The energy in the K-pop world right now is actually insane. If you’ve been following the scene, you know that the "military hiatus" is basically the ultimate boss level for any boy group. Most groups sort of fade or pivot to solo stuff, and while they usually promise to come back, the "full group" magic often gets dusty. But Monsta X? They just flipped the script.
Honestly, seeing Monsta X on tour in 2026 feels less like a standard comeback and more like a victory lap that nobody saw coming quite this soon. We’re talking about a group that just survived a staggered enlistment period and immediately threw themselves into one of their most ambitious schedules yet.
What Really Happened with the Nexus Tour?
Let’s get the facts straight because there’s been a lot of chatter. The 2026 world tour, officially titled "THE X : NEXUS," isn't just a few scattered dates. It kicked off with a massive three-day stint at the KSPO Dome in Seoul from January 30 to February 1, 2026. If you know anything about Korean venues, the KSPO Dome is the holy grail. It’s where the heavy hitters play.
The tour marks their first full-scale global outing since 2022. That’s four years. In K-pop years, that is an eternity.
But here’s the kicker that most people are still processing: I.M (Im Changkyun). The youngest member is actually enlisting for his mandatory service on February 9, 2026.
Yeah. He’s performing in Seoul, doing the high-intensity choreography, hitting the high notes, and then literally a week later, he’s headed to the training center. That’s some legendary commitment. It makes the Seoul dates "The X : NEXUS" feel heavy, you know? It’s a bittersweet "hello and goodbye" all at once.
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The Setlist and the "New" Sound
You might think a group ten years into their career would just play the hits and call it a day. "Dramarama," "Shoot Out," "Love Killa"—we love them, but we’ve seen them. However, this tour is leaning heavily into their 13th mini-album, THE X, which dropped in late 2025.
- The Vibe: It’s darker. More mature. Think "Baby Blue" (their late 2025 U.S. single) meets the raw aggression of their early days.
- Solo Stages: Since Joohoney just released his solo project 光 (INSANITY) in early January, his solo stage is basically a mini-concert within a concert.
- The Full Six: Despite the enlistment cycles, seeing Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M on one stage in 2026 is what Monbebes have been dreaming about since 2023.
Why 2026 is the "Do or Die" Year
K-pop is fickle. New groups like RIIZE or TWS are fast, young, and everywhere. But Monsta X has something those kids don't have yet: The "Trustworthy" Reputation. In Korea, they’re often called "Believers in Listening and Performance." It means if you buy a ticket, you aren't just getting lip-syncing and pretty outfits. You’re getting live vocals that actually hit and a level of "beast-idol" energy that hasn't really been replicated.
They also just bagged "Best Group" at the 40th Golden Disc Awards (January 10, 2026). That’s not a participation trophy. It’s a statement that they are still at the top of the food chain even after a decade.
The Logistics: Where are they going?
If you missed the Seoul dates, don't panic. The Monsta X on tour schedule is expanding. Here’s what the roadmap looks like for the first half of the year:
- Asia Leg: They’re hitting Kuala Lumpur (Mega Star Arena) on March 28. They’ve also confirmed stops in Hong Kong, Taipei, Bangkok, and Jakarta.
- Latin America: This is where the energy gets truly feral. They have dates set for Mexico City (Auditorio Nacional) on June 4, followed by Monterrey, São Paulo, and Santiago.
- North America: While full dates are still being finalized, the buzz from their 2025 Jingle Ball appearances suggests a late summer U.S. run.
What Most People Get Wrong About Monsta X
There’s this misconception that Monsta X is just "the loud group." Sure, they have "stomp-and-scream" anthems. But if you actually attend a show on this tour, you’ll see the nuance.
The "NEXUS" concept is about connection. The stage design uses a lot of "stairway" imagery—representing the transition from their first decade into their second. It’s surprisingly emotional. There’s a section in the middle of the show where they do acoustic versions of older tracks that usually has half the audience in tears.
Also, can we talk about Hyungwon? He was discharged in May 2025 and he looks like he hasn't missed a single beat. His stage presence has always been "princely," but now there’s a certain grit to it. Same for Minhyuk and Kihyun. The military didn't slow them down; it just made them look like they’ve been to the gym for two years straight. Because, well, they have.
How to Actually Get Tickets (Because it's a Mess)
Honestly, getting tickets for Monsta X on tour in 2026 is harder than it was in 2019. The fandom didn't shrink during the hiatus; it grew.
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- Pre-sales are King: If you aren't in the official fan club, you’re basically fighting for scraps. For the Seoul shows, tickets sold out during the fan club pre-sale on Melon Ticket almost instantly.
- Global Platforms: For the international dates, keep a close eye on local promoters like MXE Entertainment or T-Rex Studio.
- The I.M Factor: Expect the Asian dates in February and March to be high-demand because people want to see the group before I.M’s absence becomes a reality for the next 18 months.
Real Talk on the Future
What happens after I.M leaves in February? The tour will continue. Monsta X has already proven they can function as units (remember Shownu x Hyungwon?). While it won't be "OT6" for the later 2026 dates, the "NEXUS" tour is designed to bridge the gap until they are all back together again.
This isn't just about music. It’s about a group of guys who actually seem to like each other. You see it in the way they interact on stage—the unscripted chaos, the inside jokes. That’s what keeps people coming back.
Actionable Insights for Monbebes:
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- Verify your Fan Club Status: Check that your membership is active on the official platform (Berriz) before your local tour dates are announced.
- Budget for Travel: If you’re in a city not currently on the list, the Latin American and Asian legs are the most stable right now. Consider a "concert trip" if you want to see the full lineup before February 9.
- Watch the Cinema Release: If you can’t make it to Seoul, the concert film from their 10th-anniversary show is a great way to catch the "NEXUS" vibes before the world tour hits your region.
The 2026 tour is a massive milestone. It’s the moment Monsta X stopped being "a group that might return" and became "the group that never left." If you have the chance to see them, take it. This kind of longevity in K-pop is rare, and the 2026 energy is something you won't want to miss.