In a recent electrifying performance at the 2023 Respect Festival, MONSTA X's I.M left fans and attendees in awe. The artist, who was performing at the festival as a solo act, took the stage with an energy that was palpable. But it was a particular moment during his set that has since become the talk of the town.
During his performance, I.M surprised everyone, including his pianist, by spontaneously removing his shirt and continuing his set shirtless. This bold move not only showcased his impressive physique but also gave fans a closer look at his intricate tattoos, which many describe as a work of art in themselves.
The internet was soon flooded with reactions, with fans sharing clips and photos of the unexpected moment. Many took to social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) to express their astonishment and admiration. The hashtag #ChangkyunShirtless quickly trended, with fans sharing their favorite moments from the performance.
in love pic.twitter.com/Yiy127EbZy — aurora :): fan account ️ met changkyun (@ckyunstd) September 4, 2023
Interestingly, I.M later revealed to the audience that he hadn't initially planned to take off his shirt during the performance. He mentioned that he's been enjoying regular meals lately, even indulging in ramen, and hadn't gotten the chance to go for a tanning session, which he usually does to enhance his physique's appearance. Despite this, the artist decided in the spur of the moment to go shirtless, much to the delight of his fans.
I wasn't originally thinking of tak..ing off my clothes, 'cause I eat regular meals these days and I also eat ramen.. And 'cause I have to go tanning so my body comes out looking nice but I wasn't able to go tanning (laughs)pic.twitter.com/WTldPpFMYo — Monsta X translations (@GRRsubs) September 3, 2023
The performance was not just about the shirtless surprise. I.M's connection with his fans, known as MONBEBEs, was evident throughout. Clips shared by fans show the artist visibly happy, engaging with the audience, and thoroughly enjoying himself on stage.
Changkyun being so happy while singing Dumb with monbebe is everything i needed to see #아이엠 pic.twitter.com/ySnWoQxEfl — qazaleh (@iqazaleh) September 3, 2023
This recent performance is a testament to I.M's commitment to his art and his fans. Whether it's through unexpected moves on stage or his soulful music, the artist continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As the buzz from this event continues, fans eagerly await what I.M will bring to the stage next.