Shownu X Hyungwon

Shownu X Hyungwon is the first official sub-unit of South Korean boy group Monsta X. Formed in 2023, the duo is composed of two Monsta X members: Shownu and Hyungwon. They debuted with the extended play The Unseen on July 25, 2023.

Pre-debut
In May 2023, Starship Entertainment announced that Shownu and Hyungwon will form Monsta X's first sub-unit but the specific schedule had not yet been set. On June 26, Starship Entertainment revealed their official logo through Monsta X's official SNS, showing Shownu's initial S and Hyungwon's initial H becoming one, with the debut goal for the end of July. Shownu and Hyungwon are Monsta X's main dancer and lead dancer, respectively. On June 29, they attended the TAG Heuer's "Iconic Collection Carrera" pop-up opening event, in commemoration of its 60th anniversary, held in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. On July 19, it was announced that the duo graced the cover of AtStyle's August issue.

2023–present: Debut and appearances
On July 25, Shownu X Hyungwon released their debut EP The Unseen, with the lead single "Love Me a Little". Hyungwon produced "Love Me a Little", as well as the B-side song "Roll with Me", while Shownu participated in the choreography. Starting on July 26, the duo became the MC of KBS2's reality television show Monstop Travel Agency. On July 27, they did a celebratory performance after the first half of the soccer game between Atlético Madrid and K League for the Coupang Play Series, held at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

On August 5, Shownu X Hyungwon performed for Pepsi Summer Festa 2023, held at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul. On August 11, the duo had been part of 2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree K-pop Super Live, held at Seoul World Cup Stadium. On August 18, they performed for KCON, held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. On August 20, Shownu X Hyungwon performed for KAMPFEST CDMX 2023, held at Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City. On August 26, the duo performed for Krazy K-pop Super Concert as one of the headliners, held at UBS Arena in New York City.

On September 9, they performed for Someday Festival 2023, held at Nanji Hangang Park in Seoul. On September 23, Shownu X Hyungwon performed for K-POP NATION as the headliner, held at PGE Narodowy in Warsaw.

On October 15, the duo performed for M Countdown, held at Paris La Défense Arena in Paris.

In February 2024, they released a cover of 2PM's "I Hate You" under Spotify's K-pop ON! playlist.

Public image and impact
Shownu is the core and identity of Monsta X's performances, known for his powerful and intense, yet detailed dance moves and skills, an artist who allows contradictory expressions such as heavy yet light. He is known for his soft voice and stable live skill, whose vocal tone is a hidden charm. Hyungwon is the center in every group's performances, known for his visual, dance, and producing ability. He is characterized by cool performances and neat dance lines, with producing parts that maximize the charm of each member's vocals for each self-composed song. As Shownu X Hyungwon, it is a perfect combination of similar personalities and performances, edgy vocals and various charms, alongside a unique synergy that only the duo can give.

In 2023, Shownu X Hyungwon was hailed by the online magazine Consequence as "Subunit of the Year", emphasizing their unique color and excellent dance skills. The duo won the "Unit Group" at 2024 Korea First Brand Awards, Korea's largest brand award ceremony which selects the most promising brands to lead the country in the coming year based on consumer research, held annually through public consumer voting and jury deliberations.

Arts and photography
In October 2023, Shownu X Hyungwon released their unit's first photobook On My Way, which contains coming-of-age images taken by them, while presenting a variety of concepts and styling against the backdrop of New York City. From October 24 to November 5, the duo held its exhibition at Noudit Hongdae in Seoul, with various MDs and events.

Endorsements
In August 2023, Shownu X Hyungwon participated in the carbonated soft drink brand Pepsi's campaign through the Korean star and style magazine AtStyle. On August 9, the duo collaborated with the Singaporean online travel agency Trip.com through KBS2's reality television show Monstop Travel Agency.

In February 2024, they participated in the Swedish audio streaming and media service provider Spotify's campaign for its K-pop flagship playlist K-pop ON!, under the theme of "My K-pop First Crush", in commemoration of its 10th anniversary.

Members

 * Shownu (셔누)
 * Hyungwon (형원)

Headlining concerts

 * Krazy K-pop Super Concert (2023)
 * K-POP NATION (2023)