POP TOKKI 101: A GUIDE TO MONSTA X

MONSTA X is a well-known powerhouse in K-Pop, known for their unique style and sound spanning hip-hop, trap, and EDM genres. They’ve earned the title of “Next Generation Beast Idol,” following in the footsteps of the legendary group Shinhwa. Ready to learn? Class is in session with POP TOKKI’s 101 Guide to MONSTA X!

Background

MONSTA X was formed through the reality show No.Mercy, a collaboration between Mnet and Starship Entertainment. After competing against 13 contestants, they debuted as a seven-member group on May 14, 2015, under Starship Entertainment with the title track “Trespass.”

Members

The current lineup of MONSTA X includes six members: Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M.

Previously, MONSTA X consisted of seven members. However, on October 31, 2019, Wonho, the former lead vocalist, lead dancer, and visual, announced his departure from the group and Starship Entertainment. Since then, the group has promoted as a six-member group with alternating lineups due to the enlistment of members.

Shownu

Position: Leader, Main Dancer, Lead Vocalist
Birthday: June 18, 1992 (Gemini)
Fun Facts:
- Shownu is a former JYP Entertainment trainee with GOT7. Stray Kids’ Bangchan revealed that he shared a room with him.
- He got second place in a JYP audition, and was named “the second Rain” because of his dancing and singing skills. (Rain inspired him to be an idol)
- Before joining Starship Entertainment, he was a backup dancer for Lee Hyori and performed with her during promotions and tours.
- He participates in creating choreographies for MONSTA X.
- Shownu and former member Wonho were in SISTAR’s “Shake It” music video.

Minhyuk

Position: Sub-Vocalist, Visual
Birthday: November 3, 1993 (Scorpio)
Fun Facts:
- Minhyuk has two tattoos: A whale on his knee to cover a surgery scar and a rose in a mirror on his back.
- He’s close friends with UNIQ’s Sungjoo, GOT7’s Mark, Seventeen’s Jeonghan, N.Flying’s Kwangjin, and actor Park Bo Gum.
- Many fans assumed he was the maknae due to his cheerful personality and maknae-like attitude.

Kihyun

Position: Main Vocalist
Birthday: November 22, 1993 (Scorpio/Sagittarius cusp)
Fun Facts:
- Kihyun has helped compose a few MONSTA X songs with his fellow members, including “No Exit,” “I Do Love You,” and “Who Do U Love?”
- He is close friends with BTS’ Suga.
- He made his solo debut on March 15, 2022, with his solo debut album ‘VOYAGER.’
- He made many OSTs for K-dramas such as What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, Investigation Couple, and Suspicious Partner.

Hyungwon

Position: Lead Dancer, Sub-Vocalist, Sub-Rapper, Visual, Center
Birthday: January 15, 1994 (Capricorn)
Fun Facts:
- Before joining MONSTA X, Hyungwon was model and participated in many fashion shows.
- He is known as “the meme guy” because of the many memes made of him.
- He is a DJ under the name DJ H.One.
- He likes folk music and has an appreciation for Jack Johnson and John Legend.

Joohoney

Position: Main Rapper, Sub-Vocalist
Birthday: October 6, 1994 (Libra)
Fun Facts:
- He has written many songs for himself and MONSTA X. As of January 2023, Joohoney has 154 song credits for writing and producing.
- Joohoney was a competitor in Show Me The Money 4 but got eliminated after the third round.
- He’s close friends with GOT7’s Jackson, EXO’s Chanyeol, and Korean rapper GUN.
- He made his official debut on May 22, 2023, with the mini-album ‘LIGHTS.’

I.M

Position: Lead Rapper, Sub-Vocalist, Maknae
Birthday: January 26, 1996 (Aquarius)
Fun Facts:
- He’s written lyrics for MONSTA X songs along with member Joohoney.
- He made his solo debut on February 19, 2021, with the EP ‘DUALITY.’
- On August 8, 2022, I.M left Starship Entertainment but would continue with MONSTA X group activities.
- On November 15, 2022, he signed with Sony Music Korea as a solo artist.

Music Recommendation

Hero

The group channels their determination to safeguard and uplift their loved ones through “Hero.” Its lyrics delve into the experience of witnessing a cherished individual facing adversity from insincere and deceptive individuals, sparking a fervent desire to shield them. This vibrant fusion of hip-hop and EDM on the ‘Rush’ EP celebrates the role of a hero in a relationship, emphasizing the significance of steadfast support and reliability.

Beautiful

“Beautiful” tenderly articulates profound admiration and affection for someone exquisitely beautiful. Its lyrics vividly portray the enthralling sensation of being utterly mesmerized and unable to divert one’s gaze from this individual. Within the song, the group expresses their profound desire to stand by this person, ready to shoulder any pain or burden they may carry. This R&B-EDM gem, cherished by fans, finds its place on the debut studio album ‘The Clan Pt. 2.5: The Final Chapter,’ a significant installment within The Clan series by the group.

Shoot Out

Feelings of frustration, pain, and determination in the face of a difficult relationship describe “Shoot Out.” The lyrics show a sense of being lost and emotionally drained, causing a state of detachment and numbness. The repeated phrase “shoot out” acts as a symbol of a plea of release. This intense EDM track is featured on ‘Take.1 Are You There?’, the inaugural installment of their second studio album series. Additionally, an English version of the song is also available, offering a broader reach and resonance.

Love Killa

“Love Killa” dives into the captivating yet dangerous world of love, where passion mixes with peril, weaving a tale of beauty and brutality. Its lyrics vividly portray a wild love affair, where two hearts are swept up in intense emotions and craving for each other. Inspired by hip-hop, the song captures love’s dual nature as a double-edged sword. You can discover “Love Killa” on the seventh studio album, ‘Fatal Love.’

Shows

No.Mercy

To fully understand how MONSTA X came to be, we have to watch how it all started. No.Mercy was a survival competition show created by Mnet and Starship Entertainment. 13 contestants were competing to debut in the final lineup for MONSTA X. Some of the challenges in the show included individual performances, paired duets, group challenges, choreography, songwriting, and much more. No.Mercy can be watched on 1theK’s official YouTube Channel.

MONSTA X-Ray

MONSTA X-Ray is a reality TV show where the members fulfill various “missions” together while also getting to know each other. A popular episode among the fans comes from season three of MONSTA X-Ray where the members make a K-Drama parody. This is just one of the many “missions” throughout the show. Season one and two of the show can be found on different accounts with English subtitles. You can watch a playlist of season three created by 1theK’s Official YouTube channel!

MONMUKGO

MONMUKGO, short for MON MUST GO ON, is the group’s first original content series in eight years. The show debuted on February 28, 2023, with the intent of showing the raw and bare sides of the members. In the second teaser of the show, member Hyungwon states, “When we shoot self-content now, nothing should be forced. Not one percent. We just show us as we are, okay?” Be prepared to laugh and make new memories with MONSTA X! MONMUKGO can be watched on the group’s official YouTube channel.

Dingo School

Does anyone want to relive their high school days? MONSTA X does in Dingo School, where they carry out missions during their “classes” for the day. You can watch Dingo School on Dingo Music’s official YouTube channel!

Fun Facts

The name MONSTA (pronounced as “Mon Sta”) refers to the French “Ma Star,” which translates to “my star.” X stands for the infinite possibilities as the variable character in equations. Thus, the name MONSTA X was born.