MONSTA X's Kihyun teases solo comeback at rain-soaked Seoul Park Music Festival

21 Jun 2026, 06:50 by hjang · allkpop

MONSTA X's Kihyun delivered a romantic rain-soaked performance at the '2026 Seoul Park Music Festival' ("Park Music"), held on the afternoon of June 20 at the 88 Lake Waterside Stage at Olympic Park in Songpa District, Seoul.

Park Music is being held over two days, June 20 and 21, across the 88 Lawn Square, Woori Financial Art Hall, and 88 Lake Waterside Stage at Olympic Park. The opening day featured performances by Kihyun, the trusted main vocalist of MONSTA X, along with CNBLUE, Jung Seung Hwan, Silica Gel, ONEWE, Jannabi, So Soo Bin, Thornapple, Redoor, Latency, Far East Asian Tigers, Decadent, and Yoon Ji Young, each bringing their own distinct charm to round out the festival lineup.

Performing as a light drizzle fell, Kihyun opened the show in style with 'VOYAGER', the title track of his solo debut single.

"My name is Kihyun. I'm part of a team called MONSTA X. We're actually on a world tour right now. I just got back to Korea yesterday, so I'm a little jet-lagged and sleepy, but I'll just ignore that. Let's go," he said, kicking off the set.

He followed with 'STARDUST', ', (COMMA)', 'Bad Liar', 'Youth', and 'SOMEONE'S SOMEONE', filling the rain-soaked 88 Lake stage with his clear vocals and powerful high notes.

Kihyun also gave fans a preview of his upcoming solo album. "I've been doing solo activities alongside group work. I've already released two albums, and the third one is coming soon. I finished all the work before going on the world tour, so just wait a little longer," he said, previewing 'Lazy Day', one of the tracks from the new album, to build anticipation.

He added confidently, "There are probably people here who aren't Monbebe, but I can guarantee that even you will end up enjoying this song. The only concern is that it's really difficult for me to sing — the difficulty is on a completely different level from 'VOYAGER' and 'Youth.'"

The set was made even more special with a one-time cover stage. Kihyun performed Zitten's song, adding an emotional touch and saying with a smile that he thought Monbebe would enjoy it. He also covered Vaundy's 'Tokyo Flash' and WJSN's Dayoung's 'number one rockstar', adding further variety to the performance.

Audience members had to wear raincoats throughout the show due to heavy rain at the venue. Despite the weather, the many fans who came to Olympic Park to hear Kihyun live filled the audience area and gave enthusiastic cheers throughout. Moved by the response, Kihyun said, "Thank you, Monbebe, for coming out in such numbers. I'll work even harder," and during 'Youth', he shouted to the crowd, "I love you, Monbebe," adding to the emotional atmosphere.

Near the end of the show, MONSTA X member Hyungwon made a surprise appearance from the audience, delighting fans. Hyungwon, a skilled producer who has written for MONSTA X albums as well as Kihyun's solo tracks 'Bad Liar' and 'Where Is This Love', came out to support Kihyun's solo stage despite having his own performance the following day, demonstrating his loyalty and support for his bandmate.

After a successful first day, Park Music will continue on June 21 with a lineup including MONSTA X as a full group, 10cm, Kwon Jin Ah, 2NE1's Sandara Park, BTOB's Lee Chang Sub, Daybreak, Soran, Damons Year, Keyveatz, H//PE Princess, Identity, MODYSSEY, Heartswave, AxMxP, Hong Isaac, Yoon March, and Tokai.

The varied lineup reflects Park Music's vision as an "urban picnic-style music festival." This year's edition was made open to all ages, expanding the festival to welcome not only friends and couples but families as well.

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