MONSTA X Celebrates 10th Anniversary With Full-Group Comeback Album ‘NOW PROJECT vol.1’
K-pop powerhouse MONSTA X is making a highly anticipated return just in time for their 10th debut anniversary, marking the special milestone with the release of their digital album, NOW PROJECT vol.1, on June 14. This is the group’s first full-group comeback album since their 2021 mini-album One Of A Kind.
The project follows the completion of military service by members, including leader Shownu and the recently discharged Hyungwon. With their return, MONSTA X reunites as a six-member ensemble, fulfilling fans’ long-awaited desire for a true ‘full group’ moment.
Fresh But Familiar: MONSTA X’s Voice in the Present Tense
NOW PROJECT vol.1 features 10 total tracks selected from songs originally released between 2021 and 2023. What differentiates this album is its emotional depth – the tracks are reinterpreted with the matured vocals of the members and, for the first time, Shownu’s voice integrated into the compositions he missed due to military service.
Fan-favorite hits like “Rush Hour”, “LOVE”, and “Beautiful Liar” headline the album, offering a fresh sonic twist while honoring their original forms. Beyond music, the album captures MONSTA X’s dedication to their artistic evolution and presence in the now – in the studio, on stage, and in the hearts of Monbebe worldwide.
Artist-Driven to the Core
Known for their hands-on approach to music, MONSTA X has reimagined previously self-produced songs for NOW PROJECT vol.1. Each track showcases members’ input in composition, lyrics, and arrangement, further deepening the emotional resonance of the album and asserting their status as true ‘self-made idols’.
Musical diversity is key: from disco-funk energy to piano-led ballads, the tracks span a wide array of genres with updated vocals and instrumentation, providing both longtime fans and new listeners a revitalized listening experience.
More Than a Retrospective: A New K-pop Chapter Begins
As the title suggests, NOW PROJECT vol.1 isn’t just a nod to the past – it’s a launchpad pointing toward MONSTA X’s future. In the lead-up, members actively teased their return with dynamic appearances, including the fan-favorite content series “몬 먹어도 고”.
Notably, member Jooheon, widely regarded as the group’s musical compass, hinted exciting things ahead during a recent fan event by stating, “I’ve created the weapons MONSTA X needs for its next phase in K-pop domination.”
To commemorate their 10-year journey, MONSTA X will host a special live broadcast on YouTube following the album release, sharing real-time moments with their global fans and expressing gratitude for the decade-long journey.
NOW PROJECT vol.1 is more than an album; it’s a declaration that MONSTA X is stronger, bolder, and ready to chart a new course in the ever-evolving K-pop landscape.