Im Chang-kyun (Korean: 임창균; born January 26, 1996), known by the stage name I.M or mononymously as Changkyun, is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer. He is a member of the South Korean boy groupMonsta X under Starship Entertainment. He made his solo debut with the EPDuality in 2021.
History
His stage name I.M came up by reading the English letters, I and M for the romanization of his family name, "Im", while his English name is "Daniel", nicknamed as "Danny".[2] The first language he learned was English and learned Korean only when he entered elementary school.[1]
Career
Early life and debut
I.M was born in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea and Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju as his hometown on January 26, 1996.[3][4] He spent most of his early years living abroad due to his father's work as a scientist, including living in Boston, Massachusetts, where I.M gained fluency in English, while his father worked at Harvard University.[5][6]
Between 2013 and 2014, he became part of the boy group Nu'bility under Special K Entertainment but never officially debuted despite holding several events and performances.[7]
I.M was a late addition to the Mnet's survival show No.Mercy, becoming the thirteenth competitor.[7][8] Despite his late addition, he was one of the seven contestants chosen to debut in Starship Entertainment's new hip-hop boy group Monsta X.[9][10]
2015–2020: Monsta X and solo work
In May 2015, I.M debuted with Monsta X with their first EP Trespass, on which he has five writing credits.[7][11]
During the early years of Monsta X, I.M released several solo songs as mixtapes. In May 2016, I.M released his first mixtape through Starship Entertainment's YouTube channel, titled "Who Am I?" featuring Yeseo.[12][13] On October 20, he released another mixtape titled "Madeleine" with Brother Su that featured J.Han.[14] In July 2017, I.M released a mixtape titled "Be My Friend", alongside group member Joohoney.[15] In February 2018, he released another solo mixtape titled "Fly With Me".[16]
In April 2019, I.M released a mixtape with the lead single "Horizon", which was a collaboration with the American artist ELHAE.[17] He also released the song "Scent" as the B-side of the single.[18][19]
In May 2020, I.M collaborated with ELHAE again, releasing the single "Need to Know".[20] He also made his first solo appearance on the talk show Talk Talk Information Brunch.[21]
2021–present: Solo debut and other solo endeavors
In January 2021, I.M announced the solo work he had been preparing in 2020, would be released as his first solo album, with an intended release later in 2021.[22][23] His first official release was announced to be an EP titled Duality, which was released on February 19, with its lead single "God Damn".[24][25][26] For his first EP, I.M was commended for showing a wider diversity of skill with the EP, with a noted difference in rap-style from his work in Monsta X as well as showcasing his abilities as singer-songwriter and composer.[27] All five songs from the album charted on the weekly BillboardWorld Digital Song Sales chart, occupying twenty percent of the entire World Songs chart.[28][29]
In July, he and other Monsta X members' Shownu and Hyungwon, took part in Pepsi's Taste of Korea summer campaign, releasing a promotional single "Summer Taste", with Rain, Brave Girls members' Yujeong and Yuna, and Ateez members' Hongjoong and Yunho.[30]
In August, I.M was part of Baverse Studio's Welcome To My Baverse, a documentary with his perspective as a musician and as an idol group member.[31][32] On September 4, I.M released the single "Loop", as part of his work for Welcome To My Baverse, in which he contributed to the production and composition.[33][34]
On September 6, I.M became a new DJ for Naver Now's radio program Midnight Idol, alongside group member Kihyun.[35] In December, he appeared as one of the special judges in the Mnet's dance survival program Street Dance Girls Fighter's fourth mission, alongside group members Hyungwon and Joohoney, for Monsta X's B-side song "Autobahn".[36]
In August 2022, I.M decided not to renew his contract with Starship Entertainment but continues to participate in Monsta X's albums and appearances.[37] In November, he signed an exclusive contract with Sony Music Korea for his solo activities.[38]
In March, he joined the mobile application Dear U bubble under "Bubble with Stars".[39] I.M also appeared on the cover of the fashion magazine 1st Look Korea's 254th issue.[40]
On April 19, Sony Music Korea released a video containing his new logo and announced the opening of his official site on May 16.[41]
On June 23, he released of his second EP Overdrive,[42] with the lead single of the same name.[43] On August 5 and 6, I.M held the Overdrive Showcase Tour in Seoul at Yes24 Live Hall,[44] which sold out within 5 minutes for both days.[45]
On September 3, he performed for Resffect Festival 2023, held at 88 Garden Olympic Park, Seoul.[46]
On October 13, I.M attended the launch event of BOSS' Korea-only capsule collection pop-up store, held at Oud Cafe in Seongsu-dong, Seoul.[47] On December 1, he attended the launch event of Swarovski's flagship store, held at Dosan Park in Seoul.[48] On December 25, I.M performed for 2023 Someday Christmas, held at Hall 3 of BEXCO Exhibition Hall 1 in Busan.[49]
On January 23, 2024, he released a new single,[50] titled "Slowly" featuring Heize.[51] On March 28, I.M attended the boutique reopening of Brioni, held at Hotel Shilla in Jung-gu, Seoul.[52]
On April 3, he released his third EP Off the Beat,[53] with the lead single "Lure".[54] He announced his first world tour, also called Off the Beat, to be held in eighteen cities in ten countries.[55]
On April 20, he began as the MC of KBS' web show I.M on the Beat.[56]
On April 23, he attended Chanel's "Rouge Allure" pop-up event opening, held in Seongdong-gu, Seoul.[57] On June 11, I.M attended Jaeger-LeCoultre's "The Adventure Spirit" pop-up event opening, held in Songpa-gu, Seoul.[58] On June 15, he performed for Tone & Music Festival 2024, held at 88 Garden Olympic Park, Seoul.[59] On June 18, it was announced that I.M will be the new DJ of KBS Cool FM's radio program Kiss the Radio, replacing Day6's Young K,[60] beginning on July 1[61] and ending on June 29, 2025.[62]
On July 19, he attended Diesel's store reopening, held in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.[63] On July 20, I.M performed for Soundberry Festa 24, held at KBS Arena in Gangseo-gu, Seoul.[64] In March, he performed for 2025 Soundberry Theater, held at KBS Arena in Gangseo-gu, Seoul.[65]
On March 28, he released a digital single "Don't Speak", which he had performed during the Off the Beat World Tour Encore in Seoul.[66]
On May 18, I.M performed at the music festival SuperPop Korea 2025, held at KINTEX in Gyeonggi-do, Seoul.[68] On May 24, it was announced that he will temporarily suspend his individual and group activities due to poor health.[69]
On June 29, 2025, I.M concluded his tenure as the DJ of KBS Cool FM’s Kiss the Radio, with his final broadcast marking the end of his hosting duties.[70]
On September 15, 2025, Sony Music Korea announced that I.M and the company had mutually agreed to part ways, ending the contract that began in 2022.[71] Following the expiration of his contract, Team I.M announced that I.M's existing social media accounts would be transferred to him and managed under his new team, while also launching new official channels.[72][73]
Artistry
Musical style and influences
I.M has contributed to the writing and production of Monsta X's songs since the group's debut in 2015.[7] He established the intense and powerful music color and framework unique to Monsta X, as well as presenting a variety of music, from songs with a dreamy and sensual mood to exciting songs that will enhance the atmosphere of a concert.[74] As a solo artist, I.M incorporates various genres, such as trap, deep soul, R&B, and jazz in his releases, considered not a typical mainstream type of music and different from his usual songs produced for the group.[75]
Upon growing up, he was influenced by his father's love for jazz, classical, and old pop music, specifically the Kenny G's saxophone albums and Norah Jones' albums, besides being particularly obsessed with Trevor Daniel's songs since their music tendencies are similar.[1]
Public image and impact
I.M, as an individual and a member of Monsta X, showed outstanding musical growth that shined into a unique world of music. Also, his musical ability not only broke the prejudice of being an "idol", but became a musician that brings out genuine music. He has built his own identity through the release of various mixtapes, which showed off a different, yet original music color, and developed his skills through steady music work. In addition to music, he has also conducted exclusive interviews with famous overseas media, such as the Chicago Tribune and the BBC, with his fluent English skills, as well as playing an active role in leading the early overseas promotions of the group, becoming their practical spokesperson, as what Forbes had evaluated. He has established himself as an unprecedented artist who goes back and forth between groups and solos, while showing his outstanding musicality as an "all-round artist".[76][77]
I.M dominates domestic and international charts with his solo releases, drawing hot global response, by topping the Melon, Bugs!, iTunes, Amazon, and Billboard, surpassing world-famous pop artists including Ariana Grande, Moguai, Adele, and Coldplay while occupying multiple spots on the charts which was a rare feat, one that only the biggest names in the business can muster.[29][78] He was also consistently placed in Tumblr's "Most Popular K-pop Stars", ranking 60th in 2019,[79] 53rd in 2020, 41st in 2021, and 83rd in 2022. I.M was also consistently ranked in the "Individual Boy Group Members Brand Power Ranking" published by the Korean Corporate Reputation Research Institute, ranking at 25th in July 2023 as his highest.[80]
He was commemorated at the "K-pop Star Street", as part of Gwangju's 2021 cultural projects, alongside other Korean artists that represented the city in the global music scene.[81]Billboard's 2023 International Power Player and Sony Music Korea's CEO/Managing Director Bobby Ju shared that signing him with the record label marked Sony as the first major label in Korea to sign a "360 deal" with an established K-pop star. This entitles a record label to a percentage of earnings from all of an artist's revenue streams, rather than just the recorded music sales, with the artist getting the largest share of the royalties from music releases.[82]Billboard emphasized that Ju's inclusion was due to I.M's "global success".[83] The replica of the jacket he used in The Connect World Tour was presented at 2023 Swarovski Crystal World's "The Art of Performance", an exhibition of art pieces with world stars including Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe, Elton John, and Lady Gaga.[84]
I.M had been cited by DKB's Harry-June as his role model.[85] He also inspired All(H)Ours' Xayden through watching his direct cams.[86]
Other ventures
Arts and photography
In November 2023, I.M released his first photobookHere I.M, which contained his current status, solo career journey, and values regarding music.[87]
Endorsements
In June 2021, I.M became the new model for the Italian luxuryfashion brandVersace's Eros Fragrance perfume through the Korean fashion, beauty, and life magazine Singles.[88][89] In July, he took part in the global beverage brand Pepsi's "Taste of Korea" summer campaign, with Rain, Monsta X members' Shownu and Hyungwon, Brave Girls members' Yujeong and Yuna, and Ateez members' Hongjoong and Yunho.[30]
In January 2022, I.M donated ₩500,000 through the idol fandom community service My Favorite Idol, for his birthday. It will be delivered to the Miral Welfare Foundation and used as a fund for the disabled who are isolated due to COVID-19.[90]
In September 2021, I.M was included in the production of the album cover image work and details through the Baverse Studio, as part of his work for Welcome To My Baverse.[33][34]
I.M's Official Logo
In April 2023, he took the lead in the production process of his official logo, which was designed with chrome material to give it a "stylish look", where his "philosophy" and "style" are implied.[41]
^"God Damn" did not enter on the Digital Chart but appeared at number 72 on the component Download Chart.[104]
^"Overdrive" did not enter on the Circle Digital Chart but appeared at number 8 on the component Download Chart.[105]
^"Lure" did not enter on the Circle Digital Chart but appeared at number 63 on the component Download Chart.[106]
^"Don't Speak" did not enter on the Circle Digital Chart but appeared at number 167 on the component Download Chart.[107]
^"Distance" did not enter on the Digital Chart but appeared at number 45 on the component Download Chart.[112]
^"Moon" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 61 on the component Download Chart.[114]
^"Summer Taste" was released as a promotional single in collaboration with Pepsi.[30]
^Co-organized by the Korean Customers Council and Brand Keys, this event recognizes the most influential brands in society and culture, as determined through consumer research.[127]
References
^ abcdSon, Ki-ho; Kim, Na-rang (February 26, 2023). 주헌 + 아이엠 = 몬스타 × 블루 [Jooheon + I.M = Monsta × Blue]. Vogue Korea (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
^Kim, Ji-hyun (May 20, 2019). 몬베베 집중!…몬스타엑스 아이엠이 즐기는 야식 [★TMI] [Monbebe focus!... Late night snack enjoyed by MONSTA X I.M [TMI]]. TV Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 27, 2023. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
^Oh, Hyo-jin (January 28, 2015). '노머시' 새연습생 I.M투입, 기존 연습생 텃세 ['No.Mercy' new trainee introduced as I.M, existing trainee is territorial]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 13, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
^Sun, Mi-kyung (February 12, 2015). '노머시' 주헌·셔누·민혁 등 7인 멤버 확정..스타쉽 新보이그룹 ['No.Mercy' Jooheon, Shownu, Minhyuk, 7 members confirmed.. Starship's new boy group]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
^ abYoo, Byung-cheol (May 6, 2016). 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 컴백 앞두고 첫 번째 믹스테잎 'Who Am I?' 깜짝 공개 [MONSTA X I.M, surprises first mixtape 'Who Am I?' ahead of comeback]. Korea Economic Daily TV (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
^Jeong, Hee-yeon (August 9, 2020). 몬스타엑스 아이엠 "내 앨범 작업 多, 언제 나올지는 미지수" [MONSTA X I.M "It still unknown, when my album will be released"]. Sports Dong-a (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 13, 2021. Retrieved August 9, 2020 – via Naver.
^Jeong, Hee-yeon (January 20, 2021). 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 2월말 솔로 음원 발표 [MONSTA X I.M, releases solo music at the end of February]. Sports Dong-a (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved January 20, 2021 – via Daum.
^Hwang, Hye-jin (January 20, 2021). 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 데뷔 6년만 정식 솔로 데뷔 "2월 말 음원 발매"(공식) [MONSTA X I.M, officially debuts solo for the first time in 6 years "Music release at the end of February" (Official)]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved January 20, 2021 – via Daum.
^ abcChoi, Hee-jae (February 8, 2021). 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 첫 솔로 앨범 '이중성' 19일 발매 확정 [공식입장] [MONSTA X I.M, confirms the release of his first solo album 'Duality' on the 19th [Official]]. Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2021 – via Naver.
^Kim, Min-ji (September 2, 2021). 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 내면 담아낸 신곡 '루프' MV 3일 공개 [MONSTA X I.M, new song 'Loop' MV released on the 3rd]. news1 (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 2, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2021 – via Naver.
^ abSun, Mi-kyung (September 4, 2021). 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 오늘(4일) 신곡 'Loop(루프)' 발매[공식] [MONSTA X I.M, releases new song 'Loop' today (4th) [Official]]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 4, 2021. Retrieved September 4, 2021 – via Daum.
^ abLee, Seung-hoon (September 4, 2021). "나도 나를 몰라" 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 반복되는 'Loop' 속 낯섦..이 또한 흘러가(종합)[퇴근길 신곡] ["I don't know me either" MONSTA X I.M, unfamiliarity in repeated 'Loop'.. This is also overflowing (Comprehensive) [New song on the way home]]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 4, 2021. Retrieved September 4, 2021 – via Naver.
^ abSun, Mi-kyung (August 31, 2021). 몬스타엑스 기현X아이엠, '심야아이돌' 고정 호스트 발탁.."기쁘고 설레" [MONSTA X's Kihyun X I.M, the regular host of 'Midnight Idol'.."So happy and excited"]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 31, 2021. Retrieved August 31, 2021 – via Naver.
^ abAhn, Yoon-ji (December 29, 2021). '스걸파' 파이널 진출 크루 확정..몬스타엑스→NCT127 저지 등장[종합] [Crew to advance to the finals of 'Street Dance Girls Fighter' has been confirmed.. MONSTA X → NCT127 appearance [Comprehensive]]. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 25, 2025. Retrieved July 25, 2025 – via Naver.
^Jang, Jin-ri (August 8, 2022). 몬스타엑스, 스타쉽과 5인 재계약…아이엠, 계약 종료→팀 활동 계속[전문] [Monsta X, renews contract with Starship... I.M, contract ends → Team activities continue [Full text]]. SpoTV News (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 8, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2022 – via Naver.
^Jung, Hee-yeon (November 15, 2022). 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 소니뮤직코리아 전속계약 [Monsta X I.M, exclusive contract with Sony Music Korea]. Sports Dong-a (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022 – via Naver.
^Lee, So-hyun (March 10, 2023). 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 디어유 버블 합류…소통 재개 [Monsta X I.M, joins Dear U Bubble... Resume communication]. Top Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
^Kwon, Soo-bin (March 23, 2023). 몬스타엑스 아이엠 "운동 외에는 열심히 음악작업 중". News Culture (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
^ abKim, Young-jin (April 19, 2023). 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 본격적인 솔로 활동 예고 [MONSTA X I.M, announces full-fledged solo activities]. Asia Today (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
^ abKang, Da-yoon (May 19, 2023). 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 6월 23일 '오버드라이브' 발매 확정 [공식] [MONSTA X I.M, confirms release of 'Overdrive' on June 23rd [Official]]. My Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 19, 2023. Retrieved May 19, 2023 – via Naver.
^Jeon, Jae-kyung (July 12, 2023). 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 첫 솔로 쇼케이스 투어 8월 개최 [Monsta X I.M, to hold first solo showcase tour in August]. Newsis (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 12, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023 – via Naver.
^Ji, Min-kyung (July 13, 2023). 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 첫 솔로 쇼케이스 투어 5분 만에 '전석 매진' [MONSTA X I.M, first solo showcase tour sold out in 5 minutes]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023 – via Naver.
^Choi, Soo-young (October 13, 2023). 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 카리스마. The Power (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 5, 2024. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
^Kim, Min-gyu (November 29, 2023). [포토]몬스타엑스 아이엠, 시크함 가득. Daily Sports (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 25, 2025. Retrieved December 2, 2023 – via Naver.
^ abJeong, Byeong-geun (January 15, 2024). 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 헤이즈와 2번째 호흡…신곡 협업. The Fact (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 25, 2025. Retrieved January 15, 2024 – via Naver.
^ abKim, Won-hee (March 18, 2024). 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 컴백 타이틀은 '루어'. Sports Trends (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 13, 2025. Retrieved March 25, 2024 – via Naver.
^Lee, Seung-hyun (April 23, 2024). [TV10] 몬스타엑스 아이엠 '시크미 물씬'. Ten Asia (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 14, 2025. Retrieved May 20, 2024 – via Naver.
^Jeong, Hyeon-tae (April 15, 2025). 몬스타엑스 주헌&아이엠, '슈퍼팝 2025 코리아' 출격. Single List (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 24, 2025. Retrieved April 21, 2025.
^Kim, Hye-jeong (June 22, 2021). 몬스타엑스 아이엠, 치명적 섹시함 [화보]. Sports Khan (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 22, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2021 – via Naver.
^2015년 05월 Download Chart [May 2015 Download Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 11, 2015. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
^2021년 8주차 Download Chart [Week 8 of 2021 Download Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved February 27, 2021.
^Woo, Se-on (February 5, 2015). '노머시', 오늘(5일) 매드클라운X주영 '0' 음원 공개. Top Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 28, 2017. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
^2015년 02월 Download Chart (국내) [February 2015 Download Chart (Domestic)]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
^2021년 29주차 Download Chart [Week 29 of 2021 Download Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 23, 2021. Retrieved August 11, 2021.
^Hwang, Hye-jin (April 4, 2025). 몬스타엑스 아이엠X민혁, 스타쉽 신인 뉴키즈 지원사격. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 25, 2025. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
