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10 years in the ever-evolving world of K-pop is no small feat—and MONSTA X is celebrating their milestone with style, sincerity, and a promise to soar even higher.
On July 16, the group—Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Jooheon, and I.M—hosted a press conference at the Conrad Seoul Grand Ballroom to commemorate their 10th debut anniversary and preview their much-anticipated solo concert, 2025 MONSTA X CONNECT X.
Having made their official debut on May 14, 2015, with their bold and fiery mini-album TRESPASS, MONSTA X quickly made a name for themselves as performance kings with a signature edge. Over the past decade, they’ve gifted the industry hit after hit—DRAMARAMA, Shoot Out, GAMBLER—and carved out their identity as K-pop’s elite showmen, balancing fierce choreography with emotional depth.
Now, with a full decade under their belts, the members took a moment to reflect on their journey, and the result was a flood of emotion and gratitude.
“It didn’t feel real until now,” Minhyuk admitted. “But standing here, officially celebrating with fans and the press, it finally hits. It’s a fresh feeling—overwhelming but beautiful.” Hyungwon echoed the sentiment, thanking not just his fellow members but the fans who’ve stayed beside them through every high and low: “This team wouldn’t exist without our fans. We’re here because of your unwavering support.”
Shownu confessed he hadn’t thought deeply about the milestone until recently: “Looking back on all those memories, it feels incredible. I’m especially grateful to the fans for making it all meaningful.” Kihyun, currently still in his military service, called the anniversary “a tremendous gift,” emphasizing that while they’ve come far, he’s eager to keep moving forward. “I don’t want to rest on these 10 years—I want to keep running.”
For I.M, the realization came slowly: “When we first debuted, I used to wonder if we’d ever reach 10 years. Now that it’s here, it still feels surreal. But more than ever, I’m thankful to our fans and to my members who’ve become like family.” Jooheon added a touching note, saying, “When I enlisted, I knew 2025 would mark our 10th year. I counted down with hope, and now that I’m back, we’ve prepared a gift worthy of the wait.”
The members also took a trip down memory lane, sharing standout moments from their careers. Kihyun vividly recalled their very first stage on M Countdown, saying, “I can still see it so clearly—kneeling behind the rising iron bars before our debut performance. No matter how long I stay in this career, that memory will stay with me.”
Shownu pointed to their early appearance at KCON LA as a turning point: “We had barely debuted and suddenly we were performing in this massive arena. I remember taking out my in-ears and being stunned by the sheer volume of the cheers.” Minhyuk, meanwhile, spotlighted a simpler, more intimate moment: “For me, it was the mini fan meeting in a park just after our debut. We sat on the ground and talked with fans. It was small, but the connection felt huge.”
Hyungwon recalled their first world tour as his defining memory: “It was my first time meeting fans so far from home. Performing solo at the Staples Center after doing KCON LA was unforgettable.”
When asked how MONSTA X has managed to maintain their tight-knit bond for a full decade, the answer was clear: respect, trust, and passion. Hyungwon emphasized the importance of respecting one another and always keeping the group’s future in mind. I.M agreed, likening their relationship to family: “We know each other’s quirks, habits—everything. It’s like living with brothers. That’s how we’ve lasted.”
Kihyun added a personal insight, crediting his passion for music and being an idol as his fuel. “I still get nervous before comebacks. I still worry. But I also still love this. That’s why the last 10 years flew by.”
Now, with military service complete and all six members reunited, MONSTA X is ready to launch a new chapter—starting with 2025 MONSTA X CONNECT X, their first-ever concert at Seoul’s KSPO Dome from July 18–20. Despite being a top-tier performance group, the venue had long eluded them due to enlistments and pandemic setbacks. That’s what makes this moment extra special.
“I’ve only seen performances at KSPO Dome as an audience member,” said Minhyuk, beaming. “Being able to perform there now, with the full group—it’s indescribable.” Hyungwon added, “This concert will be a tribute to our 10-year journey. We carefully designed the setlist to reflect what MONBEBE want to see most, not just what we want to do.”
Kihyun dropped another exciting detail: for the first time, MONSTA X will perform with a live band. “It’s something our fans have wished for, and we’re so excited to deliver richer, fuller sound.”
And while fans were hoping for a comeback announcement during the press con, the group kept it coy—at first. “The date is already decided internally,” Kihyun teased. “We’ve put a lot into this upcoming album. It still carries our message of love—but in a MONSTA X way.” Then, Jooheon surprised everyone with a spoiler: “We’ll be making a comeback in September. It’s coming fast, so please look forward to it!”
Since their debut, MONSTA X has made global waves—becoming the first K-pop group to join the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball tour three times, and earning a No. 5 spot on the Billboard 200 in 2020. With a decade of achievements behind them and new dreams ahead, MONSTA X is proving once again why they’ve earned the titles of “performance legends” and “K-pop royalty.”
Their message is loud and clear: the past 10 years were just the beginning, and they’re only getting started.
English (US) · 