MONSTA X return as a full group with explosive single, ‘Do What I Want’

monsta x × About group MONSTA X MONSTA X is a South Korean boy group formed through the survival show No.Mercy under Starship Entertainment. They debuted May 14, 2015, with their first mini album, TRESPASS and are known for powerful performances, strong rap and vocal lines, and a global fanbase. The group is currently active with Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M. Former member includes solo artist, Wonho. Tap again to view profile → Close us canada tour postponed [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/monsta-x-starship-entertainment-032621.jpg] MONSTA X are back in full force. * READ MORE: MONSTA X – ‘The Dreaming’ review: K-pop’s chameleons reveal a new spectrum The Starship Entertainment group have returned with their first release as a full six-member group for the first time in several years. The release, which arrived on Monday (August 18), comes in the form of the pre-release single ‘Do What I Want’. The dance-y single and its accompanying music video are the first of the group’s upcoming EP, ‘The X’. ‘Do What I Want’ features sharp synths and a thumping bass line, as the group spotlight the best of their K-pop sensibilities a decade into their career. Check out MONSTA X’s ‘Do What I Want’ below. The upcoming ‘The X’ EP will release on September 1, and will include the tracks ‘N The Front’, ‘Savior’, ‘Tuscan Leather’, ‘Catch Me Now’ and ‘Fire & Ice’. The EP will also mark the group’s first since 2023’s ‘Reason’. The X also features the tracks “N the Front,” “Savior,” “Tuscan Leather,” “Catch Me Now” and “Fire & Ice.” The EP is the band’s first since Reason in 2023. Since 2021, five of the group’s six members have been taking turn enlisting into the South Korean military for their mandatory service. Shownu × Artist bio Shownu Real name: Son Hyun-wooPosition: Leader, Vocalist, DancerNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1992-06-18Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea Shownu is the leader of MONSTA X and is known for steady leadership and a powerful stage presence. As a vocalist and dancer, he is recognized for clean technique, athletic performance style, and consistent live energy. He anchors many of the group’s performances and remains central to MONSTA X’s identity through both group and individual activities. Tap again to view profile → Close was the first to enlist in 2021, followed by members Minhyuk × Artist bio Minhyuk Real name: Lee Min-hyukPosition: VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1993-11-03Birthplace: Gwangju, South Korea Minhyuk is a vocalist of MONSTA X known for bright energy, clear delivery, and strong presence in variety and hosting roles. He contributes to the group’s balance with a lively personality and steady vocal performances, while continuing to expand his profile through entertainment and media activities. Tap again to view profile → Close , Joohoney × Artist bio Joohoney Real name: Lee Joo-heonPosition: Rapper, ProducerNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1994-10-06Birthplace: Daegu, South Korea Joohoney is a rapper and producer of MONSTA X known for high energy, sharp delivery, and hands-on musical contribution. He is heavily involved in songwriting and production, helping define the group’s intense sound and dynamic performances. Tap again to view profile → Close , Kihyun × Artist bio Kihyun Real name: Yoo Ki-hyunPosition: Main VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1993-11-22Birthplace: Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Kihyun is the main vocalist of MONSTA X, widely praised for strong technique, stable live singing, and an expressive vocal tone. He delivers many of the group’s most demanding parts and plays a key role in shaping MONSTA X’s powerful and emotional sound. Tap again to view profile → Close and Hyungwon × Artist bio Hyungwon Real name: Chae Hyung-wonPosition: Dancer, VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1994-01-15Birthplace: Gwangju, South Korea Hyungwon is a dancer and vocalist of MONSTA X recognized for a sleek performance style and distinctive visual presence. He contributes to the group’s stage dynamics with controlled movement and a composed image, while also exploring individual activities alongside group promotions. Tap again to view profile → Close . Hyungwon is the latest MONSTA X member to complete his service, being discharged back in May. The group’s youngest member I.M × Artist bio I.M Real name: Im Chang-kyunPosition: RapperNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1996-01-26Birthplace: Gwangju, South Korea I.M is a rapper of MONSTA X known for a deep tone, modern style, and understated stage presence. He has contributed creatively to the group’s music and released solo work that highlights a more personal, genre-blending approach. Tap again to view profile → Close will enlist this year, though a confirmed date has yet to be announced. Between 2021 and now, MONSTA X have remained active, releasing music with members who weren’t serving in the military. The group released several EPs without Shownu while he was serving in the military. In the meantime, MONSTA X have recently played their first string of live shows as a full unit in four years. The group most recently released a digital album of re-recorded songs in May titled ‘NOW Project Vol. 1’. Their last full-length album was 2021’s English release ‘The Dreaming’, which scored a four-star review: “MONSTA X may have numerous “trophies to show and stories to tell” from their past six years, but nothing is more telling than the growth they’ve continued to achieve since then. Being the K-pop chameleons they are, MONSTA X continue to refine and redefine themselves with every style and genre on each new release.” The post MONSTA X return as a full group with explosive single, ‘Do What I Want’ appeared first on NME.