‘How can we heal?:’ MONSTA X lights up NYC with epic return and Joohoney’s birthday celebration

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 fulfill