Popular Idol Worries About “Exposure” At “WATERBOMB” — Ends Up Stripping Anyways Despite Fans’ Protests

When stars make appearances at the ever-popular WATERBOMB, it is not surprising if they put on a sexy performance. Many idols have gone viral for showing off their hard-earned physiques while getting wet and wild at the event.

33-Year-Old K-Pop Idol Goes Viral For His Godly Physique At “2024 Waterbomb Seoul”

That being said, for stars who might be a bit more conservative, it is understandable to feel some pressure about appearing at the event. This is exactly what a member of one of the groups that attended the recent first day of 2025 WATERBOMB BUSAN shared with fans before the show.

2025 WATERBOMB BUSAN features a line-up including several K-Pop artists performing during the festival.

| WATERBOMB

MONSTA X were scheduled to perform as one of the headliners, and for a group known for their masculine image, their inclusion seemed to be a no-brainer. Before the event, however, leader Shownu expressed some questions about WATERBOMB, specifically wondering if they had to show skin or strip down.

MONSTA X’s Shownu | Starship Entertainment

During an interview with Allure Korea, the idol specifically stated that he had questioned if they needed to strip.

Rather than exposure, MONSTA X has members who are good performers, so I’ve thought, “Do we really need to show skin or strip down?” or “Should we go in a different direction?” But… honestly, if we’re given pants at least, I think we’d be grateful.

— Shownu

Some fans even expressed wishes that the group not expose themselves, with Shownu stating that he already can be seen shirtless in advertisements.

250721 Shownu 🫧 Live
<Talking about Water Bomb>

🐻Don't take it off?
🐻But based on what I've heard, when ppl go there, there isn't anyone who doesn't take off (their clothes) so I'm..
🐻I mean I'm not the type who wants to take my clothes off just bc someone else wants me to… pic.twitter.com/SptN1OYJfc

— Lia K (@tomyluvshownu) July 21, 2025

However, once the day arrived, it seems Shownu made up his mind, stripping off his white shirt and going completely topless at the event.

250726 #셔누

옷을 벗어서 고이 접어둠 … pic.twitter.com/nGhLA6GNJ7

— 🍊 (@baby_nudarin) July 26, 2025

250726 부산 워터밤#셔누 #SHOWNU #ショヌ#몬스타엑스 #MONSTAX #モンスタエックス @OfficialMONSTAX pic.twitter.com/Sdo8Wx6b89

— 🐹🧀 (@hamcheeseball) July 26, 2025

250726 워터밤 몬스타엑스 #셔누

셔누가 부산 찢어버렸네 pic.twitter.com/O5u6CTGUgq

— 슈퍼곰(근데이제아기꽃사슴이된) (@mxsupergom) July 26, 2025

Showing his body is always his choice and we are glad Shownu seems to have done exactly what he wanted!

MONSTA X