MONSTA X has made their comeback with new album ‘The Phase’ on 4th September 2026, with the title track ‘MAGIC’. ‘The Phase’ is an album that most vividly captures MONSTA X’s present, while simultaneously opening the door to a new chapter. It showcases the solid foundation MONSTA X has built over the years through six tracks, each featuring diverse moods and emotions, demonstrating the group’s continued evolvution, willingness to experiment, and artistic expansion even in their 12th year since debut.
Having successfully wrapped up their first week of comeback with the release of the remix version of ‘MAGIC’, MONSTA X shared a Q&A regarding their latest album.
Q: How do you feel after completing your first week of music show promotions?
SHOWNU: We made a lot of new attempts musically and visually for this album, so we were curious about MONBEBE’s reactions. Seeing how much they enjoyed our music show stages made us feel proud, and it made us want to work even harder to show them great performances.
MINHYUK: It was so great to be able to meet MONBEBE up close on the music show stage after such a long time, and I think we performed with even more enthusiasm because they really put in so much effort for the fanchants. For this album, we strove to strike a balance between our existing colour and something new. Since we put so much thought into it, I hope MONBEBE and many others will enjoy listening to it.
KIHYUN: It feels like it was just yesterday that I was promoting my solo album, but time really flies. Comebacks are always nerve-wracking and exciting, but this time, we challenged ourselves in various way to show a different side of ourselves, so I think we are stepping onto the stage with even more excitement. We hope you enjoy watching and listening to the rest of our promotions.
HYUNGWON: While preparing for this album, I had many discussions with the members and thought deeply about how best to present these songs and performances. Since MONBEBE have loved and supported our stages so much, I think we are enjoying our promotions even more. We will continue to show you our best in the remaining stages!
JOOHONEY: It’s wonderful to be back with a new MONSTA X album after such a long time. This time, there were many things that started from thoughts like, “It would be fun to try something like this,” so we were really curious to see how MONBEBE would react. Seeing everyone enjoying the performances with us made me feel so proud and happy. We’ll draw strength from your enthusiastic support and give it our all until the very end of our promotions!
Q: From the teaser content to the stages, you showcased a concept that was quite different from the usual MONSTA X style. What message did you want to convey?
SHOWNU: We thought of this album as both a new challenge and a process that builds anticipation for what’s next. So, rather than the strong and distinct image we have shown in the past, we tried to keep people curious through simple yet unique elements. There’s also some wit in it, along with the emotions the members have built up over the years and our determination to keep moving forward. I think these elements were well-reflected in the concept photos and performances.
MINHYUK: There is likely a certain image that comes to mind when you think of ‘MONSTA X’, and we wanted to twist that a little. Rather than showing a completely different side, we tried to broaden our perspective in our own way so that people would think, “This is something we can look forward to in the future,” and I think that atmosphere has naturally blended into the album and the stages overall.
Q: What is the driving force or reason behind trying something new with every album?
KIHYUN: Above all, our biggest desire is to show a new side of ourselves every time to MONBEBE, who wait for us. The process of preparing the album itself is also becoming more fun as we think about what kind of songs to include. Also, we want to show more people that MONSTA X is not standing still, but is constantly on the move.
JOOHONEY: First of all, I think the members’ passion and drive really make a difference. Once the album starts taking shape, everyone quickly prepares their respective parts. Since we have been working together for such a long time, we know each other’s styles well, and I think we’ve also developed a better sense and greater experience when it comes to knowing which songs would fit best on which albums.
Q: This time, the members’ participation really stands out again. Is there anything specific that JOOHONEY and HYUNGWON paid special attention to in the parts they participated in directly?
JOOHONEY: First of all, for the title track ‘MAGIC’, I wanted to preserve MONSTA X’s colour while incorporating trendy elements and lyrics that really stand out. I am proud that the result turned out as satisfying as the effort we put into it. I also hope you enjoy my self-composed tracks ‘SURVIVOR’ and ‘Electric Heart’, which represent new musical experiments built upon MONSTA X’s unique vibe.
HYUNGWON: While working on ‘Sweet Night, Sweet Morning’, I spent a lot of time thinking about how the members should sing it and what kind of atmosphere they should convey. I also wanted to incorporate more of my own musical tastes into it. I feel a sense of pride in having created another self-composed song that I’m truly happy with, and I hope you’ll listen to it a lot.
Q: You’re currently on a world tour, and have received enthusiastic reactions at recent overseas performances. That must have been a huge source of strength leading up to your comeback.
KIHYUN: It was touching to receive such passionate cheers, even though it had been a while since we last performed there. Hearing so many fans sing along in Korean made me think, “This is why we have to keep standing on stage.” It also strengthened my resolve to keep challenging ourselves rather than standing still, all for the sake of the fans who have waited for us.
Q: Is there a goal you hope to achieve through this album?
HYUNGWON: While numerical achievements are great, above all, I hope our sincerity regarding music and performances can be felt. We want to show you that we are still striving to present new sides of ourselves. Through this album, we want to demonstrate that while we clearly have our own unique colour, we can continue to evolve even within that identity.
MINHYUK: I hope that people who listen to this album will think, “What are they going to do next?” Rather than simply focusing on the comeback and promotional activities, I think it would be incredibly meaningful if we could become a group whose next music people remain curious about, even 10 years from now. Also, I hope this is an album that makes MONBEBE feel that the time they spent waiting was truly worth it.
Q: Please say a few words to MONBEBE who have been waiting for your comeback.
SHOWNU: I have a strong desire to repay you with good music and performances, just as much as you have waited for us. Thank you so much for believing in and supporting us. We will work hard to make this promotional period a good memory for MONBEBE, so please enjoy it along with us.
MINHYUK: The more we promote, the more I realize just how powerful MONBEBE’s support is. The strength I drew from MONBEBE was a major driving force while preparing this album, so I hope to repay that love through this album and our activities!
KIHYUN: I hope that through this album, MONBEBE can look forward to the time spent waiting for us in the future. We will work even harder to become a group that keeps you curious about what’s next and makes you proud. Thank you always, and I love you!
HYUNGWON: As time goes by, I feel so grateful for and cherish the fact that MONBEBE is here to celebrate and rejoice in our comeback with us. We worked hard preparing this, while thinking about “what MONBEBE would want to see,” so I hope you like it. We will continue to repay you with good music and performances. I love you!
JOOHONEY: MONBEBE! We put a lot more thought and took on various new challenges for this album, so I hope you enjoy it. I also hope these promotions can bring strength to your daily lives once again. Since you have waited for us, we will continue to show you fun and amazing performances, so please enjoy them with us! I love you, MONBEBE!
Meanwhile, MONSTA X has also most recently announced their encore concert, 2026 MONSTA X WORLD TOUR [THE X : NEXUS] – ENCORE, which will take place at Inspire Arena on 21 and 22 November 2026.
Stream / Purchase MONSTA X – The Phase here: https://orcd.co/the_phase
Photo Credits: Starship Entertainment
