Monsta X to begin work on new music after contract talks, with I.M quitting their label but still part of the K-pop group. ‘I love you,’ he tells fans

Five of K-pop group’s members have signed new contracts with music label Starship Entertainment. I.M hasn’t but tells fans ‘Monsta X will be six, like always’

Monsta X made their debut in 2015 and released their 11th Korean-language mini album, Shape of Love, in April. They also sing in Japanese and English

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K-pop band Monsta X are ready to make new music again following contract talks with their label. Photo: Starship Entertainment

Published: 9:45am, 10 Aug 2022

Monsta X’s music label Starship Entertainment has revealed, after months of rumours, future plans for the K-pop boy band.

Monsta X were formed as a seven-member group through a televised competition show in 2014. They will continue to make music in their current six-member line-up – one member left in 2019.

The label announced this week on the group’s official website: “Starship Entertainment recently renewed contracts with five of our agency artist Monsta X’s members Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon and Jooheon.

“As all six members still have unchanging affection for Monsta X and [their fans] Monbebe, we have come to a mutual agreement for I.M to continue [with other members] for future group activities.

Monsta X were formed as a seven-member group through a televised competition show. Photo: Starship Entertainment

“We have had sincere discussions with I.M, but our exclusive contract with him will unfortunately come to an end,” the statement from Starship continues. “We express deep gratitude for I.M’s hard work, efforts, and devotion over the years. We will cheer on and support I.M’s future activities and his new path.”

There had previously been reports that some members of Monsta X, including rapper I.M, were in talks with Starship about new contracts, while others had already agreed to renew with the entertainment company.