I.M. is finally opening up about his departure from Starship Entertainment. The MONSTA X rapper revealed the real reason why he left the agency to sign with Sony Music Korea.

I.M. Reveals Why He Decided Against Renewing His Contract With Starship Entertainment

Im Changkyun recently teamed up with Cosmopolitan Korea for a sexy photo shoot in the magazine’s upcoming June issue. In the accompanying interview, I.M. spoke about his first solo effort with a new agency.

The MONSTA X maknae confirmed that he left Starship Entertainment to express himself better in his own music. Additionally, I.M. admitted he was craving a new environment.

“It was also a period where I needed the stimulation that comes from a new environment,” he said. “When I feel stable, I start to get complacent.”

“I’m not sure if it’s because I lived in Boston and Israel when I was younger and have experience dropping out of middle school to get home-schooled but I don’t have fears related to being placed in new environments,” I.M. added.

Im Changkyun also confirmed that he is aware of what he needs at any given moment, especially when it’s time to write music.

“I believe that the ego is straightened up when you’re isolated by yourself,” he said. “I quietly think about my inner self all the way to the bottom and face my honest emotions. Then I take those and use them when writing songs.”

“I’m only able to have these moments in the studio,” I.M. added.

“A thought I’ve had recently while reflecting on myself is that I will not dwell on failure,” he continued. “I think it’s fine to sing solo in front of 500 people after performing as an idol in venues that accommodate 15,000 people. It’s okay to head back to the ground.”

Back in August 2022, Im Changkyun decided not to renew his contract with MONSTA X’s agency. He later signed with Sony Music Korea.

I.M. is currently preparing for his first solo album ‘OVERDRIVE’ which will be released on June 23, 2023. It will be Im Changkyun’s first album after leaving Starship Entertainment.