MONSTA X

Monsta X debuted in 2015 as the second boy band from Starship Entertainment, now a Kakao Entertainment subsidiary.

The band is known for its "jimseung-dol" or a beastly idol vibe it has been pushing for since day one of its debut, with its powerful and almost animal-like masculine concept in both music and performance. Its hit songs are thus all very hip-hop like, has a strong beat and an almost dark mood, such as "Gambler" (2021), "Rush Hour" (2021), "Dramarama” (2017), "Love Killa” (2020) and "Shoot Out” (2018).

Monsta X has been going strong on Billboard’s music charts since overseas fans tend to go for the masculine concept rather than groups with softer themes.

Five members — Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon and Joohoney — renewed their contracts with Starship Entertainment last August, but I.M left the agency to pursue his solo career in music.

What is the meaning of Monsta X?

The name "Monsta" is not based just on the word monster, but is also a compound of "mon," the French for "my" and the "star" spelled without the "r." With the X added, which symbolizes the unknown, Monsta X debuted with the goal of becoming the monster to take over the K-pop scene.

How many members are in the band?

There are six members now — Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney and I.M — but Shownu could not participate in the band's album "Shape of Love" last April because of his two-year military service. The band did debut as a seven-member group, but Wonho quit in 2019 due to rumors about his past, like not repaying the money he borrowed from others or stealing. (2022.11.01)

What is Monsta X's fandom name?

Monsta X's fan club is called Monbebe: The "bebe," or lover in French, of Monsta X. Members of Monbebe are known to be slightly older than the fans of other boy bands because teenagers tend to prefer bands with softer concepts. (2022.11.01)