MONSTA X has wrapped its first full-group comeback in five years.
The group closed promotions for its new mini album, "THE X", with a performance on SBS’s "Inkigayo" on Sept. 14. Returning to music shows after their military hiatus, the six delivered a statement-making showcase with the title track "N the Front", reaffirming their reputation as a performance powerhouse.
Marking their 10th anniversary, this comeback hit a symbolic milestone. JOOHONEY co-wrote and co-composed the pre-release single "Do What I Want", with I.M contributing lyrics, setting the tone for a new era that the Sept. 1 release "THE X" sharpened even further.
HYUNGWON, JOOHONEY and I.M ― the team’s in-house producers ― steered the project, underscoring MONSTA X’s self-producing credentials. On "N the Front", vocalists and rappers fluidly traded roles to flex the group’s range, while the hard-hitting performance doubled down on a MONSTA X calling card: meeting challenges head-on, no retreat. HYUNGWON also stepped out as DJ H.ONE with a digital single, "N the Front" (H.ONE Remix), adding a fresh spin for fans.
Beyond music shows, the members stayed busy across TV and digital. SHOWNU solidified his presence as a fixed MC on the web variety series "Nopogy", and the group made the rounds on Mnet’s "Idol Festa Attack" plus fan-favorite web programs including "Leemujin Service", "Zip Daesung", "Business Trip! Risabae" and more ― showing off both musical chops and variety savvy.
JOOHONEY, who recently lit up the group’s own content series "Mon Must Go On" with a viral "Pony Game" segment, will step in as solo MC for the upcoming web show "Good Errand Center ― Simcheong" (literal translation), premiering in October.
With "THE X", MONSTA X notched a new career high in first-week sales, signaling momentum to match their decade-long legacy. As anticipation builds for what comes next from the reunited lineup, the members shared closing thoughts via Starship Entertainment.
▶ Full Statement on Wrapping ‘THE X’ Promotions
SHOWNU: Reuniting on music shows and seeing MONBEBE (official fan club) again felt brand-new in the best way. I was so happy to share the stage with all six members, and we’ll work hard to bring you great performances often. MONBEBE, I love you!
MINHYUK: Thanks to MONBEBE, who never stopped lifting us up, we ran happily and passionately to the very end of this promo run. I’m truly grateful to the members and staff who worked alongside us. I’ll keep striving to be the MONSTA X ― and the MINHYUK ― you can be proud of. I love you, MONBEBE!
KIHYUN: It was pure joy to be back on music-show stages with the members and to see MONBEBE in person! MONSTA X is just getting started, so please keep your expectations high and your support steady. I love you, MONBEBE!
HYUNGWON: With this comeback, I wanted to show as much of what MONBEBE hoped to see as possible. I had so much fun, and I’m always grateful. Promotions may be over, but please keep loving "Do What I Want" and "N the Front". Love you, MONBEBE!
JOOHONEY: Because it had been a while, we prepared that much harder. If MONBEBE enjoyed this era, I couldn’t ask for more. Thank you sincerely for staying with us through 10 years. Please look forward to MONSTA X’s next chapter ― and show lots of love to 'Good Errand Center ― Simcheong,' coming in October! I love you, MONBEBE!
I.M: Sharing this era with my hyungs and with MONBEBE made me incredibly happy. Seeing MONBEBE happy gave me so much strength. I hope this time becomes a lasting, warm memory for you too. We’ll be back even cooler next time. I love you, MONBEBE!
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)