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I.M 'I Am': Release date, teasers, concept and all you need to know about Monsta X member's solo debut

After six years in South Korean hip-hop group Monsta X, I.M is officially debuting as a solo artist with a new song next month

Here's some epic news I.M fans — the heartthrob Monsta X member is gearing up for a solo debut. Here's all you need to know about his first project as a soloist.

Release date

According to reports on January 19, I.M will debut at the end of February.

Concept

While it is unclear if I.M has a full-length album in the works, fans can get excited for the new single releasing next month, the date of which hasn't been revealed yet. If we google translate the song's title given in a new teaser, it translates from 아이엠 to 'I Am'. "I.M is preparing a solo song with the aim of releasing it in late February," I.M's agency Starship Entertainment shared with OSEN.

I.M initially teased the announcement when he appeared at the 35th Golden Disc Awards ceremony earlier this month (January 9). "We will announce my solo sound source in the first half," he said. The theme of his new song, what sort of visual aesthetics or style of music that I.M is going to present is also unclear, but the announcement has already gotten fans guessing. His new single will mark his debut as a solo artist after six years of being a member of Monsta X.

Who is I.M?

I.M, whose real name is Lim Chang-gyun, is a South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, who first stepped into the mainstream music arena as part of Monsta X through Mnet's survival show 'No.Mercy' in 2015. Prior to that, in 2013 and 2014, I.M was part of the boy band Nu'bility, under Special K Entertainment. The group never officially debuted despite holding several events and performances.

As a crucial member of Monsta X, I.M has proven his incredible rapping and songwriting abilities across Monsta X albums, notably gaining attention for their hits 'U R', 'Champagne', 'Night View' and more. Fans have previously had a taste of his solo works with his own mixtape 'Who Am I?', which released in 2016 through Starship Entertainment's YouTube channel and features Yeseo. Additionally, I.M collaborated with US singer-songwriter Elhae for the 2019 song 'Horizon'.

Teaser

A teaser posted on Monsta X's official Twitter is in Korean but translates to "#I Am, The solo song released at the end of February... Musicality to prove again [Official]." Check it out below.

Fan reactions

The news of I.M's solo debut has come as a shock (a welcoming one) to fans on Twitter, who have been quick to share their excitement. "Omg I'm scared I'm not ready.. totally shaking," said a fan, while another asked, "SONG OR ALBUM STARSHIP WE HAVE QUESTIONS."

One fan wrote: "YES YES IT WILL BE THE BEST SINGLE OF ALL TIME." Another said, "EVERYONE NEEDS TO THANK , CAUSE WE'RE GOING TO RECEIVE A SLAP OF ART !!!!" One more said, "Yay this is amazing news!! We've been waiting for it."