MONSTA X: A Decade of Power, A New Era Begins with NOW PROJECT vol.1

MONSTA X is more than just a K-pop group; they’re a force.

Debuting under Starship Entertainment on May 14, 2015, with the track “Trespass,” the six-member group quickly carved their name into the K-pop scene. With a sound that blends hard-hitting rap, infectious vocals, and intense stage presence, MONSTA X stands out as one of the industry’s most dynamic groups. The members—Shownu, Wonho, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Jooheon, and I.M—have become icons in their own right, known for their versatility, boundary-pushing concepts, and global reach. Their fanbase, known as “Monbebe,” has grown alongside them, creating a massive international following.

Now, 10 years later -- and the departure of Wonho following false accusations, MONSTA X continues as a six-member group to effortlessly push limits, redefine their sound, and prove that their story is far from over.

MONSTA X is celebrating 10 years of dominance, and with the drop of NOW PROJECT vol.1, they’re not just marking a decade—they’re declaring a new era. This isn’t your typical anniversary release. NOW PROJECT vol.1 is a seismic shift, a bold move that defines who MONSTA X is in this exact moment, while signaling that they’re not just looking back at the past, but rewriting it. It’s an album that doesn’t just revisit past hits—it reintroduces them, reimagines them, and restores the complete MONSTA X sound.

Unlike any of their previous compilations or retrospectives, NOW PROJECT vol.1 is about the now. The title says it all: NOW. It’s not a look back—it’s a look at where they are right now, as six members, together again, united and stronger than ever. And the wordplay? It’s genius. When you flip “NOW,” you get “MON,” a direct nod to the group's very name, symbolizing their identity, their legacy, and their unbreakable bond. This release is MONSTA X in its truest form, and it's making sure that fans, old and new, feel the weight of what this means.

What makes NOW PROJECT vol.1 so groundbreaking is the way it reinterprets the group’s sound. For the first time, 10 standout tracks from 2021 through 2023—songs like “Rush Hour,” “LOVE,” “Beautiful Liar,” “IT’S ALRIGHT,” “DENY,” and “LOVE FOREVER”—have been re-recorded by the full group. During the initial releases, some members were absent, serving their mandatory military duties, leaving a gap in the perfect synergy that MONSTA X is known for. Now, with all six members in the studio together, every note on this album pulses with their complete, undivided energy. This is MONSTA X, as it was always meant to be.

The songs themselves offer more than just catchy beats—they're a reflection of where the group has been, but also a snapshot of where they’re heading. From the explosive energy of tracks like “Rush Hour” to the vulnerable emotional depth of “IT’S ALRIGHT,” every song feels like a statement. NOW PROJECT vol.1 is about showing the world that MONSTA X is not stuck in the past, but instead is using their legacy as a springboard to something even more electrifying.

ut it’s not just about the music. NOW PROJECT vol.1 is a cultural moment. It’s a declaration that MONSTA X isn’t just a K-pop group—they are an international force, redefining what it means to be global artists. They’ve never been ones to shy away from challenges or from pushing their boundaries, and this project is no different. It’s a testament to their growth, their adaptability, and their deep connection with their fans, Monbebe, who’ve been with them every step of the way.

And, perhaps most importantly, this project represents the future of MONSTA X. It’s the culmination of everything they’ve accomplished, but it’s also a declaration of intent. Their story isn’t over. It’s just beginning. NOW PROJECT vol.1 is only the first chapter in what’s sure to be a new, electrifying phase for MONSTA X.