심선아
| 2026-05-21 07:00:06
Monsta X unit-interview
Monsta X's Shownu X Hyungwon explores many shades of love in 'Love Me'
By Shim Sun-ah
SEOUL, May 21 (Yonhap) -- Shownu X Hyungwon, a unit of veteran K-pop boy group Monsta X, has returned with its second EP, "Love Me." The album delivers a deeper emotional resonance, shaped by the multifaceted nature of love and the unit's veteran presence.
Formed in 2023 as the first unit to emerge from the six-piece group, it previously established a distinctive identity through its debut EP, "The Unseen," showcasing refined music and sophisticated dance.
"Love Me," due out at 6 p.m. on Thursday, marks the unit's first project in two years and 10 months.
"I feel somewhat sorry to the fans because it took a long time for us to return with an album," Shownu said Tuesday during a group media interview. "But we prepared diligently, so please enjoy it."
Hyungwon explained that the delay was due to prioritizing a full group project before the group's youngest member, I.M, enlisted in the military. Once that milestone passed, the timing felt just right to bring the unit back, he said.
The members described the long-awaited release as a carefully crafted project that explores both the light and dark sides of romance.
"We captured the emotions of love that change as time passes," Shownu noted.
The seven-track album includes the lead track "Do You Love Me," which depicts a precarious emotional tug-of-war to get answers without certainty in love; the unexpectedly refreshing "Superstitious," which sensuously portrays the moment of falling in love; and solo tracks "Around & Go" and "No Air."
Hyungwon explained his solo track, "No Air," expresses the feeling of being so hurt and exhausted "when thinking of someone that you can't even breathe." Shownu said his solo piece "Around & Go" deals with the exhaustion of being trapped in an addictive romance, constantly hurt and manipulated yet unable to break free.
The selection of the main track required careful discussion with its label, Starship Entertainment. While both members hold a strong affection for "Superstitious," written by Hyungwon, and initially pushed for it to show a new musical direction, the team ultimately agreed on "Do You Love Me."
"The agency suggested that since we had a long hiatus, we should go with what we do best -- our dance," Hyungwon said. "We agreed with that opinion. As long as people think it's a good song when they hear it, I'm satisfied."
When asked about competing with younger artists, the duo pointed to their mature charm that comes from experience.
"There are many younger artists who are technically excellent, but our unique weapon is an aura that can fill the stage just by standing there," Shownu emphasized.
Hyungwon agreed, noting that their growth over the years is evident in how they perform. "In the beginning, we performed with a power level of 100, but now we've learned how to pace ourselves and control our strength in our own way," he said.
Having recently celebrated Monsta X's 11th anniversary, the members reflected on the group's enduring bond and their journey from their 20s into their 30s together.
"It feels like if I had real brothers, this is what it would be like. They are definitely closer to me than my parents in some ways," Shownu said, attributing the group's longevity to a mix of luck, individual effort, diverse personalities of members, and unwavering support from fans and the label.
As the unit moves forward with "Love Me," its goals remain focused on enduring appeal rather than short-term achievements.
"Since our last album was loved for such a long time, our goal is for this new release to be an album that is still loved five years from now," Shownu said.
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