Monsta X
Comeback
: It’s an unusual situation for a team to maintain domestic interest after Shownu’s enlistment. It seems like they’ve managed to attract a steady stream of adult women among the older fans who are tired of the trolls and competitive tensions from the larger companies. They have an image that’s more like genuine tough guys rather than the usual “bad boy” concept, and now they’re appealing to the so-called “Han-nyeo” (derogatory term for Korean women) who might like the likes of a sweet, young Choi Min-soo when it comes to how they treat their women. Their appeal as a physical group has weakened, and their determination to showcase a hip-hop vibe or performance has also lessened, but their position seems to be solidifying, supported by a fanbase that is growing outside of the stage. As a result, their latest album sold 160,000 copies on the first day. Considering that the initial sales for the “Love Killa” album were also 160,000 copies and the previous album hit 280,000 copies, it seems they still have some momentum left.