After a decade in the industry, MONSTA X have had journey full of highs and lows, battling controversies and enduring members’ enlistments. Yet, after the release of their new album THE X, the group has proven how their hard work, quality music, and genuine personalities have earnt them a loyal fanbase and stable career not often seen in K-Pop.

MONSTA X’s pre-debut start was very unique for the time, as the group was formed through the pre-debut survival show NO.MERCY. The reality show aired on Mnet at the end of 2014 and followed 13 trainees who were competing to become part of the group. The competition was fierce and emotional, particularly shown by I.M’s journey. The youngest member of MONSTA X was a late addition to the show, and after making his presence known, he faced a lot of animosity from the contestants. Even when the final lineup was revealed, I.M kept his head down, but it was the start of a new group and a new start for the members.

MONSTA X officially debuted on May 14, 2015, with the track “Trespass,” with vibes and a colour palette that matched NO.MERCY. The hip-hop vibes of the track allowed the members to introduce K-Pop fans to who they are and what they want to achieve from the group, showing a strong concept that was bold for a rookie group. Each member stood out and showcased their talent but also the cohesion within the group.

Their debut was huge as they stood out from many of the groups who debuted as part of the third generation, holding their own at a time saturated with boy groups. Each album was finding success, and the group’s fanbase was growing and going global. This was shown in 2027 as MONSTA X had their first world tour, Beautiful World Tour, with 16 shows across four continents. Along with the music, it was the distinct personalities of the members that appealed to fans, whether it was the extroverted Joohoney, Kihyun, and Minhyuk, or the quieter members like Shownu, Hyungwon, and I.M, each fan found a connection with them.

Things weren’t always easy for MONSTA X.

In 2019, Wonho was under investigation for marijuana usage in 2013 and stepped down from MONSTA X due to the controversy. It was a tough time for the group and in particular, the group was in the midst of the “Follow” promotions and the first performance without Wonho was done a day after the departure, a pre-recorded stage for Music Bank, with Kihyun taking on most of the former member’s lines.

While Starship Entertainment released an official statement saying Wonho was cleared of all drug charges, the idol didn’t return to MONSTA X, and his contract with the company was terminated.

In April 2020, Wonho then signed with Highline Entertainment, while the group continued to release music for fans. It was clear that the scandal had impacted the group, with controversies regarding drugs known to be huge in Korea, but they continued with a loyal support base. Their first comeback with six members came in May 2020 with the release of Fantasia X and “Fantasia” as the title track, once again proving that MONSTA X isn’t just a diverse group but able to have strong performances with distinct concepts, as seen in the video and live stages.

They continued to release albums, but in 2021, like all male idols, the MONSTA X members had to start enlisting. Shownu became the first member to begin his mandatory service. After Shownu enlisted, it didn’t mean that MONSTA X just stopped as the group continued to release music and while he appeared in the album One of a Kind with the title track “Gambler,” he did not participate in the promotions.

Around this time, the members started to embark on solo ventures. I.M was the first member to have a solo debut days after Shownu enlisted, and Kihyun and Joohoney followed this. All members showed their colours through the music they are passionate about. When Shownu was discharged in 2023, he and Hyungwon debuted as the group’s first unit, once again, giving fans something completely different that they wouldn’t expect from the group as a whole or other members.

Hyunwon’s return from the military in May 2025 marked the first time the group had been six since 2021, and the group didn’t waste any time. After a series of group performances, MONSTA X officially made a comeback on September 2 with their album THE X.

Despite years away from group activities, the members made their mark with an unexpected set of releases that drew on fans desire for something different but nostalgic. The pre-release “Do What I Want” was definitely a surprise for many fans, with a unique sound and heavy beat, and even more shocking video that saw the members transform into goblins, who were often shirtless. K-Pop fans often complain that K-Pop has become boring, but this track took fans on an unpredictable journey through the senses.

The title track “N The Front” also felt like a trip down memory lane for MONSTA X, giving off debut vibes with more R&B feels, and although perfectly suited to rappers Jooheon and I.M, allows the other members to show a different side to them. Listening to it, the song exudes R&B vibes but gives fans something bold, matching the aesthetics of the video. On stage, the members have high energy and take to the stage with the same passion as rookies. Even with I.M being unable to take part in the choreography due to injury, his presence is still felt and integral to the song.

The X as a whole truly epitomises MONSTA X and you can see the influence of the members on the tracks. I.M and Joohoney participated in the writing, production, and composing of all the songs in some way, with it being seen through the beats and tempo that seem to suit the two rappers. “Fire and Ice” is much slower and feels completely different from the rest. Considering the song was created by Hyungwon, the idol cemented his own sound. It shows that all the members involved in creating music for MONSTA X have their own identity.

Although MONSTA X is back together, it won’t be long before the youngest member I.M has to enlist for his mandatory service, but the group seems to be making the most of the time they have together for the fans. Yet, after the past few years have seen members enlist and come back, the group has shown that it can work as effectively even with people missing. They will undoubtedly continue to create music and make memories with fans, waiting for the group to reunite again in a few years.

MONSTA X hasn’t had the easiest journey, starting from their debut, but the members have made the most of tough situations, maintaining a strong fanbase for over ten years. They have created their own signature sound, but each release is unique, showing off MONSTA X’s experience and diversity.

The X is out now. MONSTA X can be found on Instagram here.