HIGHLIGHT's 'Chains': Breaking Free with a Captivating Comeback That Has Fans Going Insane

HIGHLIGHT Makes a Powerful Return with 'Chains'

HIGHLIGHT has made their much-anticipated comeback with 'Chains,' the title track from their 6th mini-album 'From Real to Surreal,' released on April 28, 2025. This marks their first comeback since their 'Switch On' mini-album and 'BODY' single from last year. The group, formerly known as BEAST, has been on an interesting journey with their identity. In a significant win for the group, they recently announced that they had regained their former name, BEAST. While their pre-release 'Endless Ending' was released under the name BEAST (HIGHLIGHT), the group has chosen to continue promoting under their current name, HIGHLIGHT.

The quartet consisting of Yoon Dujun, Yang Yoseob, Lee Gikwang, and Son Dongwoon has been consistently delivering quality music since their rebranding as HIGHLIGHT in 2017, and 'Chains' is no exception. The song has already made waves across various music platforms and has been featured on prominent Korean music shows, including KBS's Music Bank on May 9, 2025.

Diving Into the Sound and Production of 'Chains'

'Chains' is described as a hip-hop genre track that begins with a fresh clarinet riff. As the song progresses, a minimal track flows beneath addictive melodies, while the energetic vocals of HIGHLIGHT convey a love so intense that one could give their soul for it.

The production credits reveal that Lee Gikwang participated in both lyrics and composition, alongside IRIS (MonoTree) for lyrics, and Moon Kim (Room01), Seo Ji-eun, and Wellcookedmusik (Room01) for composition. The arrangement was handled by Seo Ji-eun and Wellcookedmusik (Room01).

What makes 'Chains' stand out is its chorus, which kicks off with a deep pounding beat that immediately grabs attention. The melodies and hooks in this centerpiece are quite prolific, creating an earworm effect that has listeners coming back for more. While the clarinet sound in the background adds a unique element to the track, some listeners have noted that it sometimes gets masked by the rest of the instrumentation, not getting enough opportunity to truly shine. The verses, while chic and sleek, might not be as memorable as the chorus, which tends to be the highlight of the song that fans eagerly anticipate with each listen.

The Concept and Music Video Interpretation

The music video for 'Chains' was released on April 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM KST, and has already garnered significant attention. The concept behind 'Chains' conveys the feeling of a 'mad all-consuming love,' as described in promotional materials.

The music video appears to depict the influence a lover has on the members, leading them to engage in some sort of heist together. Each member plays a specific role in this narrative: Gikwang eliminates or incapacitates guards inside a facility, Dongwoon prevents police from entering, Dujun keeps watch from a distance, and Yoseob seems to be the one who steals whatever the lover desires.

Visually, the members sport sleek black outfits throughout the video, perfectly matching the chic and sophisticated vibe of the song. The limited color palette enhances this aesthetic, creating a cohesive visual experience that complements the music. The choreography, while not necessarily their most memorable work based on what's visible in the music video, maintains a decent quality that aligns with the overall feel of the song. Fans are eagerly awaiting live performances to fully appreciate the dance routine.

Lyrical Themes and Message

The lyrics of 'Chains' explore the theme of an intense, all-consuming love that feels both dangerous and irresistible. The song portrays love as a game that's begun to play, with heartbeats racing and gazes going wild. There's a sense of addiction and surrender, with lines suggesting the willingness to give one's soul to this love.

The central metaphor of chains represents both constraint and connection - being bound by fate to someone, unable to escape the intensity of these feelings. The recurring phrase 'ride or die together' emphasizes the commitment to this relationship, no matter the consequences.

This theme of being willingly imprisoned by love is reinforced throughout the song, with references to being a prisoner with 'scarlet lines' on wrists, suggesting both passion and pain. The lyrics also touch on the cyclical nature of this relationship, going 'around in circles' and being 'stuck in a maze' of emotions.

HIGHLIGHT has always excelled at conveying emotional depth in their music, and 'Chains' continues this tradition, offering a raw and honest portrayal of love's more intense and consuming aspects.

Fan Reactions and Community Response

The fan response to 'Chains' has been overwhelmingly positive since its release. Within just 24 hours of the music video's premiere, it accumulated hundreds of thousands of views, demonstrating the group's strong and dedicated fanbase.

On various online platforms, fans have been expressing their excitement about HIGHLIGHT's return. Many have praised the song's catchy chorus and the group's vocal performances. The music video has also received compliments for its sleek aesthetic and intriguing narrative.

Korean community sites like Nate have been buzzing with activity following the group's music show performances. Fans have particularly noted how the members have maintained their performance quality and charisma despite being veteran idols in the industry.

International fans have also been actively engaging with the comeback, creating reaction videos, cover dances, and analysis content that further extends the reach of 'Chains.' This participatory fan culture, where fans don't just consume content but actively create and share their own related content, has been a significant factor in spreading awareness about HIGHLIGHT's comeback globally.

HIGHLIGHT's Evolution and Industry Position

HIGHLIGHT's journey in the K-pop industry is quite unique. Originally debuting as BEAST in 2009 under Cube Entertainment, the group rebranded as HIGHLIGHT in 2017 after leaving their former agency and establishing Around US Entertainment. This transition marked a significant moment in K-pop history, as it's rare for groups to successfully continue after such major changes.

The recent news about regaining their former name BEAST represents another milestone in their career, though they've chosen to continue promoting as HIGHLIGHT. This decision reflects their respect for the identity they've built under this name while acknowledging their roots.

As veteran idols with over 15 years in the industry, HIGHLIGHT has consistently demonstrated their staying power in a field often dominated by newer groups. Their ability to participate in writing and producing their music, as evidenced by Lee Gikwang's contributions to 'Chains,' showcases their growth as artists.

The group's continued success challenges the often youth-centric nature of K-pop, proving that experience, talent, and genuine connection with fans can sustain a long-term career in the industry. Their evolution from idols to respected artists and their resilience through various challenges have earned them a special place in K-pop history.

The Global Impact of K-pop and HIGHLIGHT's Place In It

HIGHLIGHT's comeback with 'Chains' occurs within the broader context of K-pop's global expansion. The genre has evolved from a regional phenomenon to a global cultural force, with fans across different countries, languages, and cultures engaging with Korean music in unprecedented ways.

Research has shown that K-pop fandom creates unique spaces for transnational and transcultural connections. Fans from diverse backgrounds come together through shared experiences of co-consumption, maintaining affective connections despite geographical distances. HIGHLIGHT, with their long history in the industry, has witnessed and participated in this global expansion firsthand.

The way fans engage with K-pop has also evolved significantly. Modern K-pop fandom is characterized by active participation rather than passive consumption. Fans create reaction videos, covers, analyses, and other content that extends the cultural impact of the original material. This participatory culture transforms individual opinions into collective experiences, providing public evidence of performers' appeal and global reach.

Within this ecosystem, HIGHLIGHT occupies a special position as a group that has successfully navigated the changing landscape of K-pop over more than a decade. Their comeback with 'Chains' demonstrates their continued relevance in an industry that's constantly evolving, while also showcasing their ability to adapt to new trends while maintaining their distinctive identity.

What's Next for HIGHLIGHT

As HIGHLIGHT continues promoting 'Chains' and their 'From Real to Surreal' mini-album, fans are eager to see what the future holds for the group. With their music show appearances just beginning, including their recent performance on KBS's Music Bank on May 9, 2025, there's much to look forward to in the coming weeks.

The group's statement about their album suggests a thoughtful approach to their music and career. They expressed a desire for their music to serve as a respite from ordinary life, transporting listeners to different emotional landscapes - whether it's the heart of an intense love or the front of a festival stage on a green field. This philosophy indicates that HIGHLIGHT is focused not just on commercial success but on creating meaningful connections through their art.

As veteran idols who have successfully managed their careers through significant changes, HIGHLIGHT's future moves will likely continue to reflect their maturity and artistic vision. Whether they'll explore new musical directions, pursue individual projects, or continue to strengthen their group identity remains to be seen.

What's certain is that their dedicated fanbase will continue to support them, creating and sharing content that amplifies HIGHLIGHT's cultural impact. In the ever-evolving landscape of K-pop, HIGHLIGHT stands as a testament to longevity built on genuine talent, adaptability, and meaningful connection with fans.