MONSTA X
The “Unshakable Performers” MONSTA X (Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, I.M) marked their return as a full group with “CONNECT X,” opening a powerful new chapter in their journey.
From July 18 to 20, MONSTA X held its anniversary concert “2025 MONSTA X CONNECT X” at the KSPO DOME (formerly Olympic Gymnastics Arena) in Seoul, celebrating its 10th debut anniversary alongside their fans, the MONBEBEs (official fandom name).
This concert, their first in nearly three years, held special meaning, it was the first time all members, except I.M, stood together on stage after completing their military service. True to its reputation as a group you “listen to, watch, and trust for performances,” MONSTA X filled the KSPO DOME with a dynamic and complete show, once again reaffirming their unbreakable bond with MONBEBEs through a performance rooted in ten years of experience, unity, and live-stage excellence.
The members of MONSTA X once again prove their status as “Complete Artists.”
With MONSTA X, concerts always begin with a charged energy, not stress, but anticipation and excitement. “CONNECT X” was no exception. The opening track “Beastmode” tore through the stage with a flawlessly synchronized and intense performance. It was followed by “Trespass” and “Follow,” powerfully tracing the group’s journey from debut to stardom.
At the heart of the show were the collective performances of the six members, showcasing their unity and shared story with clarity. Each member had moments to highlight their individual charm, while blending seamlessly in perfectly synchronized flow. Their explosive energy and faultless live vocals elevated every moment, giving the entire KSPO DOME chills from start to finish.
The live band added even more depth to the performance, enriching the sound with textured instrumentation and powerful rhythms. The fusion of music and choreography turned the stage into a total work of art. This grandeur carried from one scene to the next, overwhelming the audience. As a bonus, they surprised fans with a performance of “Fire & Ice,” a track from their upcoming album set to release in September, written and composed by HYUNGWON.
The setlist was crafted with precision. Each song flowed into the next, building a smooth emotional arc, with carefully measured waves of energy. Rarely performed songs like “Queen” added a unique touch and allowed fans to rediscover the group’s musical diversity. MONSTA X confidently navigated these emotional waves, commanding the stage effortlessly.
A comeback set for September 1, stirring MONBEBEs’ hearts
This concert wasn’t special just because the group was reunited. MONSTA X is a group that has steadily built a deep and lasting relationship with its fans. The emotion that night was mutual, the members’ heartfelt performances touched the audience, and the fans’ reactions, in turn, fueled the stage.
The “Slow Mailbox, 10th Anniversary” segment, placed in the middle of the concert, was especially moving. Heartfelt letters were read aloud, deepening the narrative of the group: on the first night, MONBEBEs wrote to the members; on the second, MONSTA X wrote to its fans; and on the final night, each member addressed a letter to the group itself, adding a symbolic depth to their ten-year journey.
The maturity and spontaneity of a group in its 11th year shone brightly between songs. Natural banter and camaraderie among the members lightened the mood, and the announcement of a comeback on September 1 ignited fan excitement. HYUNGWON shared that the music video for the title track was already filmed, I.M hinted the new album concept would be “quite unique,” and KIHYUN teased:
“I don’t think you’ll recognize me in this new album. You might be wondering, ‘Where’s KIHYUN?’” sparking even more curiosity.
MONSTA X and MONBEBE: Beyond 10 years, toward infinity
The end of a concert often feels like a farewell. But for MONSTA X, the final stage was a new beginning. The encore, starting with “Fallin’” and followed by a medley of “Fallin’,” “Rodeo,” and “Zone,” symbolically bridged their ten-year past with their future on stage.
The concert may be over, but the bond lives on. Through “CONNECT X,” MONSTA X transcended its own history, renewed its trust with fans, and once again proved its unwavering love for the stage. That sincerity now becomes the starting point for every new story to come.
“CONNECT X,” which filled the KSPO DOME for three days, was more than just a concert. It was a testament to a decade of trust and a powerful statement from six artists reunited after military service. SHOWNU, MINHYUK, KIHYUN, HYUNGWON, JOOHONEY, and I.M, each bringing their own strengths to the stage, proved that the title “Unshakable Performers” no longer suffices. With their commanding presence and perfect synergy, MONSTA X showed that they’re more relevant than ever, and that they’ve just grandly opened the first chapter of a brand new story.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS MONSTAX, Starship Entertainment
