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Is Changkyun OK? Monsta X's I.M opens up about his struggle with anxiety and love for Monbebes

I.M, in a speech during Monsta X's US Tour, said he still struggles with anxiety but said fans help him get over it

K-pop fans usually do not see the struggles that idols go through, which is why more often than not, fans take idols for granted. The one issue many new fans of K-pop have with the genre is the 'fan service' culture and the myriad restrictions around what an idol can or cannot do, even when it comes to their personal life. Unlike international artists, fans of K-pop do not see idols engaging in activities that they like freely without the fear of being 'canceled' or disappointing their fans.

While fans cannot put an end to long-running practices like dating bans, maintaining a respectable public image, or ideal weight, and other such 'rules' that K-pop labels enforce, new fans are giving idols the power to communicate their feelings openly which comes as a welcome surprise. Over the last few months, many K-pop idols have started speaking about their mental health issues, be it present or the past.

Fans too have been very accepting of such idols opening up to them and showing their vulnerability to the world. So is the case with Monsta X's maknae Im Changkyun aka I.M. The Starship Entertainment boy group Monsta X has been touring around the US over the last few weeks and one of I.M's recent ments (speech given to fans during concerts) is going viral.

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Monsta X's I.M sheds light on his new goals

In his ending ment from the boy group's last US show, I.M mentioned his past struggles with anxiety and told fans how he felt his journey as an idol seemed unfulfilled in the past but also reassured fans that they had changed his mindset for the better over the years to the point that he is very self-satisfied at present. In his ment, Changkyun said, "At the beginning when I just started as a member of Monsta X and as an idol, we had a lot of goals like being rich and winning awards but honestly, now I really don't have any such goal. My goal is just being happy with you guys."

The Monsta X member and soloist told fans that being in a competitive place in the K-pop industry drained him a lot but over the years, he has moved attention away from breaking records or setting goals for the group to being around Monbebes (fans of Monsta X). The rapper clarified that it was not like he does not have any aspirations as an idol but pointed out that after being in the K-pop industry for the past seven years, a lot has changed in his life.

I.M told fans that ever since he met fans he came to realize what he and the other members of the group held precious and that was the fans - Monbebes. I.M said, "I'm a singer. I'm an idol. But before that, I'm just a normal man, just a kid, just a guy."

I.M opens up about his struggle with anxiety

Fans have been appreciative of the idol for speaking his heart but fans got extremely emotional when I.M revealed the struggle with his past anxiety. He reassured fans that he was doing better than he used to in the past and it was all due to their constant love and support. Monsta X's Changkyun said, "I feel anxious, angry, sad, just like you guys. But the way I can get out of it..."

He continued, "You guys really make me (get) out of this anxiety, and still, there's a lot of things in my head, lots of things are going on with me right now but with you guys, I can hold it in. I can handle myself." The boy group member thanked fans for always being there for them and was extremely open about his appreciation for the support that his fandom has given Monsta X over the last seven years.

As of now, Monsta X has completed all their scheduled tours in the US and will be taking some time off from ongoing schedules. Meanwhile, the boy group's contract with their label is maturing this year which is why a lot of attention is being paid to the fact whether rappers Jooheon and I.M would renew their contracts with Starship Entertainment and continue their journey as members of Monsta X in the years to come.