The members of MONSTA X successfully executed a month-long secret plan to surprise their youngest member, I.M, on his enlistment day at the army training center in South Chungcheong Province. Despite having an official schedule in Japan, the group secretly returned to South Korea a day early to ensure a full-group send-off on February 9th.
Key Facts
- I.M believed he would be going to the training center alone because of the group's conflicting Japanese schedules.
- Kihyun began planning the surprise in early January, keeping details from fans to prevent leaks.
- To maintain the ruse, the members shared fake schedules in their group chat and eventually stopped using it days before enlistment to avoid revealing the plan.
- The members secretly flew back to South Korea the day before the enlistment.
- The full group appeared unexpectedly during I.M’s pre-enlistment meal, surprising the rapper.
Key Terms
- Monbebe: The official global fandom for MONSTA X.
- South Chungcheong Province: The location of the army training center where I.M began his mandatory military service.
Key Quote
"The hyungs are in Japan so they can't come, but I'm grateful that my acquaintances came. We'll have a meal together before I go in."
— I.M