MONSTA X has built a reputation for electrifying performances that leave audiences and fellow artists in awe. Ever since their 2015 debut, these seven (now six) performers have brought intensity, charisma, and heart to stages around the world. From hard-hitting hip-hop anthems to soulful vocal showcases, each era of MONSTA X’s career has delivered at least one performance that we deem unforgettable. In this feature, we revisit some of the group’s most iconic live performances; the stages that went viral online, earned standing ovations, or became fan rites-of-passage. Each entry highlights notable choreography moments, powerhouse vocals, styling choices, and that special spark that makes the performance stand out. Whether you’ve cheered them on from day one or you’re a casual listener, these legendary MONSTA X moments are guaranteed to get your heart racing. Let’s dive in (and try to keep our composure) as we relive these iconic stages!
1. ‘Trespass’ (2015) Sets The Bar High
MONSTA X’s very first music show stage with ‘Trespass’ on May 14, 2015, introduced the world to the group’s ferocious energy. The performance was like a warning shot: bold, loud, and unapologetically intense. Dressed in edgy streetwear, the members commanded the stage like seasoned pros. The choreography was full-throttle from start to finish, featuring synchronized moves and athletic footwork that left us breathless. Main dancer Shownu’s flips and Jooheon’s rap verses immediately grabbed attention, while Kihyun’s soaring vocals in the chorus proved this rookie group had serious vocal firepower. It was a high-octane debut that signaled MONSTA X’s signature style: a seamless blend of powerful rap, strong vocals, and intense dance. Looking back now, you can’t help but smile at how hungry and passionate they were; that raw determination on their faces during ‘Trespass’ would set the bar for all the explosive performances to come!
2. ‘Hero’ Performance Video (2015)
If you became a Monbebe around 2015, chances are the ‘Hero’ rooftop performance was an early obsession. In this special dance practice video filmed on a helipad rooftop, MONSTA X showed off a charismatic performance of their breakout song ‘Hero’ that quickly went viral. The backdrop of Seoul’s skyline combined with the group’s sharp choreography made for cinematic magic. Dressed in streetwear, the members executed the now-infamous “abs reveal” move, a brief moment of flashing their chiseled midriffs in sync, that sent us into a frenzy! This performance video became a rite of passage for new fans and amassed over 100 million views on YouTube, becoming the group’s first video to hit that milestone. Beyond the eye-catching stunt, ‘Hero’ showcased MONSTA X’s knack for addictive beats and dynamic formations. The breathtaking rooftop setting and the group’s confident smirks gave the whole clip an action-movie vibe. Years later, we still talk about the ‘Hero’ rooftop version with reverence, as it cemented MONSTA X’s reputation for turning a simple performance into an iconic pop culture moment.
3. First Win With ‘Dramarama’ (2017)
By late 2017, MONSTA X had delivered multiple high-quality comebacks yet hadn’t snagged a music show trophy until ‘Dramarama’ changed everything. On November 14, 2017, after a blazing performance of ‘Dramarama’ on SBS’s The Show, MONSTA X earned their first-ever first-place win since debut. The stage itself was brimming with the group’s usual flair: suave, retro-inspired suits (a nod to the song’s time-travel concept) and choreography that mixed funky grooves with their trademark power moves. Vocally, Kihyun’s high notes and the emotive rap bridge hit even harder, knowing what was at stake. As the announcement came, the performance turned into a profoundly emotional moment; the members huddled together, many of them overcome with tears on live television. Shownu and Minhyuk were choked up to the point of being unable to speak, and even the ever-cool Hyungwon was seen sobbing with joy. Fans in the crowd and we watching from home were crying along, celebrating the end of a two-year uphill battle for recognition. What makes this performance iconic isn’t just the slick choreography or outfits, but the heart behind it: seeing MONSTA X finally get their much-deserved moment and expressing raw gratitude to their fans. ‘Dramarama’ on that day became more than a song; it became a symbol of MONSTA X’s perseverance, making this stage an unforgettable piece of K-pop history!
4. ‘Versace on the Floor’ Cover (2018)
Known for their fierce raps and bombastic tracks, MONSTA X reminded everyone of their vocal prowess with a stunning cover of Bruno Mars’ ‘Versace on the Floor’ in 2018. Performed during their guest appearance on Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook (a Korean music program famed for live vocals), this cover was a revelatory moment for us all. All seven members donned sleek outfits, dressed to impress for the sultry R&B number, trading in their usual hard-hitting choreography for mics and soulful swaying. As the spotlight bathed them in cool blue tones, Shownu opened with silky vocals that immediately set a romantic mood. One word describes this performance: harmonies. The members’ voices layered together so smoothly in the chorus that even the show’s host was taken aback. Perhaps most impressive, rapper Jooheon slaying vocals and rapper I.M penned a brief rap verse to give the cover a personal MONSTA X touch, and they delivered them in a laid-back flow that melted right into the R&B vibe. Critics and fans noted that every member proved to be a top-tier vocalist through this performance, hitting falsettos and riffs that would make Bruno Mars proud. With minimal choreography, the focus was on voices and feeling, and MONSTA X delivered tenfold. This ‘Versace on the Floor’ stage stands out as a vocal high point in their career, showing their versatility and leaving us swooning at those lush harmonies.
5. ‘Shoot Out’ At 2018 MAMA (Japan)
When MONSTA X took the stage at the 2018 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Japan to perform ‘Shoot Out,’ they set the arena on fire; figuratively and nearly literally. This performance has gone down in fandom lore as the moment the world couldn’t help but notice MONSTA X’s stage dominance. They began with a dramatic VCR intro and a firework-laden dance break, then launched into ‘Shoot Out’ with laser focus. Dressed in black leather and sparkly outfits with chained accents, the members exuded a dangerous charisma that had the live audience screaming. The choreography for ‘Shoot Out’ was already known for its bold moves (the body rolls, the snapping kick move, etc.), but the group’s synchronization on this night was next-level; every hit was perfectly in sync, amplifying the song’s aggressive rhythm.
Beyond the technical precision, the performance is most remembered for a viral moment: during the climax dance break, Wonho’s blazer bursts open, revealing his sculpted physique. That split-second wardrobe slip-up (or blessing, as we saw it) sent the crowd and internet into a meltdown. Fans in the audience absolutely lost it. Wonho instantly trended worldwide as “the green-haired guy” (his hair was a striking teal green) because new viewers were desperate to learn his name. Yet, even aside from that headline-grabbing flash of abs, the entire ‘Shoot Out’ stage was a tour de force: powerful live vocals despite intense choreo, a rock-solid rap delivery, and the members’ facial expressions selling the song’s ferocity. By the final pose, the group panting and staring down the camera amid roaring cheers, it was clear MONSTA X had just delivered one of their most iconic award show performances. Hot, intense, and absolutely unforgettable, this ‘Shoot Out’ stage still has us talking years later!
6. ‘Who Do U Love?’ On Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2019)
MONSTA X made history in the summer of 2019 by becoming one of the first K-pop groups to perform on a major American late-night show, and they brought their A-game to the Jimmy Kimmel Live! stage. The group performed their sleek English-language single ‘Who Do U Love?’ (complete with a guest appearance by rapper French Montana) for a crowd of curious locals and devoted Monbebes. On a balmy Los Angeles evening, MONSTA X turned the outdoor Kimmel stage into their own mini-concert: sharp choreography, smooth live vocals, and undeniable swagger were on full display. They opted for a high-fashion look, dressed in coordinated animal prints that portrayed a Western aesthetic seamlessly. From the first note, the audience, many seeing MONSTA X for the first time, was hooked by the group’s stage presence.
The performance had all the hallmarks of a MONSTA X show (intricate dance routines, charismatic winks, and powerful ad-libs by Kihyun) while also highlighting their versatility as global artists. This Kimmel stage was a significant milestone: it showcased MONSTA X’s ability to captivate international audiences and proved that language was no barrier to their performance impact. We at home were proud, and new viewers were impressed by how polished and engaging the group was live on U.S. television. Throughout the entire performance, MONSTA X looked completely at home on the American stage; a preview of the global domination to come. The buzz from this appearance (and the bonus off-air performances of their hits for the studio audience) reinforced that MONSTA X weren’t just K-pop stars, but rising international performers. It was one late-night show, but it marked the start of a new chapter where MONSTA X’s stages would span continents with the same explosive impact!
7. ‘Beastmode’ + ‘Love Killa’ At MMA 2020
Even in a year with no live audience, MONSTA X managed to deliver one of their most jaw-dropping stages at the 2020 Melon Music Awards. Their MMA 2020 performances were cinematic masterpieces of the bravado-filled B-side ‘Beastmode’ and the sultry hit ‘Love Killa.’ The ‘Beastmode’ stage design featured neon-red lighting and dynamic LED graphics, perfectly matching the song’s aggressive vibe. As they switched into ‘Love Killa,’ the mood turned seductive and dark. Throughout the performance, MONSTA X maintained flawless vocals and rap delivery (yes, even while executing complex choreo in those tailored suits!).
Highlights included Jooheon’s guttural rap in ‘Beastmode’ that sent shivers down everyone’s spine, and the ensemble’s smooth snapping synchronization during the ‘Love Killa’ chorus, a moment somehow both classy and dangerous. The stage production was top-tier; at one point, flames burst on screen behind them, and the camerawork felt like an action movie, zooming in at just the right moments. Critics and fans alike praised this MMA stage for its decadent flair and precision, truly giving MONSTA X the “Best Stage” award that night. This performance proved that even without a live crowd, MONSTA X could set the internet ablaze with their sheer showmanship. It’s the kind of stage you watch over and over, noticing new details each time; a masterclass in how to be “too much” in all the right ways!
8. ‘Fantasia’ At 2020 MBC Gayo Daejejeon
For a year-end spectacle in December 2020, MONSTA X, in collaboration with CRAVITY, delivered a performance that beautifully blended modern K-pop with traditional Korean flair. At MBC’s Gayo Daejejeon (a televised music festival), the group performed their high-energy track ‘Fantasia’ with a twist of Korean culture that left us in awe. The stage opened with the dramatic pounding of traditional Korean drums (daegeum & buk) by a guest ensemble. They wore modernized black-and-gold hanbok-inspired outfits, each tailored like a royal robe fused with a sleek suit, flowing coat-tails, intricate gold patterns, and traditional accessories, but styled in an edgy, contemporary way. This visual was striking: MONSTA X looked like Joseon-era princes meet rock stars, perfectly fitting the ‘Fantasia’ theme.
As the music transitioned, they launched into the familiar beats of ‘Fantasia,’ and the performance kicked into high gear. The choreography was as intricate as ever, but now accentuated by the live traditional percussion echoing each beat. Moves that we’d seen on music shows took on new life here. Vocals soared; perhaps bolstered by the gravitas of the concept, Kihyun and Hyungwon’s high notes felt even more triumphant, and the group’s harmonies resonated deeply. The dance break in ‘Fantasia,’ already a fan favorite, was extended with a traditional drum breakdown, during which Jooheon and I.M hyped up the stage with ad-libbed chants. It was impossible not to get goosebumps.
By the final chorus, all six members formed a line and executed a powerful forward step in unison, as confetti rained down, mixing with the traditional drumbeats for a goosebump-inducing finale. This performance earned widespread praise for its creativity and showmanship. For many fans, especially Korean Monbebe, this stage was a point of pride; it showcased MONSTA X not just as global pop stars but as artists proud of their heritage. ‘Fantasia’ at Gayo Daejejeon remains a standout for its visual splendor, cultural richness, and adrenaline-pumping energy. Truly a performance like no other, it felt like witnessing a legend in the making right before our eyes!
9. ‘Gambler’ Live Band Version (2021)
By 2021, MONSTA X had proven themselves on countless stages, but their live band performance of ‘Gambler’ showed a whole new side of their artistry. Taking place on the popular music program It’s Live (known for its live band sessions), this rendition of ‘Gambler’ was often hailed by Monbebe as one of MONSTA X’s best performances ever. Why? Picture the usual intensity of a MONSTA X dance track, then add live drums, guitar riffs, and raw vocals; the result was pure euphoria for anyone watching. The members swapped their in-ear backing tracks for real amps and instruments behind them, immediately creating a rich, rock-concert atmosphere. The song ‘Gambler’ itself has a James Bond-esque, casino-heist vibe, and on this stage, the group oozed that cool, dangerous charm.
Vocally, this performance was a revelation. Without the heavy electronic backing, you could hear every note: Kihyun belting the chorus with gritty power, Hyungwon and Minhyuk adding smooth mid-range vocals, and the rappers showcasing surprisingly strong live singing during their parts. Jooheon even threw in an improvised rock-style scream ad-lib that sent us into a frenzy. The choreography was slightly adapted to the live setting, a bit less emphasis on dance breaks and more on engaging with the band and camera, but they still hit the key moves, like the dramatic “card dealing” hand motion on the “if you don’t know, now you know” line, which was perfectly in sync! What really stood out was how much fun the boys were having, and they all sounded impeccably in sync with the band’s rhythm.
This performance had the feeling of an intimate jam session combined with the polish of an awards show stage. We loved the rock influence and the chance to hear MONSTA X live in such clarity, and even skeptics were converted by how genuinely well the group could sing and rap live. The ‘Gambler’ band version garnered hundreds of thousands of views and many shareable moments. In an era where backing tracks are common, MONSTA X proved they could strip down the production and still command the stage with pure talent and charisma. It’s a performance that feels alive in a way you have to witness to fully appreciate; undoubtedly securing its spot among MONSTA X’s most iconic stages!
The Legacy Of MONSTA X’s Stage Mastery
From their explosive debut to their globe-spanning stages, MONSTA X has consistently raised the bar for what it means to put on a show. These performances are more than just viral clips or award show fodder; they’re chapters in a story of a group that poured their sweat and soul into every moment on stage. We’ve watched them grow from hungry rookies to seasoned performers who can make a stadium of thousands feel intimate, or turn a TV broadcast into a full-on immersive experience. Whether it’s through intricate choreography that hits like a freight train, vocals that give you goosebumps, or styling that makes a statement, MONSTA X knows how to leave an indelible mark. Longtime Monbebes will always feel a rush of pride revisiting these iconic stages, remembering the fan chants, the tears, and the triumphs. Casual listeners, too, can feel the undeniable electricity that MONSTA X brings. It’s the kind of passion and showmanship that transcends language and borders! As MONSTA X continues into the future, one thing is certain: the stage is their kingdom, and they’ll keep delivering performances that resonate for years to come. These nine moments are proof that when you think of MONSTA X, you think of a group that doesn’t just perform music; they live it, right there under the spotlight, with millions of us along for the ride!
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