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MONSTA X's Shownu and Hyungwon return after 2 years with their album 'LOVE ME,' showcasing their growth and new musical direction.

MONSTA X's Shownu and Hyungwon return after 2 years with their album 'LOVE ME,' showcasing their growth and new musical direction.

May/23/2026 11:22

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MONSTA X's tall line, known for their outstanding style and called 'Munchakuz' (meaning their bodies are as big as doors), Shownu and Hyungwon have returned after 2 years and 10 months. Meeting before the release of their 2nd mini-album 'LOVE ME,' the two couldn't hide their excitement for their long-awaited comeback, while also showcasing their unique, calm, and amusing talk. The new album 'LOVE ME' incorporates the refined mood they possess and a deeper flow of emotions. The title track 'Do You Love Me' unravels the intricacies of love with rhythmic drums and brass sounds. Each of them boasts a solid position within the unit; Shownu stated, 'Hyungwon's position in the unit is visual, and my position is below the face,' adding, 'I am responsible for the physical aspect. From another perspective, Hyungwon is in charge of composing, and I am in charge of performing,' which made everyone laugh. Given their roles in visuals and physicality, they did not neglect to refine their appearances. Hyungwon shared, 'I worked hard on my diet, losing about 5 kg at one point, but I felt that if I only focused on dieting, I might lose the nickname 'Munchakuz,' so I also tried to keep my body big.' Shownu added, 'We always work hard on our bodies.' Since their debut in 2015, MONSTA X has spent over 10 years together. However, this unit activity has become a new place for 'sympathy' for the two. While MONSTA X's activities radiated explosive energy, the keywords for this unit are 'moderation' and 'line.' Shownu remarked, 'A lot of time has passed since our debut, but I think there hasn't been as much emotional exchange with the members as there has been now.' He shyly confessed, 'The emotional connection I shared with Hyungwon while filming a music video was greater than in the past 10 years. We made eye contact a lot.' In response, Hyungwon stated, 'While MONSTA X mainly showcased explosive performances, this unit focuses on pair choreography and beautifully displaying body lines.' He expressed confidence that through the music video and stage, they would show true adult sexy beauty. The motivation to prepare for the unit album while on a global world tour was, of course, the fans. Hyungwon said, 'During my time in the military, I truly felt how painful it is to wait for someone,' and added, 'I prepared everything I had warmed up during the time I couldn't be in front of them, to show those who waited for me.' As they make a fierce comeback to the music scene, they have also felt a lot from the activities of their juniors. Shownu noted, 'When I watched music programs after a long time, the people who are active now are literally flying around,' but he firmly stated, 'I don't see it as a wall. We have to walk our own path.' On the other hand, Hyungwon candidly admitted that there are teams that feel a 'wall,' drawing attention. He praised NCT WISH, saying, 'Their stage was so wonderful that I thought I could never do it; the atmosphere was too refreshing,' and he did not hold back on his admiration. When asked about the members' reactions to the new album, Shownu calmly replied, 'The members' reactions weren't overwhelmingly positive,' and Hyungwon chimed in, 'The members are too honest; they don't say things without putting their souls into it,' which elicited laughter. Despite the calm reactions from the members, the goals for this activity were solid for the two. That is the 'third album' of the unit. They both expressed, 'If the response is good this time, we can release the third album. We would be happy if fans remember us as a unit that brings unexpected joy, not the same as always.'

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