Meet K-pop’s Monsters
WHEN A Korean pop group is the product of a survival show, it is reasonable to expect that its members are more determined, better trained, and generally a cut above the rest.
Bragging rights naturally come with surviving a TV program where contestants are gradually whittled down and only the deserving trainees earn the right to debut. But the seven-member Monsta X, who were introduced to the K-pop industry early last year, have apparently — and fortunately — not let success go to their head.
The hip-hop team of Shownu, Jooheon, Wonho, Hyungwon, Minhyuk, IM, and Kihyun was in Manila to hold a fan meeting on Nov. 27. Their first show at the SM North EDSA Skydome was a rousing success, with the 1,500-seater venue filled to the brim, and a few hundred more standing on the bleachers.
Managed by Starship Entertainment, the same company behind popular girl group, Sistar, Monsta X is composed of winners of No. Mercy, which was shown on the Mnet channel from December 2014 to February 2015. It was a “cruel debut war,” where challengers were given missions to complete individually or as a group. No. Mercy honed the confidence, the singing styles and the showmanship of the five vocalists and two rappers, and their experience was evident to Filipino fans.
The Mo n - be bes, their fandom’s name ( mon is French for “my” while bebes translate to “babies”), were treated to a repertoire of 14 songs and excerpts from three hits from girls groups, namely, G Friend’s “Me Gustas
Tu,” Red Velvet’s “Dumb Dumb” and TWICE’s “Cheer Up,” which won last Friday as the Song of the Year in the 2016 Mnet Asian Music Awards.
There were also games (charades and lie- detector tests) as well as high- five and photo opportunities for select fans.
Slowly but surely, Monsta X is living up to its name by conquering the K- pop scene. They have recently been included in high- profile festivals featuring Korean acts including the KCON in Abu Dhabi and Los Angeles early this year. They also top billed the recently concluded Busan One Asian Festival.
Young and mischievous, when they were in the Middle East in March, Hyungwon donned the traditional Arab garb and walked nonchalantly in a nearby mall, only to be noticed by a lucky Filipina fan who took photos with him.
In the press conference prior to the fan meet, Kihyun told
Business World that the Abu Dhabi stunt was a fun experience and that Monsta X hopes to “do it again” for their fans. The group hoped to bring home great memories of their Philippine experience back to Seoul. “We would like to remember the Manila as our most memorable trip outside Seoul since this will be our first fan meeting here,” IM said.
Filipino followers, meanwhile, found the fan meeting fun-filled and worth the investment. Pulp Live Entertainment ensured the VIP ticket holders were only a few meters from the stage and the relatively small venue allowed for close interaction between the artists and the audience. The boisterous crowd, however, made it nearly impossible to understand Monsta X and the rather inaccurate translation made it even more difficult.
But the performance more than made up for the minor shortcomings. Included in the lineup were “Trespass,” their debut song, “Steal Your Heart,” “Ex Girl,” and “Honestly.” There were several costume changes, which was just as well since the sweltering heat slightly affected the group’s routine. As a bonus, they donned onesies — cute overalls with various animal designs — to the spectators’ delight.
As mere K- pop sophomores, Monsta X still has many years ahead of them. The competition is tough and the group can never rest on its laurels. But Monsta X has already caught the attention of the industry and it will be up to them to show how fierce and famous they will become.