Monsta X, September 4th comeback with 'The Phase'... Jooheon back tumbling and Shownu balloon performance revealed

MONSTA X is set to release their new album, The Phase, on September 4th, and they have unveiled individual trailers for members Shownu and Joohoney. Starship Entertainment released the individual trailers for The Phase on their official SNS on August 11th and 12th. In Joohoney’s trailer, he is seen dining at a long table, suddenly getting up to perform a backflip, then sitting back down to continue eating. The video creates a unique atmosphere with a seamless loop effect. In Shownu’s trailer, he rummages through a backpack, pulls out a balloon, inflates it until it grows to human size, and then it bursts. The agency stated that this album features refined and sophisticated music and visuals based on MONSTA X’s existing identity, with bold wit added. Attention is focused on whether Shownu and Joohoney, building on their diverse musical colors through various activities, will show new synergy under the name MONSTA X. In January this year, Joohoney’s second solo mini-album, 光 (INSANITY), entered the iTunes top album and song charts in 24 countries and regions, including the United States, as well as the K-pop top album and song charts. All tracks from the album entered the U.S. iTunes K-pop top song chart, and he received focused coverage from Forbes. In May, Shownu showcased delicate music and performance through the mini-album ShownuXHyungwon LOVE ME, which was selected by Billboard staff as one of the ″Top 25 Best K-pop Albums of 2026 (So Far).″ The new album features participation from leader Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, and Joohoney, while I.M is currently serving in the military and will join after his discharge. This is the group’s first album in a year since the mini-album THE X, released on September 1st last year. MONSTA X plans to sequentially release individual trailers for other members, starting with Shownu and Joohoney.