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.
Career
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 AtStyles 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.
In May 2025, Shownu X Hyungwon performed for KT POP 2025, held at National Stadium in Kaohsiung.
On August 23, the duo performed for 2025 CassCool Festival, held at Seoul Land in Gwacheon.
On November 15, they performed for Waterbomb, held at Vạn Phúc City in Ho Chi Minh City.
In May 2026, it was announced that Shownu X Hyungwon will release their second EP Love Me on May 21, with the lead single "Do You Love Me". Their solo songs; Shownu's "Around & Go" and Hyungwon's "No Air", which were performed at The X: Nexus World Tour, will be included in the EP. Hyungwon also produced the three tracks; "Superstitious", "In My Head", and "Accelerator", while Shownu participated in the overall choreography of "Do You Love Me".
In July, the duo performed for Waterbomb, held at KINTEX in Gyeonggi-do.
In October, they attended the 2027 S/S Paris Fashion Week.
Public image 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.
Other ventures Ambassadorship In September 2026, it was announced that they became the global ambassadors for Concept Korea, which was hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency. Founded in 2010, it is an initiative by the Korean government that supports young, local designers on an international level and spotlights the most interesting names in South Korean fashion.
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.
Philanthropy In October 2025, Shownu X Hyungwon participated in a charity event for the fashion magazine W Koreas breast cancer awareness campaign "Love Your W".
Members
Shownu () Hyungwon ()
Discography
Extended plays + List of extended plays, with selected details, chart positions and sales Title Details Peak chart positions Sales KORPeak chart positions for extended plays on the Circle Album Chart:
The Unseen Released: July 25, 2023 Label: Starship Entertainment Formats: CD, digital download, streaming audio 6 KOR: 178,695Cumulative sales for The Unseen (KiT + CD): Love Me Released: May 21, 2026 Label: Starship Entertainment Formats: CD, digital download, streaming audio 10 KOR: 67,468Cumulative sales for Love Me:
Singles + List of singles, showing year released, chart positions and album name Title Year Peak chart positions Album KORPeak chart positions for singles on the Circle Digital Chart: "Love Me a Little" 2023 49 The Unseen "Do You Love Me" 2026 — Love Me"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.
Music videos
+ Title Year Artist Director "Love Me a Little" 2023 Shownu X Hyungwon Yeom Woo-jin "Do You Love Me" 2026 Kim Min-jae (Sigakryu)
Filmography
Television shows Year Show Role Note 2023 Monstop Travel Agency MC 11 episodes
Bibliography Year Title Category 2023 On My Way Photobook
Tours and concerts Headlining concerts Krazy K-pop Super Concert (2023) K-POP NATION (2023)
Accolades
Awards and nominations + Name of the award ceremony, year presented, award category, recipient of the award and the result of the nomination Award ceremony Year Category Recipient Result Hanteo Music Awards 2024 Global Artist – North America Shownu X Hyungwon Korea First Brand Awards 2024 Unit Group Korea Grand Music Awards 2026 Artist of July – Group Melon Music Awards 2023 Millions Top 10 Album The Unseen Seoul Music Awards 2024 Bonsang Award Shownu X Hyungwon Popularity Award Hallyu Special Award
Listicles + Key Indicates a sole placement listicle + Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle and placement Publisher Year Listicle Placement Consequence 2023 Subunit of the Year Placed
Notes
References
External links