MONSTA X SHARE THEIR CAMERA ROLL IMAGES FROM ‘THE X: NEXUS’ WORLD TOUR

There was a real sense of camaraderie when SHOWNU, MINHYUK, KIHYUN, HYUNGWON and JOOHONEY took to the stage of the Infosys Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York for MONSTA X’s world tour ‘The X: NEXUS.’ In part, this was down to the evening marking member JOOHONEY’s birthday, but also, it was clear that MONSTA X were relishing being (mostly) back together again (youngest member I.M is currently fulfilling his military service back in Korea.)

The quintet tore through a massive setlist just shy of 30 songs, opening with high-energy favourites including ’Dramarama’ and ‘Rush Hour’ whilst peppering in popular tracks from their latest album Unfold, such as the heart-wrenching mega-ballad ‘heal’ and ‘growing pains’ which closed out the show. In amongst the fan-favorites, such as ‘Beautiful Liar’ and ‘Alligator’ MONSTA X performed a set of solo-stage and duets, showcasing the full wealth of their discography and talents. Despite the fast-paced, electrically charged set, the five-piece took time to pause at various moments during the show. After eleven years together, the rapport with both each other and their beloved fanbases (named Monbebe) was clear. The soaring high notes and complex choreography to their most popular tracks were punctuated with moments of reflective thanks and lots of laughter between the members as they spoke to the crowd. It was invigorating to see a group that has spent over a decade together still maintain their spark and passion for performing, which MONSTA X showed from the second they stepped on and off the stage in NYC.

The group shared some exclusive behind the scenes images from their camera roll, as well as sitting down to talk with us about their comeback and world tour.

You returned after your military service last year. How was it being in the studio and rehearsing together for the first time after being apart for so long?  

SHOWNU: It felt like starting a new chapter together. We had all grown in our own ways while we were apart, but once we got back in the studio and started rehearsing, it felt really natural. Since we’ve worked together for so long, we still understood each other really well, so it didn’t take long to get back into our rhythm.

Who was the most emotional about being reunited after so long? 

MINHYUK: I think HYUNGWON was probably the most emotional. He had just finished his military service and was back on stage right away, so I think that made the moment even more meaningful for him.

After a decade, do you have any songs that you never get tired of performing, and if so why? 

KIHYUN: I’d probably say ‘Dramarama.’ We still perform it a lot, and it’s a song we genuinely love. It has a lot of meaning for us, but I also just really enjoy the song itself. MONBEBE still loves it too, so it’s always fun to perform.

Which of your newer tracks do you enjoy performing live the most? 

JOOHONEY: I’d say HYUNGWON’s ‘Sweet Night, Sweet Morning.’ I loved it from the first time I heard it, even when I was involved in the recording process. I especially love the meaning behind the song, so I hope MONBEBE enjoys it as much as I do!

You debuted over ten years ago. How has the music industry changed over time?  

JOOHONEY: We’ve seen so many changes since we debuted during the third generation of K-pop. There are so many younger artists bringing fresh sounds and ideas now, and I’ve also had more opportunities to explore different styles. It’s exciting to see how the industry keeps evolving, and it motivates us to keep learning and trying new things.

What would you tell your younger selves starting out on this journey? 

JOOHONEY: I’d tell myself not to forget where I started. We’ve changed and grown so much over the years, but I think it’s important to remember what brought the six of us together in the first place. No matter how much we grow, I hope we never lose that original mindset.

How has your music changed and evolved over the eleven years? 

KIHYUN: I think our music has become more diverse as we’ve grown, both individually and as a group. Through our solo and unit activities, we’ve had the chance to explore different styles, and we’ve been able to bring those experiences back into MONSTA X’s music. At the same time, I think we’ve always tried to keep our own identity while continuing to experiment with new things.

Did you have any fellow idols who were mentors to you when you first started? What advice did they give you that sticks out? 

JOOHONEY: SISTAR were like mentors to us when we were rookies. They always supported us and worked hard to help promote us when we were just starting out. Their encouragement and the way they looked out for us meant a lot, and I still remember how much that support helped us during our rookie days. I also got to know actress Kim Young-ok when I was still a rookie. She welcomed me so warmly and treated me like family, even though I was still new to everything. Her kindness and the way she looked after me really stayed with me

Are you close to any other idol groups? Do any in particular come to your advice a lot? 

MINHYUK: Not really (laughs.) Honestly, I usually go to the members when I need advice. We know each other so well, so they’re the people I naturally turn to.

This is your fourth time playing at Madison Square Garden, which is an incredible feat. Does the feeling and energy change every time your perform there? 

SHOWNU: It feels special every time we come back. The first time was unforgettable because it was such a huge moment for us, but now there’s a different kind of excitement because we know what it feels like to be on that stage. We’ve also become more confident as performers, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can show this time.

How do the energy of the crowds change performing in different countries such as the U.S, to Korea, to England etc? 

HYUNGWON: Every country has its own way of showing support, which is always fun to experience. U.S. MONBEBE, for example, are really expressive and creative, so you can feel their energy right away. Every place has its own vibe, but the love we feel from MONBEBE is always the same.

Since coming back last year, has any member changed any habits or rituals before a show?  

SHOWNU: It probably depends on the member, but I make sure to eat well in advance and give myself enough time to stretch and warm up before going on stage. It helps me feel prepared and avoid injuries.

You have spent over ten years together and spend a lot of time in each other’s company. 

Does any member have any interesting, funny or cute habits, that your fans might not know about? 

KIHYUN: We’ve been together for so long, and MONBEBE know us so well by now, too, so honestly, I don’t think we have many secrets left, haha!

Who is the mood maker of the group when you’re together? 

MINHYUK: Everyone helps lift the mood depending on the situation, but I’d say JOOHONEY is probably the biggest mood maker. He can always make us laugh and lighten the mood.

Who is the member that you go to if you need advise or have a problem? 

HYUNGWON: I think it depends on the kind of problem. Everyone has a different personality, so I tend to go to different members depending on the situation. They each have their own perspective, and I can always get honest advice from them.

Your gym routine has changed a bit since you came back. How was doing the water bomb festival? Have you seen all the fan videos and edits online? What do you think of them? 

SHOWNU: It was definitely a lot of fun! I’ve seen some of the fan videos and edits, and it’s really fun to see those moments from their perspective. I’m also really grateful that fans captured those moments and enjoyed them with us.

Were you nervous doing that particular concert, or ready to show off your hard work? 

HYUNGWON: I was definitely ready to show off our hard work! We’ve wanted to do more festival performances because we can get closer to MONBEBE and have more fun together. So I was really excited to be there.

What has been your favourite memory or one that stands out in the past year since your initial comeback? 

MINHYUK: We’ve made so many memories over the past ten years that it’s hard to pick just one. But I’d say last year stands out the most because it was our first comeback after completing our military service. Being able to stand on stage together again made it especially meaningful.

What are you looking forward to the most next? 

HYUNGWON: I’m looking forward to seeing what MONSTA X can do next. I hope we can keep trying new things, taking on different challenges, and exploring new genres. There are still so many possibilities for us, and I’m excited to see where we can go next.