Celebrity Travel: Go Away With I.M of Monsta X
Rapper I.M is used to traveling around the world with his group Monsta X and says he's excited about returning to the United States, where he spent part of his childhood. "I'm sad we won't get to play in Boston," says I.M, 22, who was born Chang-kyun Im. "But I'm happy we will get to see so many of our American fans." The K-Pop group's world tour includes U.S. concerts that start in Chicago on July 20 and ends in Los Angeles on August 3. Their latest EP is "The Connect: Dejavu." For more tour dates, check out their website. The band members also stay active on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Q. What do you remember from your time living in Boston?
A. I can remember all of it! I remember my friends' names. I lived in Chestnut Hill and my dad worked at Harvard University. When it snowed in the winter, I sometimes rode down the hill. I remember the everyday things, like there were some squirrels. (Laughs) There were many things that are still in my memory. I enjoyed it very much. I haven't been back to Boston, but I really want to go back one day. It's on my bucket list.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
A. It was to Israel for my dad's job. We lived there for four years until I was five years old.
Q. Many people know of Seoul and Busan. What can you share with your American fans about your hometown of Gwangju?
A. Yo, Gwangju! I call it G-Town. Like A-Town (for Atlanta). Whatever. (Laughs) Gwangju is very chill. The people and foundation (of the city) is very (relaxed). It has a smaller city vibe and the people are really nice. If you go to a store or restaurant to buy something, they give you more than you expect, which is a nice surprise. I love and miss Gwangju!
Q. How difficult is it to maintain your English skills, living in a country where it's not the dominant language?
A. I'd say in Korea, many people don't speak English, so I don't have the opportunity to use my English. I am trying to make my English better and would like to develop my skills more. But I'm studying vocabulary words by myself so that I get better and that I don't forget it.
Q. You rap in both English and Korean. What is the biggest challenge of performing in a foreign language?
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