Tag: MONSTA X

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Monsta X’s Joohoney Starts Military Service

Joohoney, or Lee Joo-heon, of K-pop boy group MONSTA X has officially started his mandatory military service on Monday, July 24. 

While the exact time and location of his enlistment were kept private, the group’s official social media accounts also shared photos of MONSTA X members Hyungwon, Kihyun, Shownu, and I.M accompanying Joohoney in his enlistment.

“Going full of energy, I’ll come back healthy and safe,” the caption read. 

 

The idol first announced his plans about enlisting in early July, penning a message to their fans. 

Joohoney assured their supporters that he’ll stay safe during his service and will return as a better person, adding that he looks forward to reuniting with both his members and Monbebes, their fans.  “I’m not leaving forever, so please don’t worry about me,” Joohoney wrote then. 

Prior to his enlistment on Monday, Joohoney also took to Instagram on Sunday, July 23, to share photos of his new buzz cut for military training. The singer shared several photos of himself posing with fellow MONSTA X member Hyungwon, as well as a snap of his discarded hair arranged in the shape of a heart. 

Joohoney is expected to complete his basic military training first before being deployed as an active-duty soldier. He will serve for 18 months and is expected to be discharged in January 2025. 

Joohoney is the third member of MONSTA X to enlist in the military, following Shownu and Minhyuk. Shownu, who served as a public service worker, was discharged from the military in April, while Minhyuk enlisted in the same month as an active-duty soldier. 

Composed of Shownu, Minhyuk, Hyungwon, Joohoney, Kihyun, and I.M, MONSTA X made their debut in May 2015. The group is known for their hits “Love Killa,” “Hero,” “Shoot Out,” “Dramarama,” “Gambler,” and “Beautiful Liar.” Their last full comeback was in January with the mini-album Reason. 

With members enlisting in military services, MONSTA X has focused on solo and sub-unit activities: I.M made his solo comeback in June with the mini-album Overdrive, while members Shownu and Hyungwon are set to make their sub-unit debut on July 25 with The Unseen. 

Even Joohoney also made his solo debut as an artist prior to his enlistment. He released the album  Lights in May. 

Featured image: MONSTA X’s Twitter

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Monsta X’s Joohoney to Enlist in Military on July 24

Joohoney of K-pop boy group MONSTA X has announced that he will be starting his mandatory military service on July 24. 

In a handwritten letter posted on MONSTA X’s fan cafe on Tuesday, July 11, Joohoney opened up to MONBEBEs why he decided to share the news through an online post instead of revealing it during the group’s recently concluded fan concerts that were held on July 8 and 9. 

“I wanted MONBEBEs to smile and feel happy while watching me during our fan concert, and I wanted to see you all smiling like that. And I also wanted to make it possible for you all to feel that way,” he wrote, according to a translation by Soompi. 

He also assured his fans that he’ll stay safe during his service and will return as a better person. “I’m not leaving forever, so please don’t worry about me,” Joohoney wrote. 

“After I come back, I’ll show you more good things,” adding that he’s thankful for MONBEBEs for teaching him how to love. 

Joohoney, or Lee Joo-heon in real life, will be the third member of MONSTA X to enlist in the military following members Shownu and Minhyuk. Shownu was discharged from the military in April, while Minhyuk enlisted in the same month. 

Before his enlistment, Joohoney made his solo debut with the album Lights, which was released in May. 

With members enlisting in military services, MONSTA X has focused on solo and sub-unit activities: I.M made his solo comeback in June with the mini-album Overdrive, while members Shownu and Hyungwon are set to make their sub-unit debut on July 25 with The Unseen. 

Composed of Shownu, Minhyuk, Hyungwon, Joohoney, Kihyun, and I.M, MONSTA X made their debut in May 2015. The group is known for their hits “Love Killa,” “Hero,” “Shoot Out,” “Dramarama,” “Gambler,” and “Beautiful Liar.” Their last full comeback was in January with the mini-album Reason. 

Featured image: MONSTA X’s Facebook

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Monsta X’s Shownu and Hyungwon to Release the Unseen in July

Credit: Monsta X's Facebook

Mark your calendars, MONBEBEs! Shownu and Hyungwon of K-pop boy group MONSTA X are gearing up to make their debut as a sub-unit with the release of the mini-album THE UNSEEN.

On Wednesday, June 28, the act released a teaser image of what appeared to be a rear view mirror reflecting an industrial building, along with the message “Coming soon.” 

 

THE UNSEEN is slated for a July 25 release. As of writing, additional details about the track list and title track have yet to be disclosed. 

Prior to the teaser, MONSTA X also unveiled a logo motion video for the sub-unit, which showed the two members’ initials merging into one. 

https://twitter.com/OfficialMonstaX/status/1673315797530476552

In an interview with VOGUE KOREA, Shownu talked about how he and Hyungwon are preparing for their sub-unit debut. “They’re all good,” he said. “When I ask for song recommendations, he sends them through KakaoTalk and he mainly listens to songs he could’ve written. Good and modern music.”

Despite not having made their official sub-unit debut yet, the duo is also confirmed to perform at the Krazy K-pop Super concert in New York and KCON in Los Angeles in August. 

Starship Entertainment first confirmed in May that Shownu and Hyungwon will form a sub-unit – marking MONSTA X’s first sub-unit in the group’s eight-year career. 

It will also serve as Shownu’s first official activity following his discharge from the mandatory military service last April. 

Shownu and Hyungwon’s sub-unit debut comes after solo releases of fellow MONSTA X members. In May, Jooheon made his solo debut with the album Lights, while I.M made his solo comeback in June with the mini-album Overdrive. 

MONSTA X, who made their debut in May 2015, is known for their hits “Love Killa,” “Hero,” “Shoot Out,” “Dramarama,” “Gambler,” and “Beautiful Liar.” 

Featured Image from Monsta X’s official Facebook page

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MONSTA X’s Shownu Confirmed As Judge On Street Woman Fighter 2

Shownu is ready to be a mentor to rising dancers. The MONSTA X leader has been confirmed to be one of the new judges joining Street Woman Fighter 2. This will be one of Son Hyunwoo’s first major gigs since his military discharge in April.

Street Woman Fighter Confirms MONSTA X’s Shownu As New Judge In 2nd Season

The production team behind the Mnet dance survival show confirmed the news in a statement.

“Shownu is an artist who has a strong fandom both domestically and globally, and he is also well-known for his powerful dancing as MONSTA X’s main dancer,” the producers said.

“Because he also previously served as a judge on Mnet’s CAP-TEEN, which aired back in 2020, we look forward to Shownu using his experience to help the dancers’ global performance on Street Woman Fighter 2 as well,” they added.

Being a judge on Street Woman Fighter 2 is just one of several confirmed projects for Shownu this year. He will debut in the first MONSTA X subunit with fellow member Hyungwon this July. The subunit has already been announced to join the KCON LA 2023 line-up.

KCON LA 2023 will also feature Stray Kids, ITZY, Rain, NMIXX, Kep1er, JO1, ATEEZ, IVE, THE BOYZ, ZEROBASEONE, CRAVITY, xikers, and INI. It was recently announced that SHINee’s Taemin, NCT’s Taeyong, (G)I-DLE, WayV, Lapillus, and EVERGLOW will join the line-up.

KCON LA 2023 will occur at Crypto.com Arena and LA Convention Center from August 18 to 20, 2023. The event will also be streamed online.

The first season of Street Woman Fighter premiered in 2021. It follows various female dance crews as they compete to be the No. 1 team. K-pop legend BoA and NCT‘s Taeyong served as the judges in the first season.

Street Woman Fighter 2 is currently scheduled to premiere on Mnet in August 2023. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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MONSTA X I.M. On Writing Love Songs For Solo Album ‘OVERDRIVE’

I.M. is ready to talk about love. The MONSTA X maknae is opening up about the love songs in his upcoming EP ‘OVERDRIVE’. In addition to that, the “God Damn” rapper revealed what he looks for in a person.

I.M. Explains Why ‘OVERDRIVE’ Features So Many Love Songs

Im Changkyun recently collaborated with Cosmopolitan Korea for the magazine’s June issue. In addition to the photo shoot, I.M. sat down for an interview and discussed the songs in his new EP. When it was brought up that ‘OVERDRIVE’ is mostly love songs, I.M. pointed out that it is unavoidable.

“I think love is just something you can’t help, that passes by, that floats by, that you send off. That’s also similar to my personality,” he said.

During the interview, it was mentioned that love is “a greater force that drives artists to create and sing.” I.M. quickly agreed saying, “To add to that, I think of love as uniqueness. Uniqueness that does not change even as time goes by and locations change.”

So what is it that Im Changkyun loves about people? The “Happy To Die” rapper says that his likes are complicated.

“I don’t hold on to people who leave, but I also kind of block people who come,” he said.

I.M. explained, “I don’t like shallow people. As you talk to someone, can’t you feel their depth? I like people with depth. Even if they’re swayed momentarily on the surface, I believe that depth doesn’t change.”

He then confirmed with a laugh that he has a lot of deep thoughts. “Me? I’m not a shallow person,” I.M. said.

As for fans who are struggling to find love, Im Changkyun had some interesting advice.

“Real love does not isolate. It connects us. So even if it’s hard, please love,” he said. “Even if the target is not necessarily a lover, it’s good even if it’s ‘stanning.’ Love connects you with the world.”

I.M. is currently preparing for his first solo album ‘OVERDRIVE’ which will be released on June 23, 2023.

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MONSTA X’s I.M. On Why He Decided To Leave Starship Entertainment

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.

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Shownu Hypes Up MONSTA X Subunit With Hyungwon

Shownu is getting ready for his first major project since his military discharge. The MONSTA X leader is hyping up the group’s first subunit with fellow member Hyungwon. In addition to that, Son Hyunwoo shared his thoughts on seeing his fellow members doing promotions during his military service.

Shownu Shares Details On First MONSTA X Subunit With Hyungwon

Vogue Korea recently unveiled photos from Shownu’s latest photoshoot for the magazine. In the accompanying interview, the MONSTA X main dancer discussed the plans for the group’s first subunit. Shownu revealed that Hyungwon has already written songs for the new group unit.

“They’re all good. When I ask for song recommendations, he sends them through KakaoTalk and he mainly listens to songs he could’ve written. Good and modern music,” he said.

He also confirmed that he and Hyungwon have a great bond that will make their new subunit work well.

“What’s great about when I’m with Hyungwon is that I’m comfortable. The reason we hang out often is just because it’s comfortable,” Shownu said. “We don’t speak much and don’t bother each other.”

“Good synergy can be created when you’re uncomfortable, but since we have a comfortable relationship I’m not sure what kind of chemistry will come out,” he said.

“We’re both not the greedy type and have similar body types. I have a desire to showcase good performances and visuals but nothing’s been decided yet,” Shownu added.

Shownu Opens Up About Watching MONSTA X Perform Without Him

The still-unnamed subunit will be Shownu’s first major project since his return from military service. However, he admitted that he also enjoyed seeing the other MONSTA X members’ promotions while he was serving the country.

“I was curious about their performance and my members’ conditions but it was all incredibly cool,” Shownu said. “Since I know that the first week [of promotions] is the hardest, I watched while assuming they were exhausted but also thinking ‘this is interesting!‘”

He then added that being able to watch his fellow members from afar was refreshing.

“I did slightly miss the anticipation of preparing an album from the perspective of a singer but it was fun watching from the perspective of a fan,” he said.

The first MONSTA X subunit with Shownu and Hyungwon is expected to debut in the Summer of 2023.

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MONSTA X’s Minhyuk Updates MONBEBEs With New Military Photos

Lee Minhyuk is staying healthy and happy while serving in the military. The MONSTA X member shared new photos amidst military service and MONBEBEs are loving it.

MONSTA X’s Minhyuk Completes Basic Training For Military Service In New Photos

Minhyuk posted the new images on the official MONSTA X Twitter account. In the caption, he revealed that he attended the completion ceremony for basic training.

“5th Division Key Unit Recruit Training Battalion Trainee Completion Ceremony,” Minhyuk wrote. “Completed the graduation ceremony with a healthy appearance! Until the day we meet MONBEBEs again, I’ll stay healthy and be back.”

Minhyuk officially enlisted for mandatory military service on April 4, 2023. He was required to attend five weeks of basic training at the recruit training center of the 5th Infantry Division. Now that Lee Minhyuk has finished basic training, he will serve as an active-duty soldier.

Lee Minhyuk is the second member of MONSTA X to enlist for mandatory military service. Shownu enlisted in July 2021, serving as a public service worker due to a previous surgery on his left eye. He was officially discharged from the military on April 21, 2023. Meanwhile, Minhyuk is scheduled to be discharged on September 30, 2024.

In related news, MONSTA X rapper Joohoney is actively promoting his first solo album ‘LIGHTS’. He recently dropped the tracklist which includes six new songs. The EP will feature the tracks “HYPE ENERGY,” “Voice,” “FREEDOM,” “Evolution,” “Monologue (ft. G-Soul),” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”

MONBEBEs initially believed that ‘LIGHTS’ will be a full album. Nevertheless, an EP is a welcome content from Joohoney. After all, the album is getting a physical release, unlike the MONSTA X rapper’s previous mixtapes. Additionally, Lee Joheon is releasing an accompanying documentary “Turn On The ‘LIGHTS'” that follows the production of the mini album.

‘LIGHTS’ is Joohoney’s first solo album. The EP will be released on May 22, 2023.

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MONSTA X’s Joohoney Drops ‘LIGHTS’ Tracklist

Joohoney is sharing more details about his upcoming solo album. The MONSTA X rapper dropped the official tracklist for ‘LIGHTS’, his first solo album.

MONSTA X’s Joohoney Drops Moody Tracklist Teaser for Solo Debut ‘LIGHTS’

The official MONSTA X Twitter account shared a new teaser for Joohoney’s upcoming album. The poster features the tracklist for ‘LIGHTS’ as well as a cool image of Lee Jooheon.

‘LIGHTS’ will consist of six new songs “HYPE ENERGY,” “Voice,” “FREEDOM,” “Evolution,” “Monologue (ft. G-Soul),” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” All titles listed in the tracklist are written, composed, and arranged by Lee Joheon himself. The lead single has not yet been specified.

MONBEBEs initially believed that ‘LIGHTS’ will be a full album. Nevertheless, an EP is a welcome content from Joohoney. After all, the album is getting a physical release, unlike the MONSTA X rapper’s previous mixtapes.

Lee Jooheon will share more details about the comeback this week. Fans are already looking forward to the concept photos and teaser video for the lead single. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Joohoney isn’t the only MONSTA X member who is preparing for a comeback. An earlier report confirmed fellow rapper I.M. will be releasing a new album in June. This will be Im Changkyun’s first comeback since leaving Starship Entertainment and signing with Sony Music Korea.

In related news, it was also confirmed that leader Shownu and lead dancer Hyungwon will debut as MONSTA X’s first unit group. This will be the group’s first official subunit. They will debut sometime in the summer.

The MONSTA X subunit will be Shownu’s first official activity since being discharged from military service in April this year. Son Hyunwoo enlisted for mandatory military service and July 22, 2021, and served as a public service worker for 18 months. He was officially discharged on April 21, 2023.

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MONSTA X’s I.M. Confirms June Solo Comeback

I.M. is getting ready for his next solo comeback. The MONSTA X maknae confirmed he is releasing a new album in June. This will be Im Changkyun’s first album since he signed with a new agency last November.

MONSTA X Rapper I.M. Confirms First Solo Comeback Since Starship Entertainment Departure

Sports Khan reports that I.M. is currently working on his next solo album. The new album will be the MONSTA X rapper’s first solo effort since signing with Sony Music Entertainment Korea last November.

I.M. left Starship Entertainment in August 2022 when he chose not to renew his exclusive contract with the agency. He is the only member of MONSTA X who decided not to stay with the company. However, Im Changkyun will continue to participate in future group activities.

Sony Music Korea recently unveiled I.M’s new official logo. In addition to that, the agency confirmed that the “God Damn” rapper will launch his official website on May 16, 2023.

In related news, I.M’s fellow MONSTA X rapper Joohoney announced his solo debut scheduled for May 2023. The new album will get a physical release, unlike Lee Jooheon’s previous mixtapes. The official release date has not yet been revealed.

MONSTA X will also launch its first unit group this year. It was previously reported that leader Shownu and lead dancer Hyungwon will debut as the group’s first subunit. This will be MONSTA X’s first official subunit since the group debuted in 2015.

The official name for MONSTA X’s first unit group has not been announced. However, Shownu and Hyungwon’s subunit is expected to debut this summer.

The group unit will mark Shownu’s first activity since his military discharge in April. Son Hyunwoo enlisted for mandatory military service in July 2021. He was discharged on April 21, 2023, just two weeks after fellow MONSTA X member Minhyuk began his military service.

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