MONSTA X is flexing its global reach, picking up fresh accolades from across the pond.
On Dec. 16, UK culture magazine Dazed named the group’s track 'Do What I Want' to its 'The 30 Best K-Pop Tracks of 2025' list, praising MONSTA X’s singular identity and polished execution in a fast-shifting K-pop landscape.
Released as a pre-single ahead of their September mini-album 'THE X,' 'Do What I Want' was composed by JooHoney, with lyrics by JooHoney and I.M. The track channels a decade of confidence into sleek, high-voltage grit, delivering a jolt of catharsis for listeners.
Dazed wrote that even after military service, MONSTA X shows no intention of abandoning the 'ferocious chaos' that defined its early years ― if anything, the new cut sharpens their signature. The outlet added that in a fifth-gen era, a third-gen act doubling down on what suits them best is exactly what the moment needs, spotlighting the group’s 10th anniversary and clear sense of direction.
Wrapping its take, the magazine summed it up simply: 'The music flat-out rules.' The nod underscores how MONSTA X has paired its enduring intensity with hard-earned finesse ― and why their presence remains irreplaceable.
The praise dovetails with a streak of recent wins. At the 10th Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2025, MONSTA X took home 'AAA Best Artist' and 'AAA History of K-pop,' earning a double victory that mirrors the confidence Dazed highlighted.
In September, the group’s mini-album 'THE X' debuted at No. 31 on the Billboard 200 and entered multiple charts, including World Albums, Independent Albums, Top Album Sales, Top Current Album Sales and the Billboard Artist 100 ― proof of their staying power worldwide.
That momentum is rolling stateside. Now on the 2025 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour, MONSTA X sparked massive sing-alongs in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., reminding crowds why they’re one of K-pop’s most reliable live acts.
The group will wrap Jingle Ball in Miami on Dec. 20, then kick off their new world trek, 'THE X: NEXUS,' with a three-night run at Seoul’s KSPO DOME from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, 2026.
Photo: Starship Entertainment
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)