The 'Faithful Listening' MONSTA X (MONSTA X: Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Jooheon, IM) will make a full comeback to the music scene.
According to their agency Starship Entertainment, MONSTA X will release their 10th anniversary mini album 'THE X' today (1st) at 6 p.m. (KST) through various music sites and will make a comeback. After the release, a comeback commemorative talk live will be held on MONSTA X's official YouTube channel at 8 p.m.
'THE X' is an album that encapsulates the 10 years that MONSTA X has walked through. The album name 'THE X' signifies 'the one complete unknown' and also relates to the Roman numeral 'X (10)', presenting numerous possibilities and new directions while symbolizing MONSTA X's 10 years. Having actively worked both separately and together to reinforce the team's presence, MONSTA X will finally announce their complete return through the 10th anniversary commemorative album 'THE X.'
The album contains a total of six tracks, including the pre-release song 'Do What I Want' and the title track 'N the Front', along with the songs 'Savior', 'Tuscan Leather', 'Catch Me Now', and 'Fire & Ice'. As they have proven their 'self-producing' capability by including self-composed songs in each preceding album, Hyungwon, Jooheon, and IM participated in the creation of this new release, completing an album that is diverse yet ultimately connected to MONSTA X's narrative.
In particular, the title track 'N the Front' embodies a declaration of MONSTA X's essence, stating, "Rather than following someone, we will set the standard ourselves." With a heavy bass, intense drums, and strong vocals and rap maximizing the energy of the song, it portrays their attitude of facing challenges head-on without retreat. A teaser for the 'N the Front' music video was released on the official YouTube channel on the 30th, and those who evoke the presence of the 'MONSTA' within are expected to once again dominate playlists with their unique musical style and performances.
Since Minhyuk's military discharge last October, all members who have since been discharged held free fan events, and recently completed the 10th anniversary commemorative complete group solo concert 'CONNECT X' in Korea and Japan, marking the prologue for their new full-group activities. Demonstrating an unmatched blend of wit and hipness through the pre-release song 'Do What I Want', they have prepared to heat up the music scene like never before.
Moreover, as MONSTA X has clearly imprinted the individual characters of the members and the team's family-like chemistry through their own content 'MON EAT MORE', expectations are high for the six members' variety chemistry that will unfold alongside their full-group activities.
Ahead of their comeback, MONSTA X, who will once again present a new formula to the music scene through an album that encapsulates their ten-year narrative, provided a Q&A regarding 'THE X.'
■ Complete Q&A with MONSTA X below.
Q1. How do you feel about making a comeback with the new mini album 'THE X'?
Shownu: I'm so happy to finally stand in front of MONBEBE (official fan club name) with a new album, and at the same time, I'm a bit nervous. We made a lot of new attempts this time, and I'm curious how MONBEBE and the viewers will perceive it. I hope for lots of expectations and support!
Minhyuk: This album is one that the members have really come together on to show MONSTA X's new side, and we've worked hard on it. I hope that MONBEBE will like it, so we will work hard on our activities.
Kihyun: Since this is a new album released after a long time as a complete group, I want to do even better, and I think I had a lot of ambition while preparing it. I want to show a stronger MONSTA X, both as a team and as individual members, through this album.
Hyungwon: After my discharge, I feel like I've been running without a break just for this album, and it's already time for the release. This album captures MONSTA X's ten years and the time we will move forward, and I hope it leaves a meaningful impression on MONBEBE as well.
Jooheon: Finally, the new weapon of MONSTA X that I spoke about will be revealed to the world! I really want to show that MONSTA X only moves forward, and this album was created with great effort, so I believe it will bring a fresh and intense feeling. I hope many people listen to it.
IM: I'm grateful that all the members can come together and present the album 'THE X'. Since it's an album that features many new challenges both musically and visually, I hope many people will enjoy it.
Q2. With various teasing content and the pre-release song 'Do What I Want', you caught attention. What did you want to express?
Shownu: First of all, I wanted to give a new feeling. Since this is a full-group album after a long time and because we are celebrating our 10th anniversary, I wanted to accomplish something spectacular that we hadn't done before. In particular, the music video for 'Do What I Want' was a groundbreaking attempt, and thankfully, it seems MONBEBE liked it.
Kihyun: I think I tried my best to avoid the thought of playing it safe. This album was really a series of challenges, and I wanted to fill the viewer's curiosity and excitement, from the trailer to the concept photos and the 'Do What I Want' music video, with the feeling of 'Wow, MONSTA X can do this too, I wonder what they'll do next?'
Q3. You successfully completed the full group performance 'CONNECT X' last July. Did the concert have any influence on your comeback preparations?
Jooheon: In fact, this 'THE X' album was not prepared in a short time but built up over a long period, which sometimes drained my strength. However, I gained tremendous momentum from the 'CONNECT X' concert and was able to come together again and prepare even harder. Standing on stage, I felt eager to quickly perform a setlist filled with new songs and have fun with MONBEBE.
IM: Through 'CONNECT X', I realized once again how happy it is to stand in a concert hall full of MONBEBE. The cheers from MONBEBE and the stages we create together filled me with anticipation and confidence for the future, and I think I prepared this album with that strength. I'm so grateful to both the members and MONBEBE.
Q4. Do you have any goals or messages you want to convey through this album?
Kihyun: First of all, I hope all the members are healthy and enjoy their activities, and I hope we can unleash MONSTA X's color further into K-pop through impactful activities. I will work hard to reach out in various ways, so please look forward to it.
Minhyuk: Through this album, I want to show that the possibilities for MONSTA X are limitless. Above all, I hope that MONBEBE, who waited a long time, will be happy with our music and performances.
Q5. Recently, you took a 10th anniversary photoshoot, and you've decided to donate all of the model revenue in MONBEBE's name.
Shownu: I wanted to capture MONSTA X's appearance as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. Although Kwangkyun (IM) could not join at that time, it was a meaningful 10th anniversary for us and MONBEBE, so we thought we should make it even more special. MONBEBE also donate a lot in our name, so all the members gathered together with one mind and enjoyed the shoot.
Hyungwon: There are so many ways to bring happiness to someone, and we think we communicate happiness through music and stages. This time, it feels like we conveyed a greater happiness by bringing together the hearts of the members, staff, and MONBEBE, making the 10th anniversary a truly special memory.
Q6. Lastly, please say a word to MONBEBE who has been waiting for your comeback.
Shownu: MONBEBE, it's exciting to finally have a group comeback on our 10th anniversary. Above all, I feel proud that MONSTA X's album that we worked hard on has been increased by one, and I'm happy there are various songs to fill the concert hall with MONBEBE. Please take good care of this activity, and enjoy the end of summer. I love you.
Minhyuk: This album was a challenge for MONBEBE, and it could only be completed thanks to MONBEBE. I want to respond to the support and love we receive, so the members worked really hard to create this album, and I hope it will please MONBEBE more than anyone.
Kihyun: While preparing for this 'THE X', I thought a lot about how quickly I wanted to show it to MONBEBE. Every track embodies the ten years we've created together, so I hope you listen well. I will work hard to be an artist that MONBEBE can be proud of in the future. I love you.
Hyungwon: MONBEBE! I'm so happy and excited to finally be able to present this album. We want to convey our intention to create music for MONBEBE as we have been supported and believed in for a long time. Please look forward to this activity as well! I love you, MONBEBE!
Jooheon: This album would have been impossible without MONBEBE's support. You know that you are a huge driving force and reason for me, right? This time, especially, I worked on it with the hope that MONBEBE would really like it, so please listen and enjoy it a lot.
IM: This year, while being with the members and MONBEBE, I've gained so much strength. I hope that, like I did, MONBEBE can recharge their energy and happiness through this album. We will work hard and put our sincerity into our activities.
[Photo] Starship Entertainment
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