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Article by: Ilanna Schlehuber & Marguerite McCauley 140: The number of days Monsta X has forcefully been a six member group. The number of days their member, Wonho, has been inactive as his contract was terminated by South Korean agency “Starship Entertainment”. The number of days his fans, Monbebe, have tirelessly been advocating; fighting for him and his innocence. Historically, these arguments fall on deaf ears, and the show must go on. Supporters are made aware - time and time again - of the harsh reality that business can and will often come first. For Wonho, though, we may witness a largely unprecedented turnaround. He was officially cleared of his criminal accusations, and many believe he could make a full return as a member of his group. To the uninformed, it could seem like a stroke of luck for the superstar. For Monbebe and Monsta X, it would simply be Wonho reaping what he has sown “from zero”.  Source: Monsta X Twitter Account What happened with Wonho wasn’t entirely a sudden or uncalculated series of events. Monsta X had just come off their third successful world tour, played a festival in Las Vegas, and were following this momentum into a new Korean comeback. The group was arguably hotter than ever, and showed no signs of stopping. Things took an immediate and seemingly irrevocable turn when a twitter account, later found out to be run by “anti fans” of the group, posted a video of Wonho making a joke at a fansign and created their own socially damaging context. Although the situation itself was clarified, and the malicious intent exposed, Wonho issued an apology to fans. For many, this was not even necessary, as the truth was clear all along. For others, even a brief and false misstep was enough for them to declare him unworthy of his status.  Source: Monsta X Twitter Account Unfortunately, in an age where negative press spreads a lot faster than positive, Wonho found himself unable to fully escape from the white knuckle grip of social media defamation. He was relentlessly told to leave the group, and in some cases, had death wished upon him. This continued until yet another false accusation came out - this time with legal repercussions. With his reputation already on thin ice, any ties to criminal activity would certainly seal his fate- especially in the eyes of his socially conservative home country. Money problems and alleged drug use came into play. No matter the validity, his name being used in this way again created damage that couldn’t be undone. There was no immediate response or apology that could make this go away. He was not the only member facing issues based on rumors at this time, and it all became too much. Barely days after the release of their latest music video, Wonho announced his departure from Monsta X. He wrote a letter to fans, expressing his sorrow for bringing any harm or negativity to his group. He felt things would be better and easier if he just left. With investigations pending regarding these latest statements, Wonho withdrew from any and all activities effective immediately. To say this did not sit well with fans would be a massive understatement. He and the issues surrounding him immediately trended on twitter, thousands insisting he stay with Monsta X and Monbebe. Fans created petitions with nearly 480,000 signatures, purchased billboards, sent letters to Starship Ent. and held meet-ups in cities big and small to protest his withdrawal. The thought of quietly allowing this to occur was not an option for fans that hold him near and dear to their hearts.  Source: Monsta X Twitter Account The relationship between Monbebe, and Wonho specifically, is extremely precious and unique. The absolute joy and fervor displayed on his face at the mere mention of the word Monbebe remains unmatched. Wonho is not just a “Kpop idol”. He is a magnificent display of genuine goodness within the celebrity universe. With a snow white soul and the attitude of a Disney protagonist, the thought of negativity and treating people with anything except kindness had never crossed his mind. In an industry like this, a manufactured personality can unravel pretty quickly. Whether it be a fan interaction, or a behind the scenes anecdote, an artist’s true colors end up being shown one way or another. Monsta X as a whole have always been regarded as a kind, diligent group that are both easy and enjoyable to work with. The way they carry themselves as people is just about as much of a draw for fans as the work they create. The fan-idol connection is a massive part of the kpop community, and each group or artist bonds with their fans in a different way. It’s difficult to explain, both from an outside AND an inside point of view, but Monsta X and Monbebe have always been regarded as something to aspire to when it comes to this aspect. Wonho in particular has always been supportive of people regardless of race, gender, orientation, identity, or anything aside from the way they treat others. His instinct in any and all situations is to be kind, and Monbebe not only take note of it, but they employ it in their own lives. His consistent ability to radiate love has been a proven inspiration for fans across the globe, and he works every day at making sure they know he is grateful. When asked about his connection with fans, Jessica, a Monbebe herself, told us that ‘Wonho's relationship with Monbebes is on another level I've never seen with an idol before. He loves and trusts us so much that to an outsiders point of view it would seem too much.’ She then goes on to say that he is ‘like the best friend you’ve never had. It’s truly beautiful on so many levels.’ This sentiment is a constant amongst fans of the singer, surrounded by love that is always returned.  Source: Monsta X Twitter Account When the allegations came pouring in and Wonho decided to terminate his contract, the silence became deafening. Fans were itching for any update they could get as the band continued on as six. Months passed without a word from him or Starship Ent. Jooheon, one of the group’s rappers, announced he would be going on a hiatus for the time being as the crippling anxiety he was battling became too much. It was difficult to picture this untouchable, joyful group falling apart in such a dismal way. Thinking of things getting worse before they improved seemed impossible, as the unimaginable had already taken place. The next step for Monsta X and its remaining 5 spokesmen would be their English album and promotions. A weeklong foray into the international Monbebe fanbase, a group that has remained decidedly vocal about Wonho and keeping his position in Monsta X intact. Their latest English album has all 7 members in every song, despite being released months after Wonho’s exit. Promoting this work proved to be tricky for Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon and IM. They’re meant to discuss every song and its process, but must ignore a major factor in it’s creation. They were performing tracks with Wonho’s vocals, though most Korean publications had erased him entirely. Due to the differing situations in their absence, they could mention Jooheon and wish him well, but Wonho was a topic that was too difficult to address directly. It was saddening for fans to feel this struggle every step of the way. Monsta X have always been quite transparent, and being candid and honest would be considered a strong suit of theirs. While these 5 displayed an amazing strength and ability to navigate such a difficult and unpredictable situation (as well as performing with the same skill and grace they always have), the strain of how they became 5 was apparent.  Source: Monsta X Twitter Account The fact that the other members continued on with their activities, however, almost reinforced Monbebe’s belief that things would turn around for Wonho. It would be unfathomable for anyone that knows Monsta X at all to think any one of them would settle with one of their members being ousted for virtually no reason, or due to the opinions of others. It was clear they were upset, and while some signs were shown along the way, all the fans could do was hope Starship lived up to their promise of following through with investigations. If this was going to be made possible for anyone, it would be Wonho. If it was true that he was wrongfully accused, it would have to be proven. He, of all people, deserves due diligence. Anybody that has ever met him knows that. At this point, the fan movement was loud enough to spark news coverage. The group was remaining successful despite clear obstacles. Even in what felt like an avalanche of misfortune, the energy and stable foundation created by Monsta X and Monbebe remained. Wonho has often been a beacon of optimism and light whose ‘personality shines so brightly when he’s happy’ says Stephen, a UK Monbebe, within their community, and it was holding true more than ever.  Source: Monsta X Twitter Account
What fans didn’t know was that throughout this trying time, legalities were being handled behind the scenes. Action was being taken, and Wonho was in the final steps of officially and publicly clearing his name. On March 14th, after 135 days of radio silence when it came to his situation, Wonho’s proven innocence was declared. His photo once again flooded news outlets and social media platforms everywhere - this time with a glow of redemption. There was a statement made by his “former” company supporting whatever his future endeavors may be. Regardless of what the court of public opinion would have to say, Wonho had been vindicated. An additional press release came out, including photos of Wonho and a message from him to his fans. He had met with a digital news outlet over a month before, curating a statement to be released when his innocence was finally proven. Once again, he apologized to fans for everything. Although he had no direct fault and was merely a target of online malice, he’s continued to show regret for anything fans have gone through. It is this type of unwavering character that drove fans to support and protect him every day throughout this time. It is not for lack of fault or imperfection that Monbebe appreciate Wonho and Monsta X; because they remain very openly human at all times. They’ve built a mutual trust, a genuine bond, and wholehearted appreciation that is not only rare within this kind of industry, but in most people’s lives overall. Nobody is quick to let that sort of thing go, and Monbebe certainly are not quick to let Wonho go. No matter what he decides to do, he will continue to be supported and loved. How beautiful a thing it would be, though, for him to break the mold. To prove that, in the face of venomous scrutiny, remaining true to oneself doesn’t go unrewarded. Monbebe will continue to advocate for Wonho because he deserves to be here. He deserves to be a member of Monsta X. He deserves to move on from the grueling days of uncertainty and negativity. The time without him might grow but no number of days can define him or the impact he’s had on his fans or his brothers. The Monbebe community has become stronger than ever, thanks to Wonho and his ability to make this less of a ‘fandom' and more of a family. Any amount of love given to him was returned tenfold. The influence of his situation will hopefully be a turning point in the industry and an example for years to come. No matter the final outcome or decision he makes, Wonho will always be a member of Monsta X.
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1. 1team Members: Rubin, BC, Jinwoo, Jehyun, and Junghoon 2. EVERGLOW Members: E:U, Sihyeon, Mia, Onda, Aisha, and Yiren 3. ITZY Members: Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna 4. nct (u,127,dream) Members: Mark, Jeno, Jaemin, Johnny, Taeil, Jisung, Ten, Jaehyun, Lucas, Yuta, Jungwoo, Doyoung, Kun, Taeyong, WinWin, Renjun, Chenle, and Haechan 5.ONEUS Members: Ravn, Seoho, Leeds, Keonhee, Hwanwoong, and Xion 6. A.C.E Members: Wow, Chan, Jun, Byeongkwan, and Donghun 7. Junny 8. kinda 9. FROMIS_9 Members: Saerom, Hayoung, Gyuri, Jiwon, Seoyeon, Chaeyoung, Nagyung, and Jiheon 10. got7 Members: Jinyoung, Mark, JB, Yugyeom, Youngjae, Jackson, BamBam 11. The Boyz Members: Jacob, Younghoon, Eric, Kevin, Q, New, Sunwoo, Sangyeon, Hyundai, Juyeon, and Juhaknyeon 12. ateez Members: Yunho, Seonghwa, San, Yeosang, Hongjoong, Wooyoung, Jongho, and Mingi 13. ONLYONEOF Members: KB, Love, Rie, Yoojung, Junji, Mill, and Nine 14. iMFACT Members: Taeho, Sang, Ungjae, Jeup, and Jian 15. Jeebanoff 16. cix Members: BX, Seunghun, Yonghee, JIinyoung, and Hyunsuk 17. Monsta X Members: Shownu, Jooheon, IM, Minhyuk, Wonho(we understand he is currently not in the group but he is in the group in our heart), Kihyun, and Hyungwon 18. WAYV Members: Ten, Lucas, Kun, Xiaojun, WinWin, YangYang, and Hendery 19. ONF Members: Wyatt, E-tion, U, Hyojin, MK, and J-US. Laun ( the baby in the back right left the group in August 2019) 20. SF9 Members: Taeyang, Hwiyoung, Zuho, Jaeyoon, Youngbin, Rowoon, Chani, Inseong, Dawon 21. The Rose Members: Hajoon, Woosung, Dojoon, and Jaehyung 22. vav Members: Jacob, Ziu, Ace, Ayno, Baron, Lou, and St. Van 23. vICTON Members: Seungwoo, Seungsik, Heochan, Sejun, Hanse, Byungchan, and Subin
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