'Reliable and must-listen' Monsta X (MONSTA X) member Jooheon successfully concluded promotions for his second mini album.
Jooheon concluded promotions for the title track 'STING (Feat. Muhammad Ali) (hereafter "STING")' from the mini album '光 (INSANITY)' with the SBS music program Inkigayo that aired on the 18th. Through these promotions, Jooheon poured explosive energy into every performance, decorating a week that felt like a gift for both Jooheon and his fans.
With the mini album '光 (INSANITY),' Jooheon made a solo comeback two years and eight months after his military discharge, proving an expanded musical worldview and solid artistic mastery. He participated in writing, composing, and producing all tracks, showcasing his all-around-artist qualities, and stamped his unique colors on stage, solidifying his singular position as a solo artist.
Through his agency Starship Entertainment, Jooheon said, "It was truly an exciting and pleasant time to be able to show you new music through promotions for the mini album," adding, "I tried especially to put 'passion' into this album, and I feel meaningful and happy that my sincerity seems to have been well conveyed to Monbebe (official fan club name)."
He added about the music show promotions prepared for fans, "I hope it felt like a surprise gift to Monbebe, my most precious light," saying, "Every moment was moving because of Monbebe's cheering, and that allowed me to work harder during promotions. I will continue to show even better music and stages. We are also doing our best to prepare for Monsta X's upcoming world tour, so please look forward to it. I love you, Monbebe!"
The mini album '光 (INSANITY)' expands the worldview of the first album 'LIGHTS' and conveys the message that "only by going mad do you truly shine." The title track 'STING' added musical weight with Jooheon's intense rapping alongside voice sampling of a famous quote by legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. On the 'STING' stage, Jooheon showcased a variety of stylings from formal suits to casual outfits, completing a charismatic stage that dominated attention. He also delivered explosive energy with impactful performances that used boxing techniques such as weaving and sway.
Interest in Jooheon's solo comeback was also intense. The challenge for the pre-release song 'Push (Feat. Ray of IVE) (hereafter "Push")' drew participation and attention from Monsta X members as well as Swedish singer-songwriter Zara Larsson, U.S. singer-songwriter Kehlani, TVXQ!'s Max Changmin, Yena, IVE's Ray, KiiiKiii, and others. Following that, many artists joined the 'STING' challenge, including Apink's Park Chorong and Yoon Bomi, SEVENTEEN's Dokyeom, WJSN's Dayoung, ATEEZ's Yunho, CRAVITY's Taeyoung, LE SSERAFIM's Sakura, Psycos' Sumin, ZEROBASEONE's Park Geon-wook, ILLIT's Minju, and Arc's Choi Han, generating a strong response.
It also achieved meaningful results on global charts. After release, the new record entered iTunes K-pop Top Albums charts in 11 countries at peak and the Top Albums charts in 15 countries and regions, while the title track 'STING' charted on iTunes K-pop Top Songs in eight countries and on the Top Songs charts in seven countries and regions. Notably, on U.S. iTunes charts, all tracks entered the K-pop Top Songs chart, and overall it recorded remarkable results in 24 countries and regions, reaffirming Jooheon's global influence.
Meanwhile, after successfully finishing his solo activities, Jooheon will meet fans as Monsta X in full from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 for three days at the Seoul KSPO DOME (formerly Olympic Gymnastics Arena) as part of the 2026 Monsta X world tour 'The X: Nexus (THE X : NEXUS).'
[Photo] Provided by Starship Entertainment, broadcast capture
[OSEN]