MONSTA X Celebrates 10 Years of Power, Passion, and Unbreakable Persistence

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From survival show trainees to global K-pop icons, MONSTA X’s 10-year journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and relentless passion.

On May 14, 2015, seven ambitious young men debuted under Starship Entertainment with the hard-hitting track “Trespass,” signaling the arrival of a new force in K-pop. Now, ten years later, MONSTA X stands tall as a globally recognized group with an unmistakable sound, a passionate fanbase known as MONBEBE, and a decade of music, milestones, and memories behind them.

From NO.MERCY to No Limits

MONSTA X’s discography is a high-impact timeline of evolution, grit, and artistry. Over the past 10 years, they’ve dropped 12 Korean mini albums, three full-length Korean albums, countless Japanese releases, two English-language albums, and more—each one pushing boundaries and showcasing their versatility.

Their 2015 debut, Trespass, and follow-up Rush introduced MONSTA X’s fierce, rebellious sound. But even early on, it wasn’t just about title tracks—b-sides like “Perfect Girl” and “Steal Your Heart” proved their depth.

2016’s The Clan series (Lost, Guilty, and Beautiful) kicked off a cinematic universe, diving into themes of pain, identity, and self-worth. The Shine Forever repackaged album followed, adding the elegant and emotional title track “Shine Forever.” Their 2017 comeback with The Code brought a career-changing moment: “DRAMARAMA” secured their first music show win, backed by fan-favorite b-sides like “Tropical Night” and “From Zero.”

In 2018, they returned with The Connect: Dejavu, led by the slick and stylish “Jealousy.” Tracks like “Lost in the Dream” and “Fallin’” became beloved fan favorites, further proving their ability to balance intensity with introspection.

From Take.1 Are You There? to Take.2 We Are Here, and the powerful Follow: Find You, MONSTA X mastered the balance of hard-hitting and heartfelt. They weren’t afraid to experiment, and tracks like “Play It Cool,” “U R,” and “No Reason” proved their emotional range.

In 2020, All About Luv, MONSTA X’s first all-English album, debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200—an extraordinary and historic feat for a K-Pop group. Showcasing their emotional range and vocal strength through sleek pop and R&B tracks like “Middle of the Night” and “Someone’s Someone,” the album introduced MONSTA X to a broader global audience. That same year, they returned with Fatal Love, a bold, concept-driven Korean release led by the hauntingly smooth title track “Love Killa.” The album featured deep cuts like “Nobody Else,” co-written by Hyungwon, and b-sides like “Beastmode”—a high-octane track recently featured in the animated film Exorcism Chronicles: The Beginning, proving their music’s cross-media appeal. Fatal Love cemented MONSTA X’s reputation for crafting albums that balance narrative ambition with genre-blending sounds that stick with listeners.

Then came “KISS OR DEATH” in late 2021. Released as part of UNIVERSE MUSIC for the UNIVERSE fan platform, this single hit different—and that’s an understatement. With its raw intensity and heavy, hard-hitting sound, “KISS OR DEATH” quickly became a fan favorite, making it a staple that deserves a place in every setlist.. It’s absolutely insane how this single punches above its weight. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if it’s still in the top 10 of many MONBEBEs’ most-played tracks on Spotify to this day. It’s the kind of track that sticks with you. Despite only being performed live once, the demand for it on tour setlists is sky-high, and rightfully so. MONBEBE everywhere are still calling for it, proving that “KISS OR DEATH” is a track that belongs in every MONSTA X tour setlist from here on out.

One of a Kind, No Limit, The Dreaming, Shape of Love, and Reason followed, blending R&B, trap, funk, and pop into sleek, signature sounds. From “Rush Hour” to “Beautiful Liar”, their title tracks hit hard, but it’s often the b-sides like “Whispers In The Dark,” “Mercy,” “Rotate,” “Wildfire,” and “Cresendo” that leave the deepest mark on fans.

And we can’t forget their Japanese discography: albums like Piece, Phenomenon, and Flavors of Love and singles like “Spotlight” helped MONSTA X dominate charts abroad, with genre-defying tracks like “X-Phenomenon,” “Black Swan,” “Wish on the Same Sky” and “Wanted” expanding their global reach.

MONSTA X has never been just a title track or singles group. Their b-sides are the hidden weapons—smooth, experimental, and emotional, showing off each member’s colors and creativity. Every album is an experience, built not just to chart, but to connect and last.

Firsts, Records, and Global Reach

MONSTA X’s journey is paved with milestones that have pushed the boundaries of K-pop and amplified its global reach. Their accomplishments aren’t just impressive—they’ve been historic:

First K-pop group to headline the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour (2018) — sharing the stage with global pop icons and introducing K-pop to a wider Western audience.
First K-pop group to appear in a U.S. cartoon, guest-starring on We Bare Bears in a fan-favorite episode that showcased their humor and charm.
First K-pop group to perform in the metaverse, taking the virtual stage at iHeartLand’s State Farm Park in 2023.
First Korean singers to appear and perform on The Kelly Clarkson Show, bringing their powerful stage presence to daytime television in the U.S.
First K-pop group to perform at the Teen Choice Awards (2019), delivering a standout performance that introduced them to a new generation of fans.
First K-pop artist to appear on a live broadcast of Good Morning Britain, making waves on international morning television.
Over 20 music show wins, with iconic hits like “DRAMARAMA,” “Shoot Out,” “FOLLOW,” “Gambler,” “Love,” and “Rush Hour” earning them well-deserved trophies.
Sold-out world tours across Asia, North America, and Europe, where they met MONBEBEs face-to-face and proved their undeniable global draw.

From breaking into Western media to pioneering new digital stages, MONSTA X hasn’t just kept up with the evolving music landscape—they’ve led it.

Solo Journeys, New Chapters

Even as a group, MONSTA X has always encouraged individuality, and over the years, the members have embraced their own solo ventures, each leaving their unique mark on the entertainment world.

Shownu returned to the spotlight through the sub-unit Shownu X Hyungwon, where his signature power and grace lit up stages at KCON LA and beyond. He also made a bold comeback with a musical performance in 2024, adding yet another layer to his artistry.
Minhyuk has long been a variety show standout, hosting two seasons of Vogue Ship Show from 2020–2022 and serving as an INKIGAYO MC from 2021–2022. His bright personality and artistic sensibilities have made him a fan-favorite on-screen presence.
Kihyun has captivated fans with his emotive vocals through solo albums Voyager and Youth, leaning into powerful pop-rock influences. Beyond music, he hosted the Naver Now program PLAY! from 2022–2023 and co-hosted the fan-favorite radio show Midnight Idol alongside I.M., where fans got to see his warmth and humor off-stage.
Hyungwon has explored many creative lanes, from acting in K-Dramas to serving as an INKIGAYO MC in 2023. As DJ H.ONE, he’s taken his talents to the turntables, performing as a DJ at various festivals and events. He also co-hosted Idol Radio with Joohoney, and in 2023, debuted as part of MONSTA X’s first official sub-unit, Shownu X Hyungwon. The pair brought sultry choreography and charisma to stages at KCON LA and festivals around the world, proving their strength as performers and trendsetters.
Joohoney made a powerful solo debut with LIGHTS, a bold project that showcased his duality as both a fierce rapper and emotionally resonant vocalist. He brought his lively energy to M Countdown as an MC in 2023 and joined Hyungwon to co-host a season of Idol Radio, where the duo’s natural chemistry and wit made every episode a hit.
I.M brought a moody, introspective vibe to his solo work, releasing DUALITY, OVERDRIVE, and most recently, OFF THE BEAT, showing a raw, self-reflective side of his artistry. In addition to co-hosting Midnight Idol, he currently hosts Kiss The Radio on KBS, where his smooth charisma and thoughtful presence continue to draw in listeners.

Each path reflects a deeper layer of MONSTA X’s artistry and their ability to thrive both together and individually.

MONMUKGO: A Variety Legacy, Self-Made

Launched in late 2022, MONMUKGO isn’t just a variety show—it’s a love letter to MONSTA X’s unfiltered charm and signature humor. Funded and produced by the members themselves, the series gives MONBEBE the same chaotic, heartwarming energy fans first fell for in MONSTA X-Ray, Weekly Idol, and countless classic appearances. Whether they’re competing in wild games, sharing heartfelt stories, or just roasting each other over snacks, MONMUKGO is a glimpse into the brotherhood that’s carried them through a decade.

The show took a brief hiatus during the group’s military enlistments, with four out of six members temporarily away. But true to MONSTA X’s spirit, MONMUKGO made its triumphant return with Minhyuk back from military service, bringing the show back to life with the energy fans know and love. Since then, Joohoney and Kihyun have rejoined, each making their return in classic MONSTA X style, reintroducing themselves with their signature humor, wit, and charisma that fans can’t get enough of.

Why 10 Years Means Everything

Reaching 10 years in K-Pop is more than just a milestone—it’s a testament. MONSTA X didn’t have an easy path. They fought for their spotlight, endured a lineup change (and that’s putting it nicely), adapted to changing industry demands, completed military enlistments, and continued to pour their hearts into every stage, every lyric, every fan interaction when it would’ve been perfectly okay to hang it up at year seven.

This decade isn’t just about time—it’s about triumph. MONSTA X represents the spirit of perseverance, the power of unity, and the lasting connection between artist and fandom. Through highs and lows, they’ve never backed down. Instead, they leaned into their craft, stayed true to their identity, and invited MONBEBE to grow with them every step of the way.

From their humble beginnings on NO.MERCY to sold-out tours, history-making firsts, and unforgettable music, they’ve proven time and again that their journey is anything but ordinary. MONSTA X didn’t just survive the last decade—they defined it.

As they step into this new chapter, one thing is certain: MONSTA X’s legacy is built to last.