MONSTA X Dominates Global Charts With Re-recorded Album Amid Hiatus

Global K-pop sensation MONSTA X — comprised of members Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M — has made a powerful return to the top of worldwide music charts with their re-recorded digital album.

Released on June 14, NOW PROJECT vol.1 features re-recorded versions of previously released tracks, this time showcasing the group’s complete six-member lineup. Despite being a re-recording album with no new songs, MONSTA X swept the iTunes Top K-pop Music Albums Chart, securing the No.1 spot in eight countries, including the United States, France, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Austria, Colombia, and Malaysia by June 16, 10 a.m. KST.

The album charted in the Top 10 across a total of 18 countries on the iTunes K-pop charts and reached 12th on the Worldwide iTunes Albums Chart and 17th on the U.S. iTunes Albums Chart.

Chart power extended to individual songs as well. In Colombia, the track “Autobahn” hit No.1, while “Rush Hour” followed at No.8. All eight featured tracks entered the local chart, collectively flooding the rankings. Similarly, in Turkey, all ten songs from the album placed within the Top 26.

The album’s influence spanned multiple regions: In Peru, “LOVE FOREVER” topped the chart, with “IT’S ALRIGHT” at No.4, “LOVE” at No.5, and “Rush Hour” at No.6. In Argentina, “Mercy” landed at No.2; in Mexico, “Autobahn” ranked No.3; and in Türkiye, “Lone Ranger” hit No.3. Even in the Netherlands, “IT’S ALRIGHT” landed at No.3 and “Lone Ranger” at No.4 — demonstrating MONSTA X’s truly global fanbase.

Released on the group’s 10th debut anniversary, NOW PROJECT vol.1 is a deeply meaningful album that reimagines songs released during the period when Shownu was on military service (2021-2023). Tracks like “Rush Hour,” “Love,” “Beautiful Liar,” “Autobahn,” “Ride with U,” “Mercy,” “LOVE FOREVER,” “Lone Ranger,” “Deny,” and “IT’S ALRIGHT” not only reflect MONSTA X’s evolving sonic identity but also feature lyrics, compositions, and arrangements crafted by the members themselves.

Looking ahead, MONSTA X is set to reunite for a massive full-unit concert, ‘2025 MONSTA X CONNECT X’, from July 18 to 20 at Seoul Olympic Park KSPO Dome.

The staggering success of NOW PROJECT vol.1 proves that even during hiatus, MONSTA X remains a powerful force in the global music scene.