Celebrity Travel: Go Away With Shownu
Monsta X has been nominated for their first MTV Video Music Award for their English-language single "Who Do U Love?" They will become the first K-Pop group to perform at the iHeartRadio Music Festival later this year. (They previously were the first Korean boy band to take the stage at Jingle Ball.) But a highlight of 2019 for the group was performing in Oslo for South Korean president Moon Jae-in and King Harald V of Norway, where the countries' dignitaries celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Norway. Currently on the North American leg of their world tour (http://www.monstax-e.com/) -- which includes shows in Chicago (Aug. 6) and Los Angeles (Aug. 10) -- group leader Shownu (born Son Hyun-woo) took a breather to talk with us about life on the road. Monsta X also includes Wonho, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney and I.M.
Q. When you were a child, did you think that international success outside of Asia was a possibility?
A. I always dreamed about it, but it seemed like something that would be impossible to achieve. One of our goals from the beginning was to set a milestone in the United States. Since we were kids, we have listened to music from (American) artists like Usher and Michael Jackson. To have a chance to perform in the U.S. is a dream-come-true moment for us.
Q. You were in Europe recently. Pick one city and tell us how you felt being there?
A. In London, I felt so much history. There's so much great pop music that has come out of England.
Q. How much time do you have for sightseeing when you're on tour?
A. Usually we don't have much time when we are abroad. Our schedules are packed until the end of the year and it is kind of difficult to find time as a tourist. But when South Korean President Moon Jae-in invited us to perform during his summit with the Norwegian prime minister, I spent some time (exploring). It was beautiful to see the amazing scenery there. I hope to explore more countries if I have a chance in the future.
Q. What do you do to remain healthy on the road?
A. I try to exercise regularly as much as possible and get enough sleep.
Q. What is on your travel bucket list?
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