"THE X": MONSTA X Unleashes Their Power and Celebrates Their 10th Anniversary With a Fiery Comeback
Photo: Starship Entertainment
After the discharge of members Hyungwon, Kihyun, and Joohoney in January, February, and May 2025 respectively, MONSTA X finally returns as a full group for a comeback marking a new artistic milestone and bringing renewed energy. The fans' enthusiasm is a testament to the unwavering loyalty to this strong group, despite long periods of separation due to military service. This highly anticipated comeback is a fitting celebration of ten years of an already legendary career.
TRACKLIST – THE X
“Do What I Want”
“N the Front”
“Savior”
“Tuscan Leather”
“Catch Me Now”
“Fire & Ice”
A SYMBOLIC ANNIVERSARY MINI-ALBUM
Released on September 1, 2025, THE X represents an artistic turning point for MONSTA X. The title choice blends the symbolism of the number 10–a decade of effort and success–with the idea of an unknown, a new artistic frontier that the members wish to explore. Six tracks linked by a powerful narrative thread make up this opus, in which Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M have deeply invested their creativity, both in composition and production. The title track, "N the Front," expresses their desire to set standards and lead, rather than follow trends.
“N THE FRONT,” A VISUAL AND MUSICAL POWER
The music video opens with a powerful hook:
‘‘We all act normal. Pretend to be normal. But we know. We all have a ‘monsta’ inside”
This introduction establishes the central theme: behind a normal appearance, everyone harbors a bit of strength or inner monster. Joohoney then launches the message "Game Change," which symbolizes a new state of mind where the rules of the game have been turned upside down. The following lyrics–"Game change / Switch it on 'em / No breaks / Don't set my limits / Move on move on move on move"--clearly assert a break, a rejection of imposed limits, as well as a desire for progress and total emancipation.
Then ensues a completely wild birthday party, complete with a cake and the number 88, which may refer to Kim Youngok, an intergenerational symbol of cultural and emotional transmission. A veteran actress and close friend of Joohoney, whom she met on a show in 2016, is known for her roles as caring grandmothers. This scene could be a poignant metaphor, where despite age and generational differences, music and art become a common bridge, a place of celebration and sharing.
Then, the video shifts to the setting of a fictional TV show, Morning Garden, where director Lafic, accustomed to projects with a strong visual identity (ATEEZ's "Lemon Drop" or Taeyong's "Shalala"), introduces I.M. as a special guest. The line "Smile, you are on camera" underscores the pressure to maintain a perfect image in a public space, but the chaos generated by Joohoney, who captures the camera to unleash his fury live, symbolizes the quest for authenticity and the desire to break through the facade. While the on-site staff seems overwhelmed, the participants and the audience find this unexpected encounter increasingly captivating and authentic.
ARCHETYPE OF AN EXPLOSIVE COMEBACK
The regularly repeated phrase "Be real you, let the ground shake" is a cry of affirmation: to assert one's truth, to provoke change, to shake the foundations. The video ends on a humorous note ("The director guy is crazy"), humorously recalling the controlled chaos of the shoot and the creative madness behind the project. This sequence vividly illustrates the theme of authenticity, the desire to break free from limitations, and an atmosphere of controlled spontaneity, reflecting the group MONSTA X itself.
“N the Front” functions as an archetype of a comeback: it showcases the values of a mature group (resilience, cohesion, identity), while emphasizing cohesion and collective strength where each member positions themselves “at the front” as a leader and innovator. It is a call to express the desire to break through the facade of appearances and to be authentic, even at the cost of chaos, and to fully express one’s truth and shake up the established order. The symbolism of the “front” can also refer to the military frontline or the artistic frontline, signifying that MONSTA X accepts to be those who lead the way, take risks, and put themselves in the forefront to represent their community. This comeback is thus the symbol of a rebirth and restored unity for MONSTA X, solidifying their position as a K-Pop icon.