There is little doubt that Kingdom is one of the most talked-about television programs right now. After all, the follow-up to Mnet's 2020 musical survival show will pit the previous show's winners against new contestants that could include senior groups. However, it has been confirmed that MONSTA X will not be one of these idol groups as they have chosen to focus on promoting their upcoming Japanese single "Wanted".
There have been several speculations about who will appear in Kingdom. Although the winners of Road To Kingdom are already expected to take part in the program, there have also been reports that Mnet is planning to cast senior groups to take part in the survival show. Interestingly, MONSTA X is one of the boy groups believed to be in negotiations to join Kingdom.
So will MONSTA X compete in Kingdom? Starship Entertainment has just confirmed that Mnet has sent an invitation to the group to join the program. However, Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M. have decided not to take the offer.
"After careful consideration, MONSTA X will be refusing the offer to join Kingdom," Starship Entertainment said in an official statement. This confirms that it was the members of the boy group themselves who have made the decision.
MONSTA X isn't the only senior group that has been invited to appear in Kingdom. It was also revealed that BTOB and SF9 have been sent invitations to appear in the TV program. Cube Entertainment, which handles BTOB, stated that the group is still considering the offer. On the other hand, FNC Entertainment confirmed that SF9 is currently in discussions to take part in the show.
Interestingly, iKON has also been sent an offer to take part in Kingdom. Although YG Entertainment has not yet issued a statement about their involvement, Mnet has announced that the boy group is in the final stages of coordinating their upcoming appearance.
But why did MONSTA X turn down the offer to compete in Kingdom? There are speculations that the idol group is choosing to focus on producing more music and taking part in new projects in the following months. So it's no surprise that Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M. have announced that they will be releasing their ninth Japanese single album WARNING, as well as the b-side track "Neo Universe", in March.
Kingdom will feature THE BOYZ, ATEEZ, and STRAY KIDS, and will air on Mnet in April. MONSTA X's new Japanese single WARNING will be released on March 10.
