Monsta X delays release of upcoming album after Shownu gets injured

[STARSHIP ENTERTAINMENT]

Boy band Monsta X is postponing its release of a new album due to an injury sustained by member Shownu.

“In the middle of dance training for the upcoming new release, Shownu had back aches and underwent testing at a local clinic,” the group’s agency Starship Entertainment said in a statement released Monday. “He was told by a doctor that he should suspend all intense sports activities and receive treatment [for his back].”

The scheduled release date for the group’s new album “Fantasia X,” on May 11, will be moved to May 26.

“The doctor said that Shownu will need more time to recuperate,” the agency said. “We will update the fans about when and how we will release more information and content related to the new album.”

The album will be the group’s first new release locally in seven months.

The band’s full-length American album “All About Luv” landed at fifth on the Billboard 200 albums chart in January, becoming the third K-pop act to chart on the Billboard 200 albums chart, after BTS and SuperM.

BY ESTHER CHUNG [chung.juhee@joongang.co.kr]