BEAST's first performance for "SHOCK" in Japan cancelled

Korean boy band BEAST [Cube Entertainment]

Korean boy band BEAST's first performance for their debut single in Japan has been cancelled, according to their agency Cube Entertainment on Tuesday.

"The boys were scheduled to perform 'SHOCK' for the first time in the country on March 18 and 19 but the shows were cancelled due to last week's earthquake," a PR official from Cube told 10Asia over the phone. "In the meantime they are preparing for other upcoming performances."

After making a debut in Korea in October 2009, BEAST, composed of members Du-jun, Hyun-seung, Dong-woon, Gi-kwang, Yo-seop and Jun-hyung, revved up for their singing career in Japan through a showcase in the country late last year.

Their upcoming end-week performances were to mark the official start to BEAST's promotional activities for their first Japanese single "SHOCK" which goes on sale in the country starting tomorrow.

However, Japan is battling to prevent a nuclear catastrophe and to care for millions of people without power or water after an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.9 sent a 10-meter (33-foot) wave surging through several of its towns and cities on March 11.

The earthquake also caused the cancellation of Korean female idols 2NE1's performance for their Japanese debut single “GO AWAY” on Japan's Asahi TV's "Music Station" which was set to air last week.

The quartet, one of Korea's most popular girl groups in the country since their debut in May 2009, have been gearing up for the launch of their singing debut in Japan after signing with major recording company AVEX.

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