Each year new idol teams are created and debuted by the dozens, but only a select few ever push through to get the attention of K-Netz, and even more ambitious international K-Pop fans. However, this team has managed to gain the attention of thousands of international K-Pop fans before even making their official debut. FM Entertainment’s M.O.N.T. (Members of the National Team) is definitely an idol team to watch. The Kraze was able to sit down with them during the busy prep for their December debut to learn more about this unconventional idol team.

From humble beginnings, M.O.N.T. on MIXNINE. — *From humble beginnings, M.O.N.T.* on *MIXNINE*.

Walking into the interview it was easy to see everyone was nervous, but that quickly changed as we began to chat. The three members were sat together at a table laden with snacks, and across from them was their manager, Jina. A male idol team having a female manager is something I had never seen before, so I was pleasantly surprised and even more curious at how this would affect the team as a whole.

For some, M.O.N.T. is brand new, and for others they are a familiar faces. This team appeared on YG Entertainment's survival show MIXNINE where they received the nickname “The Mountain Trainees.” All three members passed the audition and made it to the show!

Meet The Members

Get to Know the Members

Q: Could you introduce yourselves and tell us a little about M.O.N.T?

All: Hello we are M.O.N.T.

N: I’m the leader, Narachan!

B: I’m the main vocal, Bitsaeon.

R: I’m the rapper, Roda.

Q: So M.O.N.T. is a fairly new team, consisting of three members who have been slowly gaining popularity across the world. What does M.O.N.T. have planned for 2019?

N: We have a new upcoming album, unique activities, and an overseas tour. We are preparing to tour through Asia, the U.S.A., and Europe, too.

Q: With all the tour plans, what's your favorite part about performing?

B: We are happy to stand in front of our fans, I am happy to be with my fans, and when our fans sing along with us, that is when we are at our happiest.

**Q: So you guys were on MIXNINE, what was the biggest thing that you learned from that experience?**

N: We had various stage experiences [and] became friends with other company trainees, they gave us a lot of confidence. And many people recognize us now.

**Q: Speaking of MIXNINE, the nickname that M.O.N.T. had received from that show was the “Mountain Trainees.” What was it like training in the mountains?**

B: It was very fun. There were some difficulties, but because of that our bodies became healthier and literally stronger. We were able to focus more on our practices and the bond between members became stronger.

Q: What is M.O.N.T. listening to right now? Who are your favorite artists?

R: Mostly ZICO’s songs are on my playlist. I also listen to a lot of songs from Show Me the Money.

B: Recently I have gotten into IU, such as her song “BBIBBI.” I listen to my favorite artists songs and a lot of Hip-Hop too.

Q: If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

R: It would be ZICO.

N: IU is a singer that we would love to collaborate with.

Q: What variety show would you like to be a part of?

N: 냉장고를 부탁해 (Me and My Refrigerator/Please Take Care of My Refrigerator)! I sure have watched it for a long time and because we are very interested in cooking, we really hope to appear on that show!

Q: A little bit of a deeper question now. What does M.O.N.T. mean to you?

B: M.O.N.T. is last challenge for idols.

R: M.O.N.T. is family.

N: M.O.N.T. is a goal.

Q: Tell us a little about your recent travels for fan meetings?

B: Israel was such a beautiful country. There wasn’t another famous K-Pop singer that performed in Israel before us [so] we were one of the first to perform in the country, it was an honor.

N: Over one thousand fans came (to Israel). The amount of love we received was amazing. It was cool to see that fans still love us and are still waiting for us.

B: And Brazil! Brazil had about ten thousand people.

Q: Wow! How did you feel with that big of a turn out?

N: Nervous and fantastic. They love K-Pop so much, they sang our songs with us. We performed a Brazilian song for our Brazil MINTs. It turned out fantastic.

Q: How did MINT become your fandom name?

B: Our MINTs voted on the most popular names, which were Minty, Font, and MINT, and among them we decided that MINT was the perfect name.

Q: When you travel, what is the one item you have to take with you?

B: Cellphone

R: Laptop

N: Only money :)

Q: If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

B: Poland, Germany, Russia, France, India, these countries have been very interested in us since we first started. So we would love to go to these countries to perform and meet our MINT.

Q: How does M.O.N.T. spend a day off?

N: Going to the movies and to meet our friends.

B: And play video games. And sleep … Roda sleeps a lot!

R: No … noo.

Q: Which M.O.N.T. member has the most aegyo?

N: Actually, my bro Bitsaeon.

B: No, no I can’t. (Proceeds to do aegyo.)

Q: Which member has the worst sleeping habits?

N: Roda

B: Roda

R: No no . . .

Q: Which member is the messiest?

B: Narachan

N: Bitsaeon

Q: Who’s the cleanest?

B: Oh, thats me!

Q: Which member does the most cooking?

N: I think that is Roda.

R: It’s me.

B: Yeah Roda.

N: Roda cooks the most, he lived in China alone for a long time. So Roda cooks very well!

Q: Final question! Any messages for international MINT?

N: Thank you for always believing in us, we will always try our hardest without giving up.

B: I love you. I always love you MINT!

R: We will always work to show you a great performance! We really want to meet our MINT in person!

ALL: We love you MINT!

Final Thoughts

If you couldn’t tell from the adorable interview, M.O.N.T. is a group you do not want to sleep on. Just from briefly meeting them, I was already hooked and became a MINT right away. Their official debut is in December after an already busy schedule full of travels. Keep up with them on Instagram and Twitter at @MontLove1 where you can see their day-to-day lives, and even see more of their time during their unique training period. Their manager Jina will occasionally go live showing you little “secrets” (she whispers this on Instagram Live all the time).

The Kraze prides itself on bringing international fans closer to the action, and groups from smaller companies like M.O.N.T. have to work twice as hard to get attention from fans outside of South Korea! Please Cheer M.O.N.T. on as they promote their first official album!

Exclusive Interview: Meeting M.O.N.T.