MONSTA X member I.M shaved his head on stage during the final day of the group's Seoul concert on February 1, with his fellow members taking turns to help him in an emotional farewell before his military enlistment.
The head-shaving ceremony took place at KSPO DOME in Seoul during the last performance of the "2026 MONSTA X WORLD TOUR 'THE X : NEXUS'" concert series, which ran from January 30 to February 1. The three-day event drew more than 20,000 fans and marked MONSTA X's first solo world tour in four years.
During the encore stage, I.M spoke to fans about his health struggles and decision to perform despite back pain. He explained that although doctors told him he could sit during performances, he refused to do so for his final stage before enlistment. "The power of love is amazing," I.M told the emotional crowd, referring to the support from fans known as Monbebe, according to chosun.
I.M then announced his intention to shave his head on stage, saying he wanted to do it in a meaningful way with his members and fans present. He joked to comfort fans, stating, "I actually have a really nice head shape," before beginning to shave his own hair. Each MONSTA X member then took turns helping shave I.M's head in a display of friendship and brotherhood.
The moment created an unforgettable scene when member Minhyuk accidentally cut I.M's in-ear monitor with the clippers during the process. The entire head-shaving ceremony lasted approximately 10 minutes before I.M went backstage for a stylist to finish the job.
I.M is scheduled to enlist as an active-duty soldier on February 9 at a training center, where he will undergo basic military training before serving in the Republic of Korea Army. His agency, Starship Entertainment, announced that no official events will be held on the enlistment day and requested fans to refrain from visiting to ensure safety, Soompi reported.
The youngest MONSTA X member had paused activities twice in 2025 due to persistent back pain but continued working with rehabilitation treatment. He received medical clearance to participate in the Seoul concerts within a reasonable range that would not overexert him.
I.M's enlistment makes him the last MONSTA X member to begin military service, as the other five members—Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, and Joohoney—have already completed their mandatory service. He is expected to be discharged in August 2027, allowing the full group to reunite, as per allkpop.
