Monsta X debuted three years ago, and their profile has been on the rise ever since.

And with their world tour THE CONNECT set to hit Europe this summer, we reckon their fanbase the Monbebes will be tripled in no time.

For the uninitiated, Monsta X is made up of Shownu, Wonho, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Jooheon and I.M – and they describe themselves as ‘chameleons’ who are here to shake up K-pop.

Speaking to Metro.co.uk, the boys explained what makes them different to other K-pop bands: ‘There is no standard of our fans’ age groups and genders! We’re like chameleons! On stage, we show powerful live performances and show off our sexiness; and off stage, we are very friendly, humourous and love to communicate with our fans.




‘We are the representative boy group for having such strong unity and cheerful energy. If you watch Monsta X-Ray [the band’s variety show], you’ll get to see our personal and fun sides off the stage.’

Monsta X are ready to take over K-pop, one city at a time (Picture: PR)

Monsta X debuted back in May 2015 and have since had success with their singles Spotlight, All In and Hero, to name but a few.

But with K-pop exploding worldwide, the boys are getting more recognition as artists, alongside bands like BTS and Red Velvet.

I.M told us: ‘I think social media channels like YouTube and V Live App are definitely playing a big role in spreading us worldwide. We’re able to check responses from global fans by watching their dance covers, reaction videos and reviews.

‘During our world tour last year, we felt like our music and performances act as one language no matter where we go, and it really transcends any barrier between us and our fans.’

And Minhyuk added: ‘It always feels so new for us to see fans overseas singing and dancing along to our songs. We realise that we get tremendous support and love from our fans, especially during our comeback performances and when we release new albums.

‘For our Jealousy comeback there were so many Monbebes who came to Korea to see us, and we received so many supportive messages worldwide. That gives us positive energy, and it is truly an amazing feeling to be loved.’

Shownu, Minhyuk, Hyungwon and Jooheon (Picture: PR)

THE CONNECT tour hits London on 17 June, and while we couldn’t get the setlist out of them (we tried), they dropped a few hints.

The group said: ‘We can’t tell you what exactly we prepared for our performance, but we can let you know that you will get to see a different side of us. As much as we prepared for the performance, our conversation/interaction with fans will be entertaining as well.

‘We will show you our passion, our sweat and everything on the stage. You can look forward to it!’

So what are the idols’ favourite Monsta X songs?

Shownu said: ‘My favourite song is Beautiful, which is the title track from our first studio album THE CLAN pt.2.5-BEAUTIFUL. The melody is very catchy and I really like Jooheon’s rap. Also, this is the song that enabled us to do our first world tour’; while Hyungwon said: ‘My favourite is I’ll Be There, as it is a thank you song for our fans. I am grateful for the fact they are very supportive even though we’re so far apart!



‘Also I really like Broken Heart from our EP Rush. On stages, we usually sing and dance with intense choreography, but when we sing this ballad song with fans, I become aware of lots of things.’

Kihyun, Wonho and I.M Picture: PR)

Wonho, Jooheon and Kikyun all opted for Dramarama, with Wonho saying: ‘I was sad that I couldn’t participate in the comeback show-con after our world tour. However, when we won our first music show trophy with Dramarama, I was so happy to make our Monbebe proud.’

Jooheon agreed, telling us: ‘Personally, Dramarama is my favourite song as well. When I was creating the rap with I.M, we put Monbebe in an acrostic poem because we wanted them to feel proud of being Monsta X’s fans.

‘Also, I will never forget that moment when we won the music show for the first time. When we’re singing together, our fans were shouting “Monbebe” and that was so touching.’

And Kihyun added: ‘This song is so precious to me, not only because we won the music show, but also it is the first song that we actually put our performance and style together amongst a variety of concepts. This song let us show a sexy, fierce and dynamic side of us.’

However, Minhyuk and I.M bucked the trend, telling us: ‘Our favourite song is Trespass from our debut album because this song enabled us to debut to the world. Like the title, we trespassed into the music industry, oblivious to what will happen, and gradually got ourselves into music more deeply!’


With K-pop becoming a global phenomenon and music becoming easier to access from further corners of the world via social media, Monsta X have their sights set on big things.

So what lies ahead?

Shownu said: ‘It was our three-year anniversary this past 14 May. Since our trainee days, we’ve been accomplishing our dreams together and it has been fun. We made our debut, which was our dream, we did our solo concert and world tour, and we won the music show that we’ve always dreamed of! The past three years have been like a dream for us and we never want to wake up from it.

‘Our biggest dream and goal is winning a grand prize, as it is important to aim high. You never know what’s going to happen. We would want to become a best band of the year!’

Kihyun said: ‘For the past three years, we’ve made a lot more happy memories than tough memories, all thanks to Monbebe! We’d like to say we’re only at the starting point. We’ve worked so hard until now, but there are still a lot of things that we didn’t get to accomplish.

‘We have a long way to go, and we’re so ready to show ourselves. Monbebe, let’s achieve big dreams together. It’s just the beginning!’

Monsta X are playing the Eventim Apollo on 17 June; for tickets, visit the Eventim Apollo website.

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