SHOWNU X HYUNGWON Become the People They’ve Always Loved With New Mini-Album, THE UNSEEN
From the start of their career, MONSTA X's journey has been about discovering the truths of love.
In their first release, TRESPASS, the K-pop sextet learned what it meant to be utterly enamored by someone on B-side "One Love." Traveling almost a decade later, the members began to question the root of our innate human desire for connection with their 12th EP, REASON. And today, MONSTA X's SHOWNU X HYUNGWON take one step further with their first mini-album, THE UNSEEN, as they fathom their ways of expressing affection and how they've ultimately become the person they love.
THE UNSEEN's lead single, "Love Me a Little," finds SHOWNU and HYUNGWON grappling between exposing their genuine selves and transforming into the people they pressured themselves to be. But, as the lyrics of "Love Therapy" and "Roll With Me" reveal, they can become their most earnest through their cherished relationships—especially the one they have with one another and their loyal fanbase, MONBEBE.
SHOWNU X HYUNGWON sat down with Sweety High to chat about THE UNSEEN, what to expect for their upcoming performance at KCON LA and, of course, their endearing bond with MONBEBE.
Sweety High: SHOWNU, it's your first comeback since enlisting in the military. How does it feel to be back? Did anything feel different?
SHOWNU: At first, I felt a little bit awkward and nervous performing in front of our fans after so long. We actually had our fan concert before our comeback, so it was a good start back to performing again. And practicing for it with the members was fun, too. I was really happy to meet MONBEBE and see everyone in person again.
(Image Courtesy of Starship Entertainment)
SH: While you've performed together as MONSTA X for almost a decade now, THE UNSEEN marks the first mini-album of SHOWNU and HYUNGWON and the first-ever sub-unit of the group. What was the experience like working together? Did you feel any pressure?
HYUNGWON: SHOWNU and I have very similar personalities, daily routines and love for performing, so working together was natural and comfortable for us. Working together as a unit instead of the whole team was a new experience, but we enjoyed it.
SHOWNU: There was some pressure because, unlike our MONSTA X songs, we don't have our rappers and other vocalists to complete different parts of the songs. We worked hard to create tracks and a performance that fit us well and to fill up each track with just our two voices.
Also read about: JUNNY Bids You to Climb Into His Sonic Universe on New Single, 'Invitation'
SH: How would you say this project relates to your broader stories—as individuals and as MONSTA X?
HYUNGWON: I think it's a new challenge and something different for us as well as our fans. We wanted to show a fresh side of ourselves, so we hope MONBEBE loves this album.
(Image Courtesy of Starship Entertainment)
SH: SHOWNU, can you take us through your process of choreographing "Love Me a Little?"
SHOWNU: I worked with our dance crew, FreeMind, for the choreography. We've worked together for MONSTA X's songs many times before, so it was exciting to collaborate again.
This time, I created the choreography first, and then I shared it with the crew. After that, we made revisions together to improve it.
SH: HYUNGWON, you've written many honest tracks across MONSTA X's discography. What is about your relationship with MONBEBE that makes it easy to shamelessly pour your heart out?
HYUNGWON: MONBEBE always shows me so much support and love that it makes it easy to be honest. I'm always so thankful that they enjoy my songs.
(Image Courtesy of Starship Entertainment)
Also read about: 8TURN Discuss Their First Comeback With Second Mini-Album, UNCHARTED DRIFT
SH: You're preparing for an appearance at KCON next month. What can fans expect from this performance? Did you try anything new?
SHOWNU: We're practicing and preparing a lot for our KCON performance. We're planning to show you our new performance from this album and a new version of MONSTA X's songs, so please look forward to it!
SH: Anything else you'd like to share?
HYUNGWON: This album is for you, MONBEBE—our only wish is that our music will make you happy, so we hope you enjoy THE UNSEEN.
SHOWNU: We have many performances coming up, so hope to see you soon, MONBEBE!
Curious about our other favorite K-pop stars? Read HERE to see what ARTMS' ODD EYE CIRCLE had to say about their first project in seven years, Version Up.