MONSTA X will take the stage at 'KCON LA' for the first time in nine years.
MONSTA X departed for the U.S. LA today (30th) to attend 'KCON LA 2025', which will be held from August 1 to 3 (local time) at the Crypto.com Arena and LA Convention Center.
On the 2nd of next month, MONSTA X is expected to take the stage at 'M COUNTDOWN' and showcase their unique intense energy and performances, thrilling local audiences. Given that the first unit of MONSTA X, ShownuXHyungwon, had showcased their irreplaceable charm during 'KCON LA 2023', anticipation for this group performance at KCON is even higher. However, IM will unfortunately not participate in the performance that day due to health reasons.
MONSTA X's relationship with 'KCON LA' dates back to their debut year in 2015. They made their U.S. debut stage at 'KCON 2015 USA' just three months after debuting with their first mini-album 'TRESPASS' in May 2015. After attending 'KCON 2016 LA' the following year, they have increased their presence and will again take the stage as a group at 'KCON LA' this year, which marks their 10th anniversary.
As it was their first U.S. event, the 'KCON' stage left a deep impression on the members. Leader Shownu mentioned in a press conference celebrating their 10th anniversary that 'KCON LA' was the most memorable moment, saying, "We had just debuted and went to 'KCON LA', but it was such a big venue for us, and the sound of the cheers was incredible. When I took out my in-ear, I was surprised by the overwhelming noise."
Establishing their first connection with the U.S. through the 'KCON' stage, MONSTA X has steadily continued their activities over the past 10 years, rising as a global artist. They have pushed into the American market even before the global K-pop market had taken off, solidifying their position through various events and album activities.
As a result, MONSTA X participated three times since 2018 in the 'Jingle Ball' tour, the largest year-end event held locally by iHeartRadio, marking them as the first K-pop group to do so. Furthermore, they achieved the remarkable feat of entering the Billboard 200 chart at 5th place with their first U.S. studio album 'ALL ABOUT LUV', which was released in 2020. Their second English album 'THE DREAMING' also made it onto the chart for two consecutive weeks, proving their strong global presence.
MONSTA X's stepwise growth can also be confirmed through the size of their concert venues. During their first world tour in 2017, MONSTA X performed for two days at a small venue in LA with 2,300 seats. The following year, they performed at a venue with 7,000 seats in the same city, and in 2019, they sold out tickets for a 21,000-seat venue in just one day, demonstrating their rapid growth. Notably, through their 2019 world tour, they made a strong entry into the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) in LA—a large venue renowned in the U.S., where 'KCON LA' was held.
Thus, for MONSTA X, who have gradually expanded their position in the U.S. market, the 'KCON' stage, which served as their first U.S. stage, was a significant starting point. As they prepare to perform again at 'KCON LA 2025' this year, which marks their 10th anniversary since they first stepped on the U.S. stage at 'KCON 2015 USA', expectations are building for what kind of emotional performance they will deliver.
MONSTA X will release their mini-album 'THE X' on September 1 and make a comeback in the music industry.
[Photo] Provided by Starship Entertainment.
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