On October 22nd, Kpopmap was invited for an interview session with the internationally popular MONSTA X. Previously, we covered their press conference for their 2nd World Tour ‘THE CONNECT’ and did a review of their encore concert in Seoul.
The group had been busy and has numerous good news for fans. MONSTA X recently finished their 2nd World Tour ‘THE CONNECT’ with final concerts in Japan. The group became the commercial model for cosmetic brand Tony Moly. They were also announced to be the first K-Pop group to be part of iHeartRadio 'Jingle Ball' tour (you can check cities and ticket details here). The group was added to the lineup the Asia Artist Awards. ShowNu is part of the cast of the TV show "Real Men 300" and KiHyun and ShowNu appeared in "Hello Counselor" (10/22 on KBS). And much more news for the boys!
Starship Entertainment
The group is back with their 2nd full album Take.1 "ARE YOU THERE?".
According to Starship Entertainment, "in this album, 'Light and Dark, Good and Evil, Life and Death, and everything on the border' is presented and MONSTA X's teamwork is emphasized. The outcome shows soft, delicate, mature, but also rough and powerful as nature."
This album is composed of 10 tracks. This album title track is ‘Shoot Out’. According to Starship Entertainment, it "represents their world and a message, seeking salvation between loss and wandering, most precisely. The mix of trap, rock, and melodic future bass draws impressive hook, emotional chorus melody, and dramatic composition."
The album is composed of other songs such as ‘Underwater’, ‘Heart Attack’, ‘I Do Love U’, ‘Mohae’, ‘Oh My!', 'Myself', and 'By My Side'. The 10th track 'Spotlight' is the Korean version of the song released during the group 3rd Japanese Album where the group was selected as 'Golden Disk'. According to Starship Entertainment, "the strength of this album is each track has distinct identities in each genre, but still connects in natural balance."
Many fans were expecting the song 'I Do Love U' with lyrics written by WonHo, KiHyun, MinHyuk, JooHeon, and I.M, and the composition and the arrangement with WonHo. The track was already released for MONSTA X's 2nd World Tour and was well loved by fans that were waiting to see the song in the album.
Also, another song caught the attention of fans, it is 'By My Side' with lyrics written with JooHeon and I.M, and composed and arranged with JooHeon.
According to Starship Entertainment, "all members contribute to all tracks by participating in lyrics and song writing. JooHeon and I.M.'s rap keeps a tight balance and vocals that changed in each genre and messages lead depth of feelings. The sequence of 10 tracks with MONSTA X's unique epics is doubled dramatic effects." You can check the album preview here. You can check also Kpopmap's signed album unboxing here.
Starship Entertainment
The group came back with a sexy, powerful, charismatic, and dark MV along with a powerful dance for their title track 'Shoot Out' The title track has the color of MONSTA X with both boldness and intensity.
You can check it out below if you have not done it yet.
This time MONSTA X is back with more matureness and stronger teamwork to share with fans their great new album.
Kpopmap is more than happy to share with MONBEBE and with our readers more about their new album, future activities, and much more.
Starship Entertainment
How do you feel about this comeback? Can you talk about the concept and introduce the album?
It is our first comeback in 6 months. We feel more mature.
KiHyun: It has been a long time since we have a comeback in Korea. We are worried and excited. As you could see on the teasers, the album has a concept on duality, such as white and black, strong and soft, etc.
HyungWon: WonHo and I.M prepared a lot with the composition of several songs.
I.M: I think this time the concept is even sexier than 'Jealousy'.
JooHeon: This album has very much the colors of MONSTA X and there are many songs made by us.
The title track 'Shoot Out''s dance seems to be strong.
KiHyun: This time the dance uses much of thighs. MONBEBE can see that our thighs got bigger.
Starship Entertainment
It has not been long since you finished your world tour. It would not be easy for you to comeback this fast with a full album.
JooHeon: During the tour, it is funny to be working on the next album. We can work on it with the energy given by fans.
MinHyuk: My body was tired with all the concerts of three hours, but the stage was very fun. The songs are all in Korean but international fans sang everything. It was amazing!
KiHyun: We got very excited. Korean is a difficult language for international fans but they sang everything from the beginning to the end. I was very thankful. International fans enjoyed the concert and they danced and sang the songs along with much energy. They were very excited and had a strong feeling. They also talked and shared with the person next to them. I was very touched.
Not every idol can go on a world tour. What are the reasons that bring popularity to MONSTA X?
I.M: On SNS, we exchange a lot. Even if fans are abroad, we try to make the fans feel not far from us. We try to have many exciting songs, maybe that is the reason for the enthusiasm.
KiHyun: We are kind of specialized in performances, we enjoy all together.
Are you proud to be a K-Pop idol?
KiHyun: I met my nieces in the U.S.. When they learned that I was in MONSTA X, they told me that they were fans of MONSTA X but did not actually know that I was part of MONSTA X. So I felt proud for a moment.
What about the unit's songs? Will you release unit's songs?
MinHyuk: Not for now, it would be only for fans that have been at concerts.
The album is named "Take.1", there will be a "Take.2" for the next album? Can you explain a bit?
WonHo: Yes, this album title is a question. The answer will be in the next album. The lyrics are also linked.
In this MV 'Shoot Out', there is much exposure.
KiHyun: Yes, I have been only living for the short time of 26 years old, and during all this time, I feel it is the most shocking outfits I've ever worn. The stylist brought me clothes that were see-through and with no sleeves. At first, I refused. I wasn't ready to receive these clothes. But seeing other members being okay with the idea, I changed my mind and accepted.
When we talk about MONSTA X, we think about 'great bodies'. Members such as WonHo and ShowNu have these bodies.
ShowNu: I cannot compare to WonHo when it comes to sport. I am only starting to do many sports now.
KiHyun: When I look at WonHo doing sports and his schedule, I feel that to say we don't have time for sports is like giving an excuse [including himself]. He only sleeps two hours and does sports. He is an incredible person.
JooHeon: Actually, I am trying to start sports. I followed WonHo but it is super hard to follow him, so I gave up.
It seems that MONSTA X is confident.
KiHyun: I think we need to be confident to show much to the public because we are people that go on stage.
HyungWon: We are confident and humble.
Where would you like to go for your next world tour?
MinHyuk: Canada
I.M.: I am happy we get to go to Boston (U.S.) for 'Jingle Ball'.
Starship Entertainment
How do you feel about going to Jingle Ball?
WonHo: In the announcement, it is like "Shawn Mendes, Cardi B, etc, they mentioned all their names and then at the end, it is "and MONSTA X".
MinHyuk: We recorded this and shared it with all people close to us and bragged about it. I want to go there and perform soon.
Members talked about how they feel honored and excited about being part of these concerts.
MONSTA X has been mentioned as the next runner after BTS. Do you feel responsible or burdened?
MinHyuk: I am just happy and I like it instead of a burden. We are lucky too and our sunbaes [BTS] made the roads easier to follow for us too. If we show a good performance at the "Jingle Ball" then our hoobaes or other persons can be helped too in the future. I am proud of it.
Is the status of K-Pop changing internationally?
KiHyun: I feel that this second world tour is different from the first one. Also, there are more non-Korean media that want to cover us and that greeted us at the concert. As much as we get acknowledged, we will try hard to not disappoint.
How do you maintain your beauty and stamina?
MinHyuk: We always go to the dermatologist even if we are busy and we use many skin care such as essence. I personally have a lot of interest in beauty machines, I buy products I see in ads and try them one by one. I use faces masks, ear-picking machines, nose sebum removing machines, etc. I am wondering if this is not my secret know-how to upgrade my looks. Members that easily gain weight do sports too.
KiHyun: We also use a lot of calories as we practice and in concerts.
JooHeon: I felt proud when out of Korea, people ask us about how we manage to dance and sing for these three hours. I feel very happy when I hear this. I think our team's stamina and physical strength is an advantage.
WonHo: We eat a lot such as vitamins, red ginseng, garlic, etc.
HyungWon: I eat a lot of meat.
Do you have any ambitions?
KiHyun: We are getting more calls from the advertising industry. We got the contract with cosmetic brand Tony Moly and a brand for uniforms that only 'hot' people do. It will be released soon. If any other brands want us too, we will be happy to take it and work hard for it.
MinHyuk: We have never been a model for a sports brand and food too.
WonHo: I would like to do coffee.
ShowNu: Me mandoo (Korean dumplings).
Do you have some words for international MONBEBE?
MinHyuk: Thank you to international fans, we don't go often to meet them but they wait for us. Thank you!
MONSTA X is back even stronger than before and they thank fans for their support.
Read More : MONSTA X’s MinHyuk Wears High Fashion For Comeback Concept Photo
Read More : Reasons For MONSTA X’s WonHo To Be Called The Loveliest Woman In The Village
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