HIGHLIGHT’s agency made an official statement denying the group’s special university treatment
HIGHLIGHT has made their position clear on allegations of preferential university graduation treatment
On August 12th, their agency Around Us stated, “It is true that a former BEAST member and current HIGHLIGHT members Yoon Doojoon, Yong Junhyung and Lee Kikwang entered Dongshin University simultaneously in 2010 and graduated from the university. However, the rumor that there have been irregularities in the admission process or the members didn’t go to university properly, as many are concerned, is not true.”
They also added that Dongshin University was the one to contact them first and through a special recruitment admission process, Yong Junhyung got into the practical music department, while Yoon Doojoon and Lee Kikwang went into their department with the regular admission process. The company explained, “At the time of admission, the school also said that they had decided to give a special scholarship to the members because they believed that BEAST would play a major role in enhancing the honor of the school.”
“It is true that the members did not participate in the pre-school schedule compared to other students,” the agency admitted, “However, the members worked as promoting models for the school, took classes with other students, took tests, and participated faithfully in the school events.”
“When the schedule was not all right, the members asked the school to have understanding for their situation and allow them to take a separate test,” they said. “Every one of them felt very sorry for not being able to attend classes properly comparing to other students. That’s how the matter really was. We sincerely apologize to all of the fans and students who feel distressed after hearing the news.”
In addition, SBS has required a student list in 2011 from Dongshin University and revealed it earlier in the day. According to them, “the idols were extremely busy with their activities, but all four of them graduated without any problems and then went to other graduate schools.”
On the other hand, Yoon Doojoon, Yong Junhyung and Lee Kikwang, who were once members of BEAST that debuted in 2009, have ended their contract with CUBE Entertainment then formed their own label along with two other members, Yang Yoseob and Son Dongwoon. The five are currently working together under the name HIGHLIGHT. About Jang Hyunseung, he has renewed his contract with CUBE Entertainment and he has just enlisted on July 24th.
