K-pop veterans MONSTA X brought nostalgia, celebration, and electrifying performances to the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 6 as part of their 2026 MONSTA X WORLD TOUR [THE X : NEXUS].
A sea of Monbebe, the group’s devoted fandom, packed the theater, waving glowing light sticks that cast neon hues across the room, with some fans wearing birthday hats to honor Joohoney, whose birthday fell on the group’s return to the Big Apple.
It was a night to remember, with palpable excitement as fans screamed lyrics, celebrated the group’s music, and the cherished memories they have built together over the years. Formed through Mnet’s survival reality program No.Mercy, MONSTA X officially debuted on May 14, 2015, with their first extended play, Trespass, under Starship Entertainment.
MONSTA X’s last New York City appearance came on April 6, when members Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon and Joohoney performed their song “heal” on Good Morning America. With I.M currently fulfilling his mandatory military service, the five members brought that same healing spirit to the stage, reconnecting with fans through a night of electrifying dance, witty humor, and some of their greatest hits.
MONSTA X performs at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden.Photo by Amanda Moses 
JoohoneyPhoto by Amanda Moses 
HyungwonPhoto by Amanda Moses
Joohoney’s birthday made the evening even more memorable, turning the group’s New York return into a double celebration. Greeted by screaming fans, the rapper and vocalist wore an emotional smile as he reflected on spending his special day with Monbebe.
“My birthday in New York is really, really such an honor to be here. The first time I met our U.S. Monbebe was at K-CON. I still can’t forget that day. And ever since then, we’ve come here all the way to the States together to be able to release our album,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minhyuk shared his affection for the city, saying he enjoys wandering its streets and imagining himself as a true New Yorker.
“When I walk New York City streets, [I feel] like a New Yorker,” Minhyuk said. “Ever since I was young, it was the city that I’ve always watched, and to be able to walk the streets of that exact city and to be able to even perform in that city, it’s all thanks to you guys. And to be able to celebrate this very, very special day for Joohoney’s birthday, it makes it even more special today.”
The show continued with a repertoire of more than 30 songs, including “Magic,” “DRAMARAMA,” “Baby Blue,” and “Alligator,” alongside solo and unit performances that showcased the members’ individual artistry.
MinhyukPhoto by Amanda Moses 
KihyunPhoto by Amanda Moses 
ShownuPhoto by Amanda Moses
After more than a decade in the industry, MONSTA X’s New York City performance underscored that they remain a formidable onstage force amid the deluge of K-pop acts clamoring for the spotlight. They are among the veteran innovators and trailblazers who have helped popularize this genre with the masses.
For the adoring Monebe who attended the concert, the group’s commanding presence, synchronized choreography, live-performance energy, and ability to connect with audiences showcased a group that has helped set the standard for modern K-pop touring.
MONSTA X will continue its world tour at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, on Oct. 20, followed by the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Oct. 22 and WAMU Theater in Seattle on Oct. 24.