MONSTA X Kihyun Releases Solo 2nd Mini Album 'BORDERLINE'

MONSTA X's Kihyun has released his 2nd solo mini album, 'BORDERLINE', after a 3-year and 9-month hiatus, unveiling the title track 'So Good'. Through this album, Kihyun showcases a mature side of himself, trusting his own senses and moving forward. The album consists of 7 tracks centered around a rock sound.

In an interview with Spotebi, Kihyun stated, "This album was like a homework assignment for me." He added, "Since it's my 3rd solo album, I thought it might feel repetitive if I released the same thing again." Regarding the title track, he explained, "I chose 'So Good' because it's a delicate, high-pitched song that requires careful attention when singing. It's not a song you can just sing casually, so I deliberately selected it." He also mentioned, "I felt like I was catching up on overdue homework, so I included R&B elements that I hadn't mastered before. I made this album with the mindset that it's time to show what I can do."

The title track 'So Good' depicts freedom with a light yet solid energy, capturing the moment Kihyun decides to trust his own senses and choices amidst a voice constantly demanding the right answer. Kihyun expressed confidence in the project: "I usually spoil the quality of the songs and album to my fans, but I don't often say I'm confident about an album. This time, I did it more than enough. Not only the title track, but all 7 tracks are of high quality."

The track 'Stolen Air' was the song he put the most effort into recording. Kihyun shared, "'So Good' was very difficult, but 'Stolen Air' has many high notes and parts where I have to rap-like delivery. Since it wasn't easy to digest, I worked hard with the director. I usually finish recording one song in 1 hour and 30 minutes, but this one took 3 hours and 30 minutes."

Kihyun aimed to showcase his vocal colors in various ways through this album. He reflected, "In the past, I thought of my vocal strengths as being like a chameleon, fitting well into any genre. But at some point, I realized I had become a singer with a strong rock image. I want to become a flexible vocalist by challenging many things. When I sing this song, I become a rocker; when I sing that song, I become an R&B singer. I want to show various colors."

'BORDERLINE', born from long deliberation and effort, has become a special album for Kihyun. He said, "I mentioned it was like homework. Looking at the folder where I collected the songs, I wondered if I had done it in vain. But once the album was made, I realized that while there might be preferences, it is an album that resonates deeply with my heart, making it meaningful. I did things that didn't suit me and were difficult, but I absorbed them, so it feels like I've overcome a hurdle."

Kihyun's second mini album 'BORDERLINE' will be released on the 7th at 6 PM.