Another side of MONSTA X.. Shownu X Hyungwon, the most natural evolution of the first unit [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

The MONSTA X unit Shownu X Hyungwon made a dazzling return, wielding the solid experience of their 11th year and the genuine chemistry of close friends. From unintentional sensuality that precisely hit the delicate needs of the public and fandom, to their summer festival statements where they called each other "beast" and "prince of faces," the two, after about 2 years and 10 months, are ready to heat up this summer with deeper emotions and irreplaceable physicality.

Recently, we conducted a roundtable interview with Shownu X Hyungwon at Starship Entertainment's office in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, to celebrate the release of their second mini-album "LOVE ME."

Shownu X Hyungwon debuted as MONSTA X's first unit by releasing their first mini-album "THE UNSEEN" in July 2023. Now, returning with their second mini-album "LOVE ME" after about 2 years and 10 months, they express the emotion of love more delicately and three-dimensionally, filled with deeper emotions and authenticity.

The title track "Do You Love Me" is a song capturing the complex emotions of pushing and pulling each other while unsure of love. Shownu X Hyungwon's signature refreshing yet delicate vocals enhance the song's immersion. Especially, both members directly participated in production and choreography, completing a more authentic message and even more powerful performance.

Having worked together for over 11 years as MONSTA X, the chemistry of Shownu X Hyungwon was flawlessly perfect. Shownu said, "I think our chemistry has improved a bit compared to the previous work. Although I haven't directly compared it with the past, we have occasionally tuned our chemistry through consistent events and festivals for three years after releasing the first album, so I think we will show a much better harmony than before."

Hyungwon also expressed affection, saying, "When practicing with Shownu, even without speaking, when we wore the same shoes or came in the same clothes, I thought, 'Our tastes are becoming similar.' Our personalities were already similar, and it seems they are becoming even more so over time. Even if we don't intend it, I think this harmony will naturally come through on stage."

Although the two boast a perfect harmony that understands each other without words, their efforts to captivate the hearts of the public and fandom on stage remain ongoing. When asked about the image of Shownu X Hyungwon that fans want, Shownu honestly shared, "I am always curious and working on this part. All I can do is perform and sing, so it seems difficult to know how this will be perceived by the public. Therefore, I actively accept the company's opinions, including those from the marketing team, and aim to move in a direction that meets fans' needs."

In contrast, Hyungwon is finding answers through diverse attempts. He cited "refreshing" and "complete EDM" as genres he wants to challenge new. He said, "I think fans don't just like us because we are sexy or cute; they like us because 'we' can pull off such concepts," revealing his firm belief in MONBEBE. He continued, "We will show various materials within our capabilities, and leave the final judgment to the fans. We will keep what we do well, but musically, we will continue to try new things."

So, what is the true taste of MONBEBE that the two have grasped? Hyungwon smiled cheerfully, saying, "First of all, they like us because we are handsome." He sharply analyzed, "The sexy points that fans feel are very detailed. It's not just 'muscles!' but they seem to particularly like subtle parts like naturally flowing sweat or unintentional fingertips."

Upon this, Shownu candidly shared his experience, "We have tried to target (sensuality) a few times on stage, but it seems fans don't like overtly targeted actions much." Hyungwon agreed, saying, "Ultimately, unintentional naturalness is the most important."

When asked about the reaction of MONSTA X members to the new album's title track, Shownu coolly replied, "The feedback wasn't very good," making the scene full of laughter. He added, "It seems members generally don't prefer songs with strong hooks. Instead, the feedback on the self-composed song by Hyungwon was better."

In contrast, Hyungwon proudly spoke of the members' steady support. He said, "The members' overall tendency is not to express their feelings openly. They don't say 'You'll do well on your own, I believe in you,' but they showed steady support by coming to the music video filming site or sending coffee cars." He emphasized, "Especially, the members who saw the song and choreography said, 'It's exactly like Shownu X Hyungwon,' which meant we did the best and most stylish stage, and that gave us great strength."

Despite the members' cold appraisal, the two were clear in their confidence in the title track. Shownu explained, "I had a clear feeling about the title. We even considered making it a song by Hyungwon, but since the beat was good and the song was exciting, we decided after consulting with the company." Hyungwon also showed confidence, saying, "It's a beat and melody that we can show well performance-wise. For a unit, harmony is important, and this song fits perfectly in terms of part distribution."

The two also boast a special narrative within MONSTA X. Regarding their relationship, Shownu said, "It seems we are aging gracefully. As time passes, we become closer and gradually more like friends. When working on projects, the positive aspects far outweigh the difficulties. Our keywords are 'naturalness.'"

Hyungwon also expressed deep affection, saying, "If I had a lifelong friend, it would be Shownu. I think we will be friends who can sit together and drink beer even when we are white-haired grandfathers." He further revealed his long-term goal as an artist: "Currently, our music is strong in performance and limited to love stories, but as time passes, I want to create chapters with more diverse stories, such as our friendship."

Will other members feel jealous of the two being so immersed in unit activities? When Hyungwon joked, "Everyone seems uninterested," Shownu replied, "Although Hyungwon spends the most private time with me, there is a member we talk to a lot during schedules. I talk a lot about music with Jooheon, and when I ride in a car with Minhyuk, we chat until our voices get hoarse," hinting at the still strong and cheerful vibe of MONSTA X.

Ahead of the new album release, Shownu X Hyungwon shared their impressions of appearing on the YouTube content "Hyori's Watering Hole," run by Girls' Generation member Hyoyeon. Shownu said, "Thanks to Hyungwon's connections, we were able to appear to promote the unit." He added, "Especially, I was deeply impressed by Hyoyeon-nuna, who worked harder than necessary as a person. Inspired by her energy, I will work hard on this activity," expressing his gratitude.

Hyungwon also added his excited impressions, recalling the filming. He said, "There were many moments so fun that I wanted to run outside while filming. Thanks to that, my status as the number one in comedy code is solidified. Men are Shownu-nuna, women are Hyoyeon-sunbae. It was a deeply impressive shoot that will be remembered for a long time," proving the warm atmosphere on set.

The new album's performance also fully utilized the two's strength, physicality. When asked which artist they would like to film a new song challenge with, Hyungwon immediately named singer Rain (real name Jung Ji-hoon). Hyungwon said, "I really hope Sunbae Rain does it. I actually saw him at the gym, and his physicality was truly amazing. Since we also considered physicality when creating the choreography, it would be perfect if a senior with such perfect physicality does it," sending a love call.

The highlight that raised fans' expectations to the highest level was undoubtedly their plan to attack 'Waterbomb.' The two, who promised a fiery stage, solidified their resolve by picking the adjectives they wished to receive from each other.

Hyungwon joked, "I am putting all my effort into this Waterbomb," and added, "My personal goal is for Shownu-nuna to definitely get the title 'This is a beast' at Waterbomb. I think his body is really good, but I don't think he has yet shown a title that displays one shot. I hope these parts are highlighted through this stage." He continued, praising Shownu endlessly, "A body with such pride that no one would think, 'I want to be like that.'"

Shyly smiling at Hyungwon's unrestrained praise, Shownu replied, "Then Hyungwon is the 'Waterbomb Prince of Faces'," revealing the confidence of a perfect visual unit.

MONSTA X's second mini-album "LOVE ME" was released at 6 PM on the 21st through various online music sites.

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*This content was translated by AI.