Meet I.M from Monsta X: the unwanted competitor who became a global K-pop leader
- When I.M first met Monsta X, he was a late entry in the Korean TV talent series No.Mercy that led to the group’s creation
- Now he is the lead rapper and the voice of the band, especially when they have to speak English
Sometimes life brings us the most unexpected people as friends. When it comes to K-pop star I.M and his eventual boy band Monsta X, it first seemed unlikely that he would fit in with the group. Yet, the star not only came to be became adored by his bandmates, but ended up as an important voice for the group.
Find out how I.M grew from an unexpected rival into an international K-pop leader.
His early life
Im Chang-kyun was born in South Korean city of Gwangju in January 1996. I.M, his elder brother and parents lived in different countries including the US and Israel as his scientist father changed jobs. His time overseas helped him become fluent in English.
While a young Chang-kyun once considered pursuing science or education like his father, he began his K-pop journey as a teenager. Known by his given name Changkyun, he was first selected as a member of the five-member boy band Nu’Bility, formed by a company named Special K Entertainment. While they held different events, performances and uploaded content throughout 2013 and 2014, Nu’Bility never officially made their debut and little is known about what happened to the group.
