Stay tuned for Pyo Kyung-min's latest K-pop stories, where she digs into the backstories that matter. She’d love to hear from you — share your thoughts at pzzang@koreatimes.co.kr. After all, every article gets better with insights from those who love the scene, just like she does!
Timeline: Monsta X's 10 years of grit, global growth
Clockwise from top left are K-pop boy band Monsta X members I.M, Kihyun, Minhyuk, Hyungwon, Joohoney and Shownu. This year marks Monsta X's 10th anniversary since its debut in May 2015. Courtesy of Starship Entertainment
By Pyo Kyung-min
From fierce rookies to global stars, K-pop boy band Monsta X marks its 10th anniversary this year. Over the past decade, the Starship Entertainment powerhouse has carved out a unique path, one built on fiery performances and international aspirations.
Here's a look back at how Monsta X shaped each year into a milestone.
2015
Formed through Mnet's survival show "NO.MERCY," Monsta X officially debuted on May 14 under Starship Entertainment as a seven-member act with their first EP "Trespass." The group's aggressive sound and performances made an immediate impression, earning them multiple rookie awards within months of debut.
In September, they also announced their official fandom name: Monbebe.
2016
Monsta X launched its "The Clan" series with its third EP, "Pt.1: Lost," which landed on Billboard's World Albums chart. The group also held their first solo concert in Seoul and closed the year with the release of "Pt.2: Guilty."
The official concept photo for Monsta X's debut promotions, "Trespass," in 2015 / Courtesy of Starship Entertainment
2017
The group's first studio album, "The Clan Pt.2.5: Beautiful," arrived in March, followed by its first world tour, "Beautiful," with stops across Asia, Europe and the U.S.
In November, they released their fifth EP "The Code," led by the title track "Dramarama," which gained attention for its bold lyrics and powerful performance, earning Monsta X its first win on a local music show.
2018
"The Connect" world tour kicked off in Seoul in May and spanned more than 20 cities, further proving the group's growing global presence.
In October, they released "Take.1 Are You There?," featuring the viral lead single "Shoot Out." The track's fierce, masculine concept and choreography drew widespread attention, earning them multiple local music show wins.
Monsta X also made history as the first K-pop act to perform on the "iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour," hitting major U.S. cities that winter.
The official concept photo for Monsta X's "Take.2 We Are Here" album in 2019 / Courtesy of Starship Entertainment
2019
Building on the momentum of "Shoot Out," the group released "Take.2 We Are Here," with the title track "Alligator," which also garnered several music show wins and solidified the group's status as a K-pop powerhouse.
The group also expanded its international footprint by appearing on global platforms including ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," NBC's "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and the Teen Choice Awards in California.
The year, however, was also clouded by controversy. Member Wonho left the group amid allegations of unpaid debt and marijuana use from his past, bringing the lineup down to six.
Shownu also faced past relationship rumors involving a married woman, while Minhyuk drew criticism for a remark seen as mocking the #MeToo movement.
Monsta X's concept photo for its 2021 album, "One of a Kind" / Courtesy of Starship Entertainment
2020
Monsta X released "All About Luv," the group's first all-English album, and their biggest U.S. success to date. The album debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, making them one of the few K-pop acts at the time to break into the top five.
Adapting to the pandemic era, the group held a livestream concert, "Live From Seoul With Luv" in August. In November, they returned with studio album "Fatal Love," led by the sultry, hard-hitting single "Love Killa," which earned them continued success on local music shows.
2021
With Shownu enlisting for military service in July, the remaining members released their ninth EP "One of a Kind," featuring the self-produced title track "Gambler" by Joohoney.
Joohoney also created the title track "Rush Hour" for the group's November release "No Limit," which earned Monsta X another string of music show wins.
The group's second English album, "The Dreaming," was released alongside a global documentary film, strengthening its presence in the global market.
K-pop boy band Monsta X / Courtesy of Starship Entertainment
2022
Monsta X returned in April with the EP "Shape of Love," with Joohoney, Hyungwon and I.M taking on major roles in songwriting and production.
They completed a sold-out nine-city U.S. tour and renewed contracts with Starship Entertainment — five members re-signed, while I.M chose to continue group activities under a separate agency.
2023
Despite a wave of military enlistments — Minhyuk in April, Joohoney in July, Kihyun in August and Hyungwon in November — Monsta X kicked off the year with the release of their 12th EP "Reason" and its lead single "Beautiful Liar."
Though full group activities slowed, the group remained connected to fans through digital content, pop-up stores and fan platforms.
K-pop group Monsta X meets fans in person during the 2022 "Monsta X FAN-CON MX AGENT" event. Courtesy of Starship Entertainment.
2024
With most members enlisted, individual activities took center stage. Minhyuk completed his service in October, while I.M focused on solo promotions.
2025
This year marks a full-circle moment for Monsta X, as Joohoney, Kihyun and Hyungwon all completed their military service in the first half and the group reunited to release its 10th-anniversary compilation album, "Now Project Vol.1."
On Saturday, Monsta X is set to kick off its celebratory "Connect X" concert in Seoul, with additional shows planned for Japan and beyond.