MONSTA X: First Korean group on the “Jingle ball tour”.

MONSTA X responded to a TEENVOGUE interview.

     MONSTA X was the first Korean band to be included in the “Jingle Ball Tour” tour, since its inception in 1990, organized by IHEART MEDIA. The group found themselves alongside great international artists like Shawn Mendes, Cardi B, Calvin Harris …

     MONSTA X have performed in their name but also in order to represent their country on the American territory. They took a few moments to answer TEENVOGUE‘s questions.

INTERVIEW TEENVOGUE :

Teen Vogue: You’re wrapping up your first outing on the Jingle Ball tour tonight, the first time a Korean group has been on the lineup. If you take a moment to reflect, what’s going through your minds after such an experience?

MINHYUK : I still can’t believe [it] because there are such big stars and great singers on this tour.

I.M : You know, I don’t want to talk too much about the negative things, but every time we go to another venue we have to get used to the venue. We do soundchecks every time but the environments are so different. We get really sensitive about the sound, the depths, so we’ve been a little bit sensitive when we are doing the rehearsal. And the crowd isn’t just Monbebe, there’s regular U.S. audiences and listeners—the lineups are constructed by all big stars and not just us.

KIHYUN : Still, the reaction is the same. Excited and supportive.

TV: What was going through your head at the first show? Were you worried about the reaction?

WONHO : I was also most worried about our soundcheck because it’s not just our solo show and the steps taken for each artist are different—not just us. You can’t get 100% satisfied by the soundcheck.

SHOWNU : In my case, I never worry about the reaction.

KIHYUN : Honestly, we are used to performing on big stages, but in L.A. we were so nervous because it was our first time without it being our own concert. But these days, it’s fine and we’re feeling more comfortable.

TV: What stands out to me is that you guys are the representative Asian musicians on this U.S. tour, even as you’re from South Korea, a different country altogether. Do you feel a larger pressure when these opportunities are rarer?

I.M : That’s too much, but thank you. In my case, I think we have to feel pressure and lots of responsibility because it’s not exactly our time right now. Creating a strong and respected reputation is not an easy thing. Actually, we’re kind of representing K-pop and Asia, acting as an ambassador of Asia. The pressure has to always be on our shoulders and that’s why we don’t do things very simply and easy. We can’t. We always have a responsibility for our culture, I think that always has to be there. I don’t take these things lightly or do it with ease.

MINHYUK : I don’t feel pressured as long as I’ve got Monbebe. I just feel proud.

TV: Anyone who’s following you on Twitter has seen you meet some artists you look up to and respect. Can you share some of the backstage stories?

I.M on Khalid: I listen to his songs like “Better,” “Location” and “OTW” often, but when I first met him, he was just a very normal person. It was simple and natural, in a good way.

I.M on 5 Seconds of Summer: They gave us their own hoodies, beanies, and a special cup bottle. When we took the picture, their stage had just finished and they were probably a little bit busy or very exhausted, but they took a photo with us very graciously and very kindly. I appreciate their personalities.

MINHYUK on Camila Cabello: She’s so cute and kind. Maybe I have a crush on her?

WONHO on Sabrina Carpenter: I’ve heard her songs before, but getting to meet her felt really great. She seems like she has a super bright personality and she also said I have really good skin. [Laughs]

MONSTA X on Shawn Mendes:

JOOHEON : He is so tall, handsome—I think everything about him is perfect.

MINHYUK : He’s so nice, he was gentle, really friendly.

KIHYUN : So cute!

JOOHEON : Always on the stage, these artists have great charisma, but behind the stage it’s like, they’re our brother or a “bro.”

TV: You’ve been busy lately, but has anyone had time to work on new music or plan out your goals for the new year?

SHOWNU: I want to just keep going down the road we’re going and hope for the best.

I.M : Actually, I can’t tell you when our Take.2 [album] will come out, but I’ve been writing some things and preparing for Take.2 during this tour. Our schedule is set up and filled until 2020.

JOOHEON : It’s so tight.

I.M : We don’t have time to hesitate or relax really. Of course, you can look forward to more time in America, and more English tracks—not just one.

Journalist : Shawn
Source : TEENVOGUE