K-pop megastar Monsta X will hold its much-anticipated “2025 MONSTA X CONNECT X” concert at the KSPO Dome in Seoul’s Olympic Park on July 18-20, performing as a full group for the first time in three years. After wrapping up their Seoul extravaganzas, MONSTA X will continue the celebration at the PIA ARENA MM in Yokohama, Japan, with additional concerts on Aug 27-28.
MONSTA X announced the news via its social media channels, unveiling an enigmatic, fluorescent-colored poster depicting interconnected spaces. The poster also features concert details, revealing that the July 20 show in Seoul will be streamed online.
The news about the concerts comes shortly after MONSTA X rolled out its digital album “NOW PROJECT vol.1,” marking the 10th anniversary of its debut. The word “NOW” carries a dual meaning: it signifies “the present” while also being the reverse of “MON,” the first three letters of the group’s name.
It has taken about four years for MONSTA X to drop an album as a full group. The album features re-recorded versions of songs originally released between 2021 and 2023 – tracks that leader Shownu was unable to participate in due to his military service. Included in the 10-track album are “Rush Hour,” “LOVE,” “Beautiful Liar,” “Autobahn,” “Ride with U,” “Mercy,” “LOVE FOREVER,” “LONE RANGER,” “Deny,” and “IT’S ALRIGHT.”
With the return of Hyungwon on May 13, MONSTA X has ended a hiatus triggered by members’ compulsory military duties. The group re-recorded all 10 songs with all six members, creating fresh versions capturing six voices. Fans worldwide have been reacting wildly to the tunes, praising them for their profound emotional depth and synergy.
The members took part in the creative process for every track, solidifying their reputation as a self-producing group. Simply put, the album is an encapsulation of the team’s unique musical identity and growth, which highlights the sound that best represented them throughout different moments in time. At the same time, the album aspires to go beyond nostalgia by conveying emotions and messages that continue to resonate today.
“NOW PROJECT vol.1” also holds special meaning for both MONSTA X and their followers, as it commemorates a decade since the group’s debut.
After bursting onto the K-pop scene with the mini-album “TRESPASS” on May 14, 2015, MONSTA X has positioned itself as a “monstrous” act in the music industry characterized by its powerful performances and a distinctive music style. With hits like “DRAMARAMA,” “Shoot Out,” “Love Killa,” “Alligator,” and “GAMBLER,” the group has cultivated a strong fandom at home and abroad, particularly recognized for its unparalleled live performance skills.
MONSTA X has gained major global traction as well. In 2018, it became the first K-pop group to join the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball tour in the U.S. – one of the country’s biggest year-end performances. Between 2019 and 2021, MONSTA X participated in the tour three times, pulling off a rare feat as a K-pop artist.
In 2020, the group’s first full-length American album “ALL ABOUT LUV” ranked No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart while its second English album “THE DREAMING” made it onto the same chart for two consecutive weeks.
MONSTA X’s influence extends beyond music, with its members appearing in major variety shows in Korea. Shownu won the Digital Content Award at the 2024 KBS Entertainment Awards for his role as MC in the web variety show “NOPOGY.” Minhyuk was recently appointed MC of the popular show “Weekly Idol.” Kihyun joined the regular cast of “Student Ryu Uh Nam Sun” and Hyungwon will host the Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2025, scheduled for May 29. Joohoney is MC of the web show, “Club Dinner,” and I.M hosts “MONSTA X I.M’s Kiss the Radio.”
MONSTA X members, who have actively pursued their individual careers, have now reunited to make a full-group comeback that’s shaking up the entertainment scene. Prior to the release of NOW PROJECT vol.1, it held a live stream on its official YouTube channel to celebrate its 10th debut anniversary. It also opened a new fan community on Berriz – a global K-culture fan platform launched by Kakao Entertainment – to boost fan interaction.
Back in 2018, Minhyuk described MONSTA X as a seedling that grew from seeds and stems. Seven years later, that seedling has blossomed into a deeply rooted tree, bearing the precious fruit known as Monbebe – its global fandom. Reflecting on its 10-year musical journey, the six members shared heartfelt messages for this milestone anniversary, as seen below.
Shownu: I cannot believe that 10 years have passed already. We were able to come this far thanks to our members, Monbebe, and those who always support us. I still have a lot to work on and have much to learn, but I am really thankful to those who have trusted and stayed with me. As a leader and an artist, I will keep walking this path sincerely without losing my initial mindset. I truly love you, Monbebe!
Minhyuk: I first greeted you as Minhyuk of MONSTA X in 2015. Being able to greet you again like this in 2025 feels overwhelming and fille me with gratitude. I am standing here today thanks to the members who have shared laughter and tears with me for a long time, and to Monbebe who has always been by my side. I will continue to work hard with our members to repay all your love with an even better version of myself. I love you, Monbebe!
Kihyun: I was able to be active under the name of MONSTA X for the past 10 years entirely thanks to Monbebe. As I know that it is not something to take for granted, I want to take this moment to express my sincere appreciation to our fans. Together with our members, I will do my best to return all the love we have received through great music and performances. MONSTA X is just beginning. I love you, Monbebe!
Hyungwon: Over the past 10 years, I have had so many happy moments just because I was Hyungwon of MONSTA X. The overwhelming emotions I felt on stage, the countless journeys with the members, and above everything else, the memories with Monbebe who were there through it all — these are memories I will never forget. I sincerely thank Monbebe for always trusting and supporting us, and I hope we can continue to fill the coming days with even more memories and happiness. I love you, Monbebe!
Joohoney: MONSTA X is here today because Monbebe has been with us. 10 years is not a short time in someone’s life, so I’m really thankful that you have made room for MONSTA X and me, Joohoney, in yours. Thanks to Monbebe, I have been able to smile and dream even bigger on stage. I will continue to work hard to be a Joohoney that you can be proud of. I truly love you, Monbebe!
I.M: It still feels surreal that we are celebrating our 10th anniversary of debut. Reflecting on all the time I have spent with the members under the name MONSTA X, I think every single moment was only possible because of Monbebe. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering support throughout this long 10-year adventure, and please continue to stay with us. I love you, Monbebe!
Source: Press Release
