The last time MONSTA X landed in Chicago was in 2022 for their “No Limit Tour” – a tour that had been postponed twice due to COVID restrictions and was their first with five members rather than the full six, following Shownu’s military enlistment. Needless to say, the journey leading up to that tour was tumultuous and arrived at an uncertain time in the world. Now four years later, the group returned to their usual Chicago venue, Rosemont Theater, for “The X: Nexus World Tour,” and although they’re still down to five (with I.M. currently in the military), it might just be their most relaxed, confident, and dynamic performance in the city to date.

The group is currently in their 11th year together, and a lot has changed since they were those young, rebellious rookies looking to make their mark. Since then, they’ve only gotten better, stronger, and more sure of themselves than they’ve ever been – nothing proves that point more poignantly than their opening song, “DRAMARAMA.” In terms of MONSTA X’s history, this was the first title track to earn the group their first music show win in 2017, so it’s only fitting to start the show with a bona fide classic. With a venue filled to the brim with both new and returning fans, it’s clear their international fanbase is as steady and loyal as ever.

While “DRAMARAMA” served as a warm-up, their second performance, “Love Killa,” is when the heat is turned up a notch, and we start to see the members’ personalities shine through. Joohoney, in particular, was the first to drop the more serious persona for something more playful and cheeky, sending the crowd into a frenzy and setting the tone for the rest of the night. Although he’s essentially on double duty for this tour, covering both his and most of I.M.’s raps, there’s not a moment when he loses steam or drops his showman persona – if anything, he becomes the team’s morale of the night and initiates crowd engagement and participation like a conductor. 

The first set continues with “Rush Hour, “LONE RANGER,” and “Catch Me Now,” before moving to their first ment of the night to formally greet the audience. After the members’ individual introductions, Kihyun decides to walk down memory lane of MONSTA X’s long-term relationship with Chicago, noting each time they’ve toured here from 2017 to now. Even after nearly a decade, their turnout remains high and dedicated, with both new and returning fans showing their support. “We have MONBEBE who have been with us for a long time and MONBEBE who are seeing us for the first time all gathered here together,” Joohoney said in Korean, before complimenting their backstage interpreter on how well she translated his words into English.

The continuous outpouring of love is a testimony to the group’s longevity and reputation within the K-pop industry – they’ve never been one to underdeliver or fall short of expectations, especially with their live shows. From here, their set continued into a more mellow atmosphere with their English songs, “MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT,” “baby blue,” and “heal.” While MONSTA X is known for their intense performances and energetic tracks, their transition into sensual and emotional themes is seamless, refusing to be cornered into one category.

After a brief wardrobe change – shifting from black-and-white outfits to all-white – the group’s second set brings back the high-octane energy with “MAGIC,” “Do What I Want,” and “Tuscan Leather.” This is where MONSTA X truly begins to carry themselves differently, almost as if they’re untouchable, and not only do they know it, but they revel in it. It’s written all over their faces as they motion for the crowd to keep chanting, “One for the ‘M’, two for the ‘X’,” even after the song’s already ended. They don’t need to explain who they are or what they represent – their aura says it all.

The show goes on after the second ment for two more of the group’s English songs, “WHO DO U LOVE?” and “this!” before taking another break to prepare for the members’ solo stages. What’s so rewarding about watching MONSTA X grow over the years is seeing how their solo stages have evolved and become their own. During the group’s first few tours, the members would either perform covers for their solo and unit stages or perform a duet stage with one of MONSTA X’s previously released tracks. However, this is the first tour in which each member has his own solo or unit album of original music to showcase for this portion of the concert.

While Shownu and Hyungwon delivered separate sultry numbers from their sub-unit album, LOVE ME, with “Around & Go” and “NO AIR,” the pair came together for their duet track, “Breathe,” with sensual choreography that made it hard for the audience to do just that. From there, Kihyun turned the energy around with his alt-rock and dance track, “HOWLING,” presenting himself as much more mischievous and playful than we’ve seen in past tours. Comparatively, Minhyunk’s solo leans more on the indie-pop/modern rock route, providing a more relaxed, comforting atmosphere. And finally, Joohoney brings the fire with two of his latest solo tracks, “STING” (inspired by Muhammad Ali) and “Touch the Sky,” delivering hard-hitting raps and infectious charisma.

Once the group finally reunites on stage for their fourth set, it’s probably the one with the most back-to-back heavy hitters in their discography. After vibing with the crowd for B-sides “Autobahn” and “Burning Up,” fans are met with a triple combo of beloved MONSTA X title tracks with “Beautiful Liar,” Alligator,” and “Shoot Out.” These three arguably earned some of the loudest cheers and were definitely a highlight of the night.

With one last wardrobe change of the night, it was finally time for the encore stages and some of MONSTA X’s most charming performances. Trading in their meticulously detailed stage outfits for their simple tour T-shirts and jeans, the group spent these last few songs engaging with the crowd and ensuring they finished on a high note. Out of all their tours so far, this might’ve been their strongest encore stage yet, kicking off with dance-influenced B-sides like “Oh My!” before continuing on with not one, but two helpings of “Rodeo.” This isn’t just the group bringing the show to a close – it’s one last victory lap for a night well-spent.

After one last ment, thanking and showing appreciation for the fans, “The Nexus Tour” in Chicago officially comes to an end with “growing pains,” a sentimental song about a coming-of-age story that perfectly dovetails into their evolution from K-pop novices to full-fledged idols who can stand on their own both together and apart. While each tour has revealed more of the members’ onstage sensibilities and talents, MONSTA X has never felt more at home, at peace, and in tune with themselves than they are now, and it’s an honor to see it all unfold in real-time.