The air crackled with profound emotion at Seoul’s KSPO DOME as MONSTA X I.M delivered a breathtakingly vulnerable farewell during the group’s new world tour, ‘THE X : NEXUS’. With his military enlistment just eight days away, I.M shared a deeply personal moment that left Monbebe (MONSTA X’s cherished fans) with an unforgettable memory.
A Heartfelt Confession and Unwavering Dedication 💘
Taking to the stage on February 1st, I.M, whose full name is Changkyun, openly discussed his health struggles. “Truthfully, my back isn’t in the best condition. I could have performed sitting down,” he admitted. Yet, his dedication to Monbebe shone through. “But this is my last performance before I enlist, so I absolutely couldn’t do that. Honestly, after the first day, I wondered, ‘How can I keep going?’ but I just kept pushing, and somehow, I managed. The power of love truly is incredible.”
He continued, reflecting on past breaks: “I took a hiatus from activities twice in 2025. But I didn’t actually rest. I was continuously doing something, and the reason I could do all that was the thought, ‘Monbebe will love this.’” This unwavering commitment paints a beautiful picture of the narrative between I.M and his fans.
The Poignant Onstage Transformation 🥺
In a moment that brought tears to many eyes, I.M announced his temporary departure from the group’s activities. “I’m momentarily stepping away from my vibrant life as MONSTA X to fulfill my military service. Since I have my hyungs and Monbebe by my side, I’m going to shave my head right here,” he declared, proceeding with an on-stage head shave that symbolized his commitment and his emotional readiness to serve.
This powerful act, performed live, wasn’t just a practical step; it was a deeply personal gesture of respect and affection for his fellow members — Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, and Joohoney — and for every single Monbebe present, solidifying the emotional connection that defines MONSTA X.
MONSTA X’s Enduring Journey 🎭
Despite this temporary farewell, MONSTA X continues to enthrall fans globally. The group released their new digital single ‘Baby Blue’ last November, showcasing their continuous artistic growth and dedication to their craft. The bond forged between the members and Monbebe remains unbroken, promising a heartfelt reunion.
This moment transcended a typical concert; it was a profound act of connection, showing the depth of the bond between I.M and Monbebe. His sincerity resonated, etching a truly unforgettable chapter into MONSTA X’s beautiful narrative.
Editor: Hana Lee 🎬
