The Deep Dive: Top 10 MONSTA X Songs That Defined Their Career
<p><em>Anthea Isaac traces the iconic milestones that shaped MONSTA X’s decade-long reign.</em></p>
by Anthea Isaac
Photo credit: Starship.
MONSTA X, the global powerhouse, is back in the spotlight following their milestone 10th debut anniversary. From setting the stage ablaze with electrifying performances to delivering anthems that defined an era, the sextet has left an indelible mark on the industry. As fans reminisce about their journey—every triumph, heartbreak, and moment of resilience—we await the day they reunite on stage.
In celebration of ten years of passion and perseverance, KPOPWORLD presents MONSTA X’s top 10 career-defining songs that shaped their legacy.
“Trespass”
MONSTA X’s explosive debut single, “Trespass,” set the tone for their fierce and unapologetic presence in K-pop. Released on May 14, 2015, as the title track of their first EP, the song introduced the world to their signature intensity. For fans who followed them through No Mercy, it was a moment of validation; for newcomers, it was a wake-up call—a relentless demand for attention.
Penned by Mad Clown, the track dares listeners to take notice. The chorus—“Knock knock, let’s go in, you must be startled, I’m quickly going in, trespassing”—is more than a hook; it’s a mission statement. Joohoney’s verse, “I’m different from those pretty boys over there… I’m gonna be rude and enter your heart,” reinforced their bold ambition to stand out.
Visually, the music video—set against a gritty prison backdrop—presents the group as defiant protagonists refusing to be restrained. “Trespass” didn’t just make an impression—it established MONSTA X’s core identity: boundary-pushing, unfiltered, and impossible to ignore.
Next came the track that would elevate that foundation into a full-blown performance statement.
“Hero”
“Hero” was a defining moment in MONSTA X’s early career, further cementing their identity as a powerhouse group. Released in 2015 as part of their second EP Rush, the song fused intense rap with dynamic vocals and thunderous beats.
Lyrically, it positions the members as protectors—confident and unafraid—while its bold energy resonated deeply with fans. The rooftop version of the music video, stripped of elaborate sets, placed the spotlight firmly on their performance. Their sharp choreography and commanding stage presence proved they didn’t need flashy visuals to captivate.
“Hero” quickly became a fan favourite and one of their most iconic tracks, helping to expand their international recognition and solidifying MONSTA X’s rising reputation.
But just as they were perfecting their signature sound, MONSTA X took a leap into deeper storytelling.
“All In”
A pivotal chapter in The Clan trilogy, “All In” unveiled a dystopian narrative rooted in rebellion, sacrifice, and brotherhood. Released in 2016 as part of The Clan Pt. 1 Lost, the track introduced a more cinematic, concept-driven direction for the group.
The MV follows the members navigating an oppressive system, reinforcing themes of loyalty and resistance. The recurring image of a blue liquid—interpreted as a symbol of healing, unity, or defiance—underscores the story’s emotional core. “All In” marked a turning point in MONSTA X’s discography, highlighting their commitment to layered narratives and elevating their artistry beyond performance alone.
That visual ambition found its full flourish in the trilogy’s dramatic finale.
“Beautiful”
“Beautiful,” the title track of The Clan Pt. 2.5: The Final Chapter, served as the trilogy’s grand conclusion. Visually striking and sonically rich, the MV features the members in sleek suits, performing one of their most polished choreographies to date. The coat-tossing dance break became an instant classic, amplifying their stage presence.
The lyrics—co-written by Joohoney and I.M—channel intense longing and allure: “You’re so beautiful, I can’t take my eyes off you.” With its sophisticated delivery and refined aesthetic, “Beautiful” captured the group’s maturing artistry and captivated a broader audience.
With a refined image and growing fanbase, MONSTA X soon claimed their first major win.
“Dramarama”
Released on November 7, 2017, “Dramarama” was a career milestone that earned MONSTA X their first-ever music show win. As the title track of The Code EP, it introduced a compelling time-travel concept that wove themes of fate, sacrifice, and second chances into its MV.
Hyungwon’s role as the master time-traveller added narrative weight, while the funk-infused bassline and hypnotic rhythm made it one of their most addictive tracks. The choreography—sharp, bold, and theatrical—further reinforced their reputation for delivering high-concept, high-impact performances.
Now fully ascended, they unleashed one of the darkest, most intense eras of their career.
“Shoot Out”
“Shoot Out,” released on October 22, 2018, as the title track of their second studio album Take.1: Are You There?, was a game-changer. Blending trap, rock, and deep bass, it raised the bar for intensity in their discography.
The MV leaned into darker aesthetics, with members embodying the Seven Deadly Sins—symbolising inner conflict and desire. With visuals featuring chains, tarot cards, and cages, the atmosphere was heavy with temptation and survival.
“Shoot Out” also marked a significant moment internationally. MONSTA X became the first K-pop group to perform at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour, sharing the stage with acts like The Chainsmokers and Halsey. It’s since become one of their most-viewed MVs and a defining pillar in their global breakout.
Still, their next release would test their unity more than ever before.
“Follow”
Released on October 28, 2019, as the title track of Follow: Find You, “Follow” blended EDM breakdowns and moombahton beats with traditional Korean elements, including hanbok-inspired outfits and the taepyeongso.
Just days later, on October 31, Wonho departed from the group. Despite the emotional upheaval, MONSTA X pressed forward with promotions, demonstrating incredible strength and unity. “Follow” came to symbolise their resilience—proof that they could weather any storm and emerge stronger.
Then came their biggest bet yet: a full leap into Western markets.
“Who Do U Love?”
“Who Do U Love?” marked MONSTA X’s bold step into the Western market. Released on June 14, 2019, as the first single from their English-language album All About Luv, the song featured French Montana and delivered a sleek, R&B-influenced sound.
Its smooth basslines and shimmering synths made it a perfect fit for Western radio—and it paid off. The song charted on Billboard’s Mainstream Top 40 Airplay, a rare feat for a K-pop act. With the release of All About Luv on Valentine’s Day 2020, MONSTA X became the first K-pop group to drop a fully English album, proving their versatility and cementing their place on the global stage.
With confidence sharpened and their artistry expanding, MONSTA X entered a new era of danger and allure.
“Love Killa”
“Love Killa,” released on November 2, 2020, as the title track of their third Korean-language studio album Fatal Love, was a bold, sultry pivot. Building on the momentum of “Fantasia”—their first Korean comeback as a six-member group—it showcased a darker, more cinematic side.
The MV paid homage to pop culture’s most iconic villains, with each member channeling a different character, from The Joker to Hannibal Lecter. The choreography, draped in red and black suits, oozed confidence and danger.
Lines like “I want you to eat me like a main dish” sent fans into a frenzy, encapsulating the song’s twisted romanticism. With “Love Killa,” MONSTA X embraced a more mature, dramatic flair, further expanding their creative range.
And with one last heist, they delivered a final statement before a new chapter began.
“Gambler”
“Gambler,” released on June 1, 2021, was the last MONSTA X comeback as a six-member group before Shownu’s enlistment. The track, from their One of a Kind mini album, pulled listeners into a world of high-stakes deception and seduction.
The MV, styled like an action thriller, cast the members as cunning con artists navigating a high-powered auction. Its cinematic tension, paired with razor-sharp choreography in leather and suits, kept viewers on edge.
“Gambler” proved once again that MONSTA X could deliver storytelling, performance, and visual artistry in one seamless, high-impact package.
MONSTA X has undeniably cemented their legacy as one of K-pop’s most formidable groups, captivating global audiences with their bold artistry. Their discography—filled with powerful releases—has defined their identity while continuing to evolve.
To celebrate their 10th anniversary, the group revisited their past with NOW PROJECT vol.1, re-recording ten iconic tracks and offering a renewed connection to the moments that shaped them. Within the release was a message: that MONSTA X’s story is still being written, with their fans at the heart of it.
Now, as they gear up to return to the stage with CONNECT X, their first solo concert in two years, the significance goes far beyond the venue or dates. It marks a return to presence, to shared experience, to the unshakable bond they’ve built with MONBEBE over a decade of music, growth, and resilience. The spotlight isn’t just on what’s next—it’s on everything they’ve carried with them to get here.