." They also announced plans to officially debut in Japan in February 2011.
On November 3, 2010, Beast opened up the preorder sales for the 4th mini album named Lights Go On Again. The album took the top 5 spots on the Mnet music charts on November 8, 2010, with their lead track, “Beautiful” debuting at 1st place, while the album’s remaining four tracks placed 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th respectively. According to album sales site Hanteo, the group’s album sales showed great success, with their sales figures ranked first. On November 15, 2010, Beast released the first part of the relay music drama from the 4th album on their official Youtube channel. It garnered interest from fans as well as overseas promoters and media for the style and concept of the upcoming music videos. On December 1, 2010, Beast won an award for being one of 2010's most photogenic figures by the 11th Korean Visual Arts Festival, hosted and organized by the 'Korea Broadcast Camera Directors Association'. On December 9, Beast was awarded with the Yepp Newcomer Award at the 25th Golden Disk Awards.
On December 23, plans for the release of self-composed duets by the members of the group were announced. The tracks released were 'Thanks To', a hiphop track from Yo Seob and Jun Hyung, Hyun Seung and Gi Kwang’s R&B track ‘Let It Snow’, and Doo Joon and Dong Woon’s ballad track ‘When The Door Closes’.The tracks were debuted at the Mnet ‘Mcountdown’ stage. The songs were released as the mini album My Story, released on December 21, 2010.The group was awarded with the Bonsang Award at the 20th Seoul Music Awards on January 20, 2011.
