Monsta X’s return at KCON after 10 years proves endurance is a superpower

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In the year 2015, Minhyuk from the dynamic K-pop group Monsta X debuted on the KCON mainstage in Los Angeles. At that time, he was young and had blonde hair, and his self-assured demeanor was quite noticeable.

Dressed in black and white attire, he donned shorts bearing the phrase “knock, knock,” a tribute to their powerful first single “Trespass.” This was the young artist’s, aged just 21, inaugural encounter with his American audience during a performance at what used to be known as Staples Center but is now recognized as Crypto.com arena.

In just three months following their first appearance, the seven-piece group (Wonho left on friendly terms in 2019) was already seeing fans displaying support signs among the audience.

In ten years’ time, Minhyuk, now 31 yet still possessing a youthful appearance, finds himself seated in a conference room at the Mondrian Hotel. The day is filled with press engagements as they prepare for their return to KCON LA 2025, where they will headline on Night 2 of the three-day festival showcasing the latest trends in Korean pop culture during the last weekend of fashionable events.

As I stood there, I found myself admiring a group of five gentlemen who, at first glance, appeared to be sharp-dressed executives enjoying a business lunch. Yet, upon closer inspection, it was evident they were none other than pop stars – a fact hinted by their athletic builds and the vibrant, eye-catching yellow hair of Joohoney.

Despite it being the beginning of a long day, you can clearly see they are enjoying each other’s company, resuming their usual routines. Usually reserved, dancer-singer Shownu humorously suggested “Invest in Bitcoin!” as an answer to a question about what he would tell his debut self, and occasionally, the group members exchanged light banter before deciding who would respond.

The group made its U.S. comeback at KCON following a long hiatus, but their Seoul concert titled Connect X marked their performance together after two years. As Minhyuk recounts, he admitted to feeling anxious during those initial moments, but once on stage, he felt incredibly alive.

Standing tall with a head full of dark hair and an undeniable air of command, I, Hyungwon, express that in those significant instances, the affection reflected in our parents’ gaze mirrors the identical emotion I perceive in my fans’ eyes. It’s a feeling that remains unchanged from what it was before.

Previously, they debuted at Waterbomb, a renowned South Korean summer music festival known for its water-based activities, during which Shownu became a social media sensation when he removed his white t-shirt to display an impressive physique.

Right now, everyone seems concerned about their health and wellness, as he mentions. In fact, we consistently strive for physical fitness and good health.

Beyond the humor of memes and fan videos, it’s heartfelt that their emphasis on health matters, as the group’s English-speaking member I.M couldn’t join this time due to a back issue. Known for his sharp humor, as well as his rapping, songwriting, and production skills, his team deeply mourns his absence from the band.

Monsta X, as pioneers among artists, showcase an extraordinary team bonding that surpasses the traditional barrier presented by South Korea’s compulsory military service for other K-pop groups.

The return of this group to KCON holds great importance not just as it marks a new phase for them, but also because it takes them back to the event that significantly boosted their fame in the U.S. and worldwide.

Kihyun, the main vocalist known for his strong vocals cutting through the band’s intense signature style, recounted that their first KCON experience in 2015 stood out among their fondest memories due to the overwhelming audience reaction that left them astonished.

Hyungwon expresses his anticipation about tomorrow’s KCON return, saying he hopes to recapture the same thrill we felt during our first performance. Joohoney chimes in, recalling that earlier encounter when we did a meet-and-greet and shared a stage with Got7. He remembers seeing their signs in the audience, but also noticing signs for us too, which made us extremely joyful. In a fascinating twist, Jackson Wang, the popular soloist who originated from Got7, will take the stage with us on the same night.

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Maggie Kang, director of the hit film “K-pop Demon Hunters,” highlighted Monsta X as one of the inspirations for the film’s fictional group, Saja Boys. Speaking about it, Joohoney, a member of Monsta X, noted that the musical style and atmosphere in the movie seemed reminiscent of their own music, although they weren’t initially aware. “We could sense and feel it, but we didn’t know exactly,” said Joohoney. “We are very grateful.

Shaney Hwang, marketing coordinator for CJ ENM America (the organization behind KCON), recalls attending the festival as a high school student in New York and following Monsta X’s rise. She notes that compared to other groups who debuted around the same time, Monsta X managed to gain significant attention from U.S. fans. This was evident through their live performances at events like KCON LA in 2015 and 2016, as well as their music collaborations with Western artists such as French Montana and Gallant, which occurred earlier than other groups did.

She notes that they’ve always had fantastic music. Now, it’s particularly significant because it’s their 10th anniversary, making this a full-circle experience that feels incredibly special and honorable for us.

This incident made it essential for Monsta X fans like Ani Ash (from Texas) and Choua Yang (a 45-year-old tech trainer from Green Bay, Wisconsin) to put KCON on their calendar for this year. Over a meal in Koreatown the evening prior to their concert, they discussed their unwavering support for the group.

Ash, who’s 28 years old, admits, “I’m not typically into K-pop, but what initially attracted me to them was their unique style. The way they effortlessly transition between genres while retaining their distinctive traits really caught my attention.” Despite this, they both share an online friendship and manage fan groups for the same band.

Yang has been a part of Monsta X’s fandom, known as Monbebes, since the year 2021. His daughters introduced him to K-pop, and one of them was attempting to get him to appreciate Monsta X. What initially drew him in was their extensive music library and the variety in their tunes. He finds them to be mature individuals, in contrast to the fresh faces who are only 20 years old. Simply put, he has grown fond of them and now represents their fan base.

Monsta X’s loyalty, as demonstrated by Ash and Yang, underscores the enduring strength of their fanbase. This dedicated following continues to expand while also supporting the band’s growth, investing money and time to attend their performances. Until they resume regular touring (which Minhyuk hints might be in 2026), events like KCON are among the rare opportunities for fans to witness the group together.

Devotion, being a significant aspect of K-pop, often runs quite profoundly. For instance, Ash’s dedication was sparked by Minhyuk, who enjoys painting in his free time. This inspiration led Ash to rekindle her love for art and transition from the medical field to teaching art at Houston public schools.

On Saturday evening, Hyungwon and Shownu kicked off their performance of the seductive song “Love Me a Little” to a thunderous applause. Unlike what their group is typically recognized for, they incorporated more lyrical dance moves into their routine than usual.

A noticeable surge of anticipation filled the air as a stage, surrounding on all sides, elevated to bring back the five performers, victorious and dapperly dressed in sleek black suits adorned with shimmering details.

After performing “Beautiful Liar”, a dark EDM single from their 2023 EP “Reason” and “Who Do You Love”, Joohoney exclaimed, “We’re back in L.A.!” before transitioning into “Play it Cool”, their popular club collaboration with Steve Aoki. The set concluded with the Dream Stage version of the classic “The Gambler”, during which contest-winning Monbebes joined them on stage. At one point, Joohoney also encouraged the crowd, shouting, “Make some noise for I.M!

Upon their return to Seoul, the team has plenty to keep them occupied since work on their upcoming album titled “X,” set for release on September 1st, is already in progress.

In the collaboration, every participant contributes to songwriting, but it’s also worth noting that the renowned Compton-born producer Dem Jointz, who has worked with artists such as Rihanna, Kanye West, Janet Jackson, and contemporary K-pop groups like EXO and aespa in their compositions, will be responsible for production.

Pondering about which film category their upcoming project belongs to, one suggested horror, but others quickly chimed in with laughter, proposing romantic comedy. Hyungwon added a joke by suggesting science fiction, and after some banter, they agreed that sci-fi might be the most suitable choice.

Received an email from Seoul where he is recovering, I.M also discussed their upcoming album. “This project is unique for us as it reveals a side of Monsta X we haven’t explored before. We put our hearts and creative ideas into every aspect, from the sound to the concept. We dedicated ourselves completely and infused it with gratitude towards our fans who have been patiently waiting. I hope they can sense that when they listen.

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2025-08-06 04:01