'Trusted performer' Monsta X (MONSTA X) is proving its enduring global popularity and raising expectations for a new 2026.
The 2025 global K-pop market heated up thanks to the solid strength and unwavering passion shown by Monsta X, which marked its 10th anniversary since debut. Since their 2015 debut, over the past 10 years they have relentlessly expanded their own musical spectrum, and this year they reinforced their status as an irreplaceable artist with the digital album "NOW PROJECT vol.1" and the mini album "The X (THE X)". In particular, the synergy shown when members who had kept the team's place through diverse activities during the military hiatus reunited as a full group delivered overwhelming energy to fans worldwide and left a deep impression.
Monsta X's 2025 was filled with meaningful achievements. The digital album "NOW PROJECT vol.1," released on May on their 10th anniversary, topped the iTunes top K-pop music album chart in eight countries and regions, including the United States, France and Germany, despite being a full-group re-recording album, and based on peak rankings, entered the iTunes top K-pop music album chart top 10 in a total of 18 countries/regions, proving their steady global presence. This popularity continued with their 10th anniversary concert "2025 Monsta X Connect X" at Seoul KSPO DOME in July, further strengthening bonds with fans.
Next, the mini album "The X," released in September, was a concentrated result of Monsta X's musical identity and deeper artistry. Through the album, Monsta X not only proved a boundless musical spectrum but also presented a new direction for the future, receiving much love. In particular, main producing members Hyungwon, Jooheon and IM directly participated in the album work, showing the qualities of a self-producing group, and the album achieved a personal career high with first-week sales of more than 427,000 copies.
The response in the global market was also explosive. "The X" appeared on multiple Billboard charts, including the main chart Billboard 200, World Albums, Independent Albums, Top Album Sales, Top Current Album Sales and Billboard Artist 100. Also recently, the pre-release track from "The X," "Do What I Want," was included on year-end roundup charts of global media. The song was selected as one of 2025's best K-pop songs and music videos by the U.K.'s DAZED and the U.S.'s Teen Vogue, reaffirming Monsta X's enduring global influence.
Earlier in November they released the U.S. digital single "baby blue (베이비 블루)," captivating global listeners with a more mature charm, and recently they toured major U.S. cities through the U.S. "2025 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour," finishing 2025 with a spectacular finale.
Their impressive achievements were also highlighted at awards ceremonies. Monsta X won two awards at the "10th Asia Artist Awards 2025" held on the 6th, taking home the "AAA Best Artist" award and the "AAA History of K-pop" award recognizing their contributions over the past decade. These meaningful results in their 10th anniversary year served to demonstrate both the solid musical narrative Monsta X has built and their continued stature.
This year Monsta X also stood out across various broadcasts and content. Having consistently appeared on broadcasts for 10 years and providing viewers with big laughs, they showcased tight teamwork and delightful chemistry through their own content "Mon Meok-eo-do Go." Individual activities were also notable. Shownu appeared on the web variety show "No Pogi," Hyungwon on "K-pop Aurora Hunters - Ttorora," Jooheon on "Kind Errand Center - Simcheong-i," and Kihyun served as a judge on Netflix's "Veiled Musician," solidifying his presence. In addition, they demonstrated their variety show reliability by appearing in diverse content such as "National Flash Tour," "Limousine Service," "Bap Sa Hyo," "Jip Dae-seong" and "Seongsu-dong studio," showing all-around activity.
Having achieved relentless growth since debut, Monsta X is now preparing a new grand journey toward 2026. First, on Jan. 5 member Jooheon is set to release his second solo mini album "光 (INSANITY)," and then Monsta X will open the world tour with 2026 MONSTA X WORLD TOUR "THE X : NEXUS" at Seoul KSPO DOME from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 for three days. Building on a solid decade as a springboard, Monsta X, having once again signaled the start of new activities, draws attention as observers wonder what new records they will write in 2026.
[Photo] Provided by Starship Entertainment
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