K-pop group MONSTA X delivered both powerful performances and heartfelt words of gratitude at the Golden Disc Awards, thanking their fandom Monbebe for standing by them for more than a decade.
On January 10, MONSTA X took home the Best Group award at the 40th Golden Disc Awards, held at Taipei Dome in Taiwan. The honor, presented to artists who demonstrate exceptional teamwork and musical achievement, marked a meaningful milestone in the group’s long-running career.
A Performance That Showcased a Decade of Growth
MONSTA X turned the ceremony into a showcase of their evolution and stage mastery. The night opened with Jooheon unveiling the first-ever award-show performance of “STING (feat. Muhammad Ali)”, the title track from his recently released second solo album. His intense rap delivery and commanding presence immediately set the tone.
The performance continued with leader Shownu delivering a fluid solo dance break, followed by a tightly synchronized unit stage featuring Minhyuk, Kihyun, and Hyungwon.
MONSTA X then launched into full-group stages of “N the Front,” the title track from their 10th-anniversary album, and the pre-release single “Do What I Want,” closing the performance with explosive energy and unwavering live vocals.
“Everything Is Thanks to Monbebe”
Appearing as five members due to I.M preparing for enlistment, the group used their acceptance speech to express gratitude and unity. Shownu encouraged fans to support Jooheon’s solo activities, while also sending love to I.M., who was unable to attend.
True to their reputation for sincerity, MONSTA X placed their fans at the center of the moment. Kihyun shared a particularly moving message:
“We’re now entering our 12th year since debut. The reason we can still receive so much love after all this time is entirely because of Monbebe. We’re grateful not only to those who are with us now, but also to everyone who has supported us along the way. We truly love you.”
Following the ceremony, the group released an additional statement through their agency, reflecting on the award’s significance:
“The Golden Disc Awards hold so many memories for both us and Monbebe. Attending the 40th anniversary was already meaningful, and receiving the Best Group award makes it even more special. Everything we’ve achieved is thanks to the fans who stayed with us.”
Looking Ahead to a New Era
MONSTA X’s momentum continues into 2026. In 2025, they celebrated their 10th anniversary with the album “THE X,” which charted on the Billboard 200, and later released the U.S. digital single “baby blue,” expanding their musical range.
Their global presence was further solidified with appearances at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour, including a performance at New York’s Madison Square Garden, alongside coverage from international outlets such as Rolling Stone and Billboard.
With Jooheon actively promoting as a solo artist and the group preparing to embark on a new world tour, MONSTA X is entering their next chapter with renewed energy.
A Message That Resonates Beyond the Stage
MONSTA X will officially kick off their world tour “THE X : NEXUS” with Seoul concerts at KSPO DOME from January 30 to February 1, marking the start of another global journey.
As they stood on stage at the Golden Disc Awards, one message rang clear above all else—MONSTA X’s decade-long story is inseparable from Monbebe. And as they move forward, the bond between artist and fandom remains stronger than ever.
Editor’s Insight
MONSTA X’s triumph at the 40th Golden Disc Awards is more than just a trophy win; it is a definitive statement on “Idol Longevity” in the 4th and 5th generation era. By securing the Best Group award in their 12th year, MONSTA X has established a Topical Authority as the industry’s “Standard for Consistency.” In an industry often obsessed with the “next big thing,” this win at the Taipei Dome reinforces the narrative that “Mature Idol Power”—characterized by vocal stability and high-octane performance—remains a dominant force in the global market.
From a strategic perspective, the group’s performance structure—blending Jooheon’s solo “STING” with full-group 10th-anniversary tracks—is a masterclass in “Brand Diversification.” It signals to the industry that MONSTA X can successfully pivot between individual artistic identities and a unified group “Nexus.” Even with I.M’s absence due to enlistment preparations, the group’s ability to fill the stage at a massive venue like Taipei Dome proves their “Operational Resilience.”
As they prepare for the “THE X : NEXUS” World Tour starting at the KSPO Dome, MONSTA X is leveraging their “Global Veteran” status. Their recent Billboard 200 success with THE X and high-profile U.S. appearances like the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball have created a “Second Peak” phenomenon. For MONSTA X, 2026 isn’t about maintaining their position; it’s about expanding their “Nexus”—proving that a decade of sincere communication with Monbebe is the most powerful marketing tool a K-pop act can possess.
Do you think MONSTA X’s ability to chart on the Billboard 200 so late in their career is a sign that “Senior Idols” are finally breaking the age barrier in Western pop music?