[INTERVIEW] Unfiltered and Unforgettable With I.M – A Candid Chat About His Upcoming World Tour

Step into the world of I.M as he shares intimate insights ahead of his first-ever solo world tour.

I.M is a force to be reckoned with. He isn’t just a rapper and producer—he’s a lyrical genius and a musical visionary. With an impressive repertoire of over 130 writing and producing credits registered with the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) as of March 2024, he’s proven time and time again that his talent knows no bounds. Since his solo debut with the aptly named EP “DUALITY” in 2022, he has captivated audiences with his unique blend of honesty, creativity, and sheer talent.

What truly sets I.M apart is his fearless authenticity. He’s never afraid to bare his soul through his lyrics, creating music that resonates deeply with listeners on a personal level. Whether he’s delving into introspective themes or delivering electrifying performances on stage, he remains true to himself, captivating audiences with his unwavering honesty and magnetic charisma. With each project, from “DUALITY” and “OVERDRIVE” to his latest masterpiece, “Off the Beat,” he continues to push boundaries and redefine the standard for excellence in the industry.

As I.M embarks on a global tour spanning 18 countries, he remains humble. Despite being the first member of MONSTA X to venture out on a solo world tour, he admits, “I think they would be really proud of me.”

Below, I.M chatted with the media in a recent roundtable interview about his upcoming world tour, “Off the Beat,” his pre-show ritual, and more. Take a look.

Hellokpop: What should we look forward to from your upcoming solo shows? Could you describe the atmosphere and vibe of your tour that will make people want to attend again and again?

I.M: If you are really supporting or truly loving me, and if you’re really a fan, I think you will attend again and again. (laughs) But I bet I can’t satisfy all of them. It will be a unique experience for my fans as well as for me and what I feel because it’s my first world tour. They’ve been seeing [our] concerts as a team [MONSTA X]. But this time, it’s all on me. And, you know, more than an hour and a half full of me. That’s quite unique.

HKP: Your music is often introspective with layered storytelling. How do you envision your fans connecting with you and your music on a deeper level on tour?

I.M: My music is quite deep, but I think that it’s personal and offers empathy to listeners. I don’t try to contain specific messages inside my songs but make them feel more personal. [During the tour] I believe my music will give my fans lots of energy and some kind of message.

HKP: Many artists have pre-show rituals or lucky charms. Can you share any rituals you follow before taking the stage to pump up your energy and get into the performance zone?

I.M: I need to smell good, so I use perfume. It’s kind of like I am transforming myself into a different mode for the stage. I think, ‘I’m full of this scent now; I am ready to perform.’

HKP: For this world tour, you will be visiting a variety of cities across Asia, Europe, and the United States. Do you intend to change things up depending on the fan culture of each stop?

I.M: Well, I try to switch my vibes to the city because each city and each country has its own different vibes. And you know, the love is all the same, but the vibe is totally different. So I try to learn their language and their culture to make the fans cheer up.

HKP: It’s been two years since your last world tour as a member of MONSTA X. How does it feel to finally hit the road again, especially as a solo artist?

I.M: To me, it’s a really precious experience. Watching us and having a concert as a team [MONSTA X], I think they will be really proud of me [on my solo tour]. My fans are really loyal, so I think they will be proud.

HKP: Since this is the first time you’re embarking on a solo tour, what is one thing that you are most excited about? And one thing that you’re most nervous about?

I.M: I’m really excited to meet my fans. It might sound a bit obvious, but that’s the most exciting part for me. Also, drinking a beer in each city would be great. For nervous. Well, I am not really that talkative, so I think that makes me nervous.

HKP: Is there some advice from some of the members that you recently got or someone from outside the member?

I.M: I didn’t get any advice (laughs). Maybe they don’t know the news that I am going on a tour because they are in the military right now. But, I think they would be really proud of me because they really for me a lot. Maybe I can give them some advice after the tour (laughs).

Connect with I.M on Instagram and X.

Listen to his discography on Spotify or Apple Music.

*Special thanks to I.M, Sony Music Entertainment Korea, and Miller PR for the media invite.

Image and Video Credits: Sont Music Entertainment Korea