MONSTA X, comprising Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Jooheon, and IM, declared their complete return through 'CONNECT X' and grandly wrote the first page of a new narrative.
From the 18th to the 20th, MONSTA X held their 10th anniversary complete performance '2025 MONSTA X CONNECT X' at the Seoul KSPO DOME (former gymnastics arena) and had a special time with their fans, known as Monbebe.
This performance was significant as it was their first solo concert in about three years and the first time all members, excluding IM, came together after completing their military service. True to the name of 'belief, listening, and performance,' MONSTA X filled the KSPO DOME with a stage that generously showcased their ten years of experience, teamwork, and live skills, once again proving their strong consolidation with Monbebe.
'Another belief, listening, and performance' proof
MONSTA X's performances always start with tension. Rather than predictable glamour, they create anticipation for what they will show. 'CONNECT X' was no different. The opening song 'BEASTMODE' tore the stage apart with a flawless performance. The early part, continuing with 'Trespass' and 'FOLLOW,' was an intense prologue that encapsulated their journey from debut to peak.
This performance centered on a group performance filled solely with the six members' solid harmony. That choice further highlighted the team's cohesion and narrative. Each member's charm harmonized within one flow, showcasing their cohesiveness on stage. Above all, their explosive energy and unwavering live skills maximized the performance's perfection, thrilling the KSPO DOME.
The lively all-band live performance further expanded the scale of the concert. The density of rhythm and the texture of instruments perfectly fused with the performance, elevating the depth of the stage into a total art form. The grandeur created by the continuous interplay of strength and resonance overwhelmed the entire audience. Notably, the stage of MONSTA X's new album track 'Fire & Ice,' set to be released in September, was also surprise-revealed, adding to the uniqueness. This song is composed by member Hyungwon.
The setlist was meticulously crafted. Each song arrangement connected the concert's fluid flow, delicately designing the waves of emotion and energy. Especially with tracks like 'Queen,' which had rarely been seen in past performances, fresh twists added depth to the team's musical spectrum. MONSTA X traversed fluidly through the flow, steadily filling the stage.
Monbebe's hearts fluttering with 'September 1st comeback' announcement
The reason this performance was special wasn't just because they gathered as a complete group again. MONSTA X is a team that has solidly built relationships with their long-time fans, Monbebe. Thus, the emotions of this performance were not one-sided. The feelings on stage shook the audience, and that reaction again led the stage.
During the mid-performance segment '10th Anniversary Talk - Slow Mailbox,' reading heartfelt letters further solidified the team's narrative and added depth. On the first day, Monbebe read letters to MONSTA X, on the second day MONSTA X wrote letters to Monbebe, and on the final day, a member wrote a letter to MONSTA X, deepening the meaning of the 10th anniversary.
Especially the composure and wit of an 11-year-old group was fully displayed in the off-stage comments. The members' playful banter and jokes seamlessly eased the concert's atmosphere, and the announcement of their comeback on September 1st made Monbebe's hearts flutter. Hyungwon noted, "We've already filmed the music video for the title track," sharing progress updates, while IM hinted that the concept of the new album is quite unique. Kihyun added, "My image in the new album might not be what Monbebe knows. They might be wondering, 'Um, where's Kihyun?'" increasing anticipation.
MONSTA X and Monbebe, connected infinitely beyond 10 years
The finale of the performance inevitably felt like a farewell. However, MONSTA X turned the final stage into a starting point. The encore featured 'Fallin' and a medley of 'Fallin,' 'Rodeo,' and 'ZONE,' firmly linking the ten years MONSTA X has walked with their future on stage.
Though the concert has ended, the consolidation continues. Through 'CONNECT X,' MONSTA X transcended their past selves, reaffirmed their trust with fans, and proved their sincerity towards the stage. That sincerity ultimately becomes the starting point of all stories that will begin anew.
'CONNECT X', which filled the Seoul KSPO DOME for three days, was not just a concert. This event was a record of trust that spanned ten years and a powerful declaration delivered by the six members who returned as a complete group after their military service. Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Jooheon, and IM, each contributing different tones, condense their synergy on stage, proving MONSTA X's fervent present beyond the descriptor of 'belief, listening, and performance,' and magnificently adorned the first page of a narrative that will begin anew with unwavering teamwork and overwhelming talent.
[Photo] Starship Entertainment
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