Rapper I.M is used to traveling around the world with his group Monsta X and says he’s excited about returning to the United States, where he spent part of his childhood. “I’m sad we won’t get to play in Boston,” says I.M, 22, who was born Chang-kyun Im. “But I’m happy we will get to see so many of our American fans.”

By Jae-Ha Kim

Los Angeles Times

July 3, 2018

Rapper I.M is used to traveling around the world with his group Monsta X and says he’s excited about returning to the United States, where he spent part of his childhood. “I’m sad we won’t get to play in Boston,” says I.M, 22, who was born Chang-kyun Im. “But I’m happy we will get to see so many of our American fans.” The K-Pop group’s world tour includes U.S. concerts that start in Chicago on July 20 and ends in Los Angeles on August 3. Their latest EP is “The Connect: Dejavu.” For more tour dates, check out their website. The band members also stay active on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Q. What do you remember from your time living in Boston?

A. I can remember all of it! I remember my friends’ names. I lived in Chestnut Hill and my dad worked at Harvard University. When it snowed in the winter, I sometimes rode down the hill. I remember the everyday things, like there were some squirrels. (Laughs) There were many things that are still in my memory. I enjoyed it very much. I haven’t been back to Boston, but I really want to go back one day. It’s on my bucket list.

Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?

A. It was to Israel for my dad’s job. We lived there for four years until I was five years old.

Q. Many people know of Seoul and Busan. What can you share with your American fans about your hometown of Gwangju?

A. Yo, Gwangju! I call it G-Town. Like A-Town (for Atlanta). Whatever. (Laughs) Gwangju is very chill. The people and foundation (of the city) is very (relaxed). It has a smaller city vibe and the people are really nice. If you go to a store or restaurant to buy something, they give you more than you expect, which is a nice surprise. I love and miss Gwangju!

Q. How difficult is it to maintain your English skills, living in a country where it’s not the dominant language?

A. I’d say in Korea, many people don’t speak English, so I don’t have the opportunity to use my English. I am trying to make my English better and would like to develop my skills more. But I’m studying vocabulary words by myself so that I get better and that I don’t forget it.

Q. You’re doing a great job. Your English is very good!

A. Korean is very difficult, too. Congratulations, Jae!

Q. You rap in both English and Korean. What is the biggest challenge of performing in a foreign language?

A. It’s not a big problem. The pronunciation is the biggest part, because it can change the rhythm and rhyme. I am getting more comfortable, though, since I am writing more lyrics in English and am more used to it.

Q. Would you say that you pick up new languages relatively easily?

A. No! (Laughs) New languages are very difficult, but I’m trying to do my best. I really want to show my appreciation to all our fans and show them that we’re thankful for their support. I just really want to communicate with them. These days, I’m trying to learn some more Japanese, because we have a lot of Japanese Monbebes (the name for Monsta X fans).

Q. How much opportunity is there to go sightseeing when you’re on tour?

A. It depends, but when we have the chance, we love to go sightseeing! If we have time, we like to experience new stuff with our travels. For instance in Chicago, of course, we had the pizza. It was deep-dish pizza and very good. It was heavier than what we have in Korea, but I think it has its own traditional taste that is very delicious.

Q. When something unexpected happens during your travels, what’s the best way to handle it?

A. You just do your best. Do you know that I lost my wallet in Chicago? I’m not sure how I did that. (Laughs)

Q. What was the first concert you performed outside of South Korea?

A. It was Hong Kong. I will always remember it because it was the first one and it was very fun for us. We were very excited to show what we could do. It was our first stop of our world tour and we tried very hard to be really good for our fans.

Q. Are you surprised by how many international fans you have?

A. Yes, it is a big surprise to me. We didn’t expect any of these things. It’s such an honor and we always feel very thankful. We are just lucky.

Q. You said that returning to Boston is on your travel bucket list. Where else would you like to visit?

A. There are so many places I want to travel to. Canada! Italia! Switzerland. Dubai. Those are just some of the places I want to get to for touring or vacation.

Q. Do you ski?

A. I snowboard.

Q. Some Monbebes travel to other cities to watch Monsta X perform. If you had the time, what artist would you travel to watch perform?

A. Drake. The Weeknd. There are many more, and it would be such an honor to get to go.

Q. What are five of your favorite cities or countries?

A. Oh, there are so many that I really enjoyed. I can’t pick just five, but I will try. I love Los Angeles. Paris. Bangkok. Thailand was really great. We have wonderful memories of Argentina and Chile. Every place we go to has been such a wonderful experience so far. I promise I will tell you if we ever go somewhere where we have a bad experience, OK? (Laughs)

Q. What do you want to say to those fans that can’t get to your concerts?

A. Wherever you are, whoever you are, I just love you. Just wait. My wish is that I’ll go there to you (one day).

Q. Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. We will see you at your Chicago concert. I’m bringing my son with me.

A. Yes! Please come and take some pictures with us and all the good stuff. I wish I could hear your Korean face to face! Have a great day.

I.M: “I want to show my appreciation to all our fans. I want to communicate w/them. I’m trying to learn more languages like Japanese, because we have a lot of Japanese #Monbebes.” More in my @latimes column: 📌https://t.co/DQO5897wb8 … @OfficialMonstaX @TribuneAgency #monstax pic.twitter.com/4Lg2kugCLn — Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 (@GoAwayWithJae) July 3, 2018



© 2018 JAE-HA KIM

DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.