Artist Highlight: Hyungwon

Singing, dancing, acting, DJing, songwriting, and visuals; MONSTA X’s Hyungwon can do it all.

MONSTA X

Hyungwon, born Chae Hyungwon, made his idol debut in 2015 with K-Pop group MONSTA X under Starship Entertainment following the survival show NO.MERCY. He began writing, composing, and arranging for the group with their 2020 album Fatal Love. Since then, he has continued being an active member in production of MONSTA X’s discography as well as a songwriter for other groups such as AB6IX. Hyungwon is the lead dancer, sub rapper, and sub vocalist. Pairing his positions with his writing abilities, and his natural given visuals, Hyungwon stands out as an all-rounder of MONSTA X.

SHOWNU X HYUNGWON

On July 25, Hyungwon made his debut in SHOWNU X HYUNGWON, MONSTA X’s only official subunit, with fellow bandmate and leader Shownu. Following the release of their mini-album THE UNSEEN, the duo has performed at various festivals including KCON 2023 and M!COUNTDOWN in FRANCE. 

They will soon be releasing their photobook ON MY WAY shot in New York City. They are currently holding a photobook exhibit at Noudit Hongdae in western Seoul from October 24 to November 5.

ACTING

While Hyungwon has acted in various K-dramas and shows since his debut in MONSTA X, his most notable role is in the recent K-drama Boss-dol Mart. As the character Jo Yijoon, Hyungwon takes on the role of an extroverted ex-idol, which is the opposite of how fans typically see the singer.

The show gave Hyungwon a chance to get close to EXO’s Xiumin, who he recently spent the day with at a sauna on Hyungwon’s new YouTube series 채씨표류기 (CHAESSI PYOLYUGI) .

YOUTUBE

In August 2023, Hyungwon released his first YouTube video on the channel lifewithoutaplan. On his channel he focuses on self reflection and relaxation, providing a safe space for guests to unwind in a carefree setting without makeup, stress, or pressure. His guests are fellow idols and actors including Jeonghan of SEVENTEEN, Sanha of ASTRO, Soobin of TXT (Tomorrow By Together), and co-star Xiumin of EXO. Hyungwon and his guests talk about life, hopes, and feelings as people who rarely get breaks from their busy idol lives and hectic schedules.

ENLISTMENT

With eight years since MONSTA X’s debut, most of the group is currently enlisted in the Korean military. Hyungwon will be enlisting in the military on November 14, 2023. He is set to be discharged on May 13, 2025, one day before MONSTA X’s 10 year anniversary.

Edited by Lacey Diluvio