There is little doubt that MONSTA X is one of the hardest working idol groups in the industry today. After all, they have just released their fourth full album Fatal Love in December but have already announced that the ninth Japanese single album Wanted will be released in March.
Although all the members of MONSTA X are working hard these days, it looks like the maknae is the one who is the busiest. It has just been confirmed that I.M. will release his first solo album in February.
It's no secret that I.M. has been working on new music since last year. In an interview with Forbes back in June 2020, the MONSTA X main rapper admitted that he and his members have a lot planned for their fans in the coming months. Im Changkyun even teased that the idol group will drop another album in the third quarter of the year. In addition to that, he confessed that he is preparing for a solo.
"I'm making my own album. I hope to have my own album as soon as possible," I.M. said. When asked when he would release his solo, the MONSTA X maknae stated that he wasn't sure just yet.
Amazingly, a lot has changed since then. A new statement from MONSTA X's company Starship Entertainment has confirmed that I.M. is ready to share his first solo single album with the world.
"I.M is preparing to release a solo single at the end of February," the statement announced. Although the exact date was not announced, there are speculations that it would released at least two weeks before MONSTA X drops their ninth Japanese single "Wanted" in March.
I.M.'s solo single and MONSTA X's upcoming Japanese single are only two of the group's major projects confirmed so far. It was also announced that Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M. will be joining UNIVERSE, the global fan community platform created by NCSOFT. The other performers who will be part of the platform are AB6IX, ASTRO, ATEEZ, (G)I-DLE, IZ*ONE, Kang Daniel, and The Boyz.
Interestingly, MONSTA X's busy schedule has also made them turn down some major opportunities. It was previously reported that the idol group has chosen not to take part in Mnet's upcoming idol group survival show Kingdom. Shownu, Mihyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M. reportedly considered the invitation thoroughly before deciding not to join the competition.
I.M.'s solo single album has not yet been given an official release date in February. In the meantime, MONSTA X will drop their ninth Japanese single album Wanted on March 10.
