Half of Monsta X members renew contracts with agency

Boy band Monsta X [STARSHIP ENTERTAINMENT]

Three of the six Monsta X members have renewed their contracts with the band's agency, said Starship Entertainment on Monday.

"Members Shownu, Kihyun and Hyungwon have all renewed their contracts, and we promise to continue to support them with faith and trust," the agency said in a statement.

Regarding the other three band members — Minhyuk, I.M and Joohoney — the agency said it is still in talks with them.

"We are carrying out in-depth discussions to find out what the best direction is for both the group and the members."

Monsta X debuted in 2015 with the EP "Trespass" (2015). The band was formed through Starship and Mnet’s music survival program “No.Mercy” (2014-15). Monsta X is known for songs like “Who Do U Love?” (2019), “Love Killa” (2020) and “You Problem” (2021). The band is also slated for a world tour titled “2022 Monsta X No Limit US Tour” starting May 21 in New York.

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]