Monsta X vs Wanna One: A Fan's Perspective on K-pop Groups
As a K-pop fan, I have had the pleasure of witnessing and enjoying performances from both Monsta X and Wanna One. Each group has its unique charm and appeal, leading me to form a personal preference over time.
Personal Experiences with Monsta X and Wanna One
Monsta X stood out in my mind as a group that truly captivated me during live performances. The first time I caught their performance was in 2018, at an Atlanta concert. I only knew a handful of their songs at that time, but their energy and stage presence blew me away. I was so impressed that I quickly purchased tickets for the 2019 Atlanta concert and was thrilled to see another performance by this dynamic group. After their '20 concert saw Wonho's absence, I still managed to enjoy their live performances, and I now love all their songs.
Wanna One, on the other hand, failed to impress me. Many of their songs, even their title tracks, did not resonate with me as much as the performances and energy of Monsta X. I found their shows to be quite boring, which was a stark contrast to the electrifying presence of Monsta X. However, I have since discovered that over the years, my tastes have evolved, and now I prefer listening to ballads and songs that deeply move me, such as 'Wedding Dress' by Taeyang and 'Please Don’t...' by Kim Wooseok (K.Will).
Preferences Between Permanent and Temporary Groups
My preference in K-pop groups usually skews towards permanent ones, as opposed to temporary groups formed through survival programs. For groups created for a short-lived purpose, I find it harder to maintain interest after the program concludes. However, in the case of both Monsta X and Wanna One, my preference leans towards Wanna One. This could be attributed to the fact that I don't have a comprehensive understanding of Monsta X's music to form a strong opinion. I only know a few of their earlier songs, such as 'Hero Dramarama.' In contrast, I can sing along to most of Wanna One's title songs, which were created during their existence as a permanent group.
Personal Bias Influenced by Disbandment
Another factor that influenced my preference towards Monsta X over Wanna One was their relatively short existence. In the early days of my K-pop journey, Monsta X was still active. However, with Wanna One's disbandment, I felt a sense of nostalgia and decided to focus more on their earlier work. Although I have stopped listening to newer content, I still enjoy their older songs, adding a bittersweet quality to my experience with them.
As a K-pop fan myself, it's interesting to see how our preferences can shift over time, influenced by different factors. Both Monsta X and Wanna One have their merits, and it's fascinating to witness the evolution of our tastes as we explore more of the genre.