MONSTA X member I.M has shown his creativity and soul as his first solo album, "Duality, " dominates global charts.
The MONSTA X member, whose real name is Lim Chang-kyun, has seen his first solo release top the iTunes Worldwide Albums Chart for two consecutive days (Feb. 19 and 20). It was impressive since it was less than 24 hours since "Duality" was released on the 19th.
Duality immediately debuted at the top of the iTunes chart, as well as the album charts in 18 different countries and regions - a reflection of the enthusiastic response from their fans from all over the world. The album's lead track, "God Damn," also managed to break through the Top 10 on the Amazon Best Sellers: Digital Songs chart.
Furthermore, a total of five tracks from the album have secured the second to the sixth spot of the South Korean Bugs real-time music chart following its local release. The same with its fellow Korean music chart, Melon 24 Hits Chart, all of the tracks from Duality secured various spots on the list.
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This solo album from I.M reveals the artist's own duality, perfectly exemplified in the title track "God Damn." While the track sports an upbeat hip-hop rhythm, it actually conveys a deeply emotional message. This contrast is further exemplified in the message of the song - masking one's loneliness by pretending to be having fun every time.
The release of the MONSTA X member's solo album was marked with the arrival of the music video for "God Damn," serving as a perfect visual complement to the track.
Opening with a party scene where people seem to be having fun, the I.M reveal was a surprising contrast - in brightly colored clothing was the MONSTA X member taking whiffs of what appears to be oxygen gas from a portable tank. In between breaths, intimate scenes with a female partner further lends the mature appeal to I.M's already impressive visuals.
The first sequence alone gives an overall aesthetic that relates to their previous release as a group, the highly-successful "Fatal Love."
Aside from the impressive chart performance of IM's solo release, it has also established a notable presence across various social networking sites (SNS). Hashtags such as #IM_DUALITY and #IAMVoice have joined the real-time trends on Twitter. Furthermore, fans - led by MONBEBE - have set up streaming parties and online events to further raise the visibility of the release across the Internet.
Duality contains five songs, led by "God Damn." The four other tracks are "Howlin'," "Burn," "Happy to Die," and "Flower-ed."
