I.M (MONSTA X) Biography: Background, Education, Net worth 2025, Career, And Family

Profile:

Stage Name: I.M (아이엠)

Birth Name: Im Chang-kyun (임창균)

Date of Birth: January 26, 1996

Nationality: South Korean

I.M. is renowned for his incisive rap delivery, reflective lyricism, and ability to meld hip-hop with various genres. His fluency in English, which he acquired while growing up overseas, gives his contributions to MONSTA X's appeal on a global scale a special touch.

Background:

Although his family is from Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, Im Chang-kyun was born on January 26, 1996, in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Because of his father's work as a scientist, he was exposed to a lot of other cultures during his early years. I.M. lived for three years in Boston, Massachusetts, and for four years in Israel, where his father was employed at esteemed universities such as MIT and Harvard. He went by the English name Daniel, or simply "Dany," while he was living in Boston. His worldview and fluency in English were influenced by his global background, and these traits eventually helped MONSTA X in its international endeavours.

As a child, I.M. was initially motivated by his father to pursue a career in science and education. But in the end, his love of music won out, and he tried out for Starship Entertainment, starting his journey to become a K-pop idol.

Education:

I.M. lived with his family in Boston, where he finished his elementary schooling. Less is known about his secondary education, although after returning from overseas, he went to school in South Korea. An atmosphere that valued education was created by his family's academic history, especially his father's academic work. But as a teenager, I.M.'s priorities changed to music, and he trained for two years under Starship Entertainment before making his stage debut with MONSTA X.

2025 Net Worth:

The total anticipated net value of MONSTA X as of 2025 is expected to be around $32.77 million, which includes I.M.'s estimated net worth. The group's success through album sales, live performances, brand endorsements, and other endeavours is reflected in this figure. I.M.'s solo endeavours, such as EPs like *Duality* (2021) and *Off The Beat* (2024), together with his songwriting and producing skills, contribute to his personal fortune. Although his precise net worth is not made public, estimations place it between $1 million and $5 million, taking into account both his solo career and his contributions to MONSTA X.

Career:

When I.M. joined Starship Entertainment in 2013 as a trainee, his path to fame officially began. His introduction as a late addition during Mission 4 on the survival reality show *No.Mercy* (2014–2015) initially caused conflicting opinions among other trainees. Nevertheless, his potential was evident, and he was chosen to be the sixth member of MONSTA X. The group's first EP, *Trespass*, which peaked at number five on the Gaon Album Chart, was released on May 14, 2015.

I.M., who frequently works with fellow member Joohoney, is MONSTA X's principal rapper and is renowned for his dramatic rap verses and songwriting skills. The group has gained worldwide success, with platinum-certified albums in South Korea and gold-certified records in Japan. Their history includes singles like "Hero," "Dramarama," and "Alligator." The 2020 English-language album *All About Luv* by MONSTA X, which peaked at number five on the Billboard 200, also caused a stir in the United States.

While still a member of MONSTA X, I.M. departed Starship Entertainment in 2022 to pursue a solo career, signing with Sony Music Korea. With EPs like *Duality* (2021) and *Off The Beat* (2024) showcasing his singing, rap, and production abilities, his solo work displays a wider variety of musical styles. Additionally, he took part in the documentary-style effort *Baverse Studio’s Welcome To My Baverse* (2021), which examined his artistic career. I.M's status as a multidimensional musician has been cemented by the plaudits given to his solo endeavours for their depth and versatility.

I.M. has stated a desire for personal development and fresh creative opportunities despite MONSTA X's hectic schedule. He declared a brief break from group activities in 2025 because of health issues, in accordance with medical recommendations to put rest and recuperation first. This choice was made in conjunction with plans for MONSTA X's 10th debut anniversary celebrations, which included a pop-up shop and concert.

Family:

I.M. hails from a well-educated, encouraging family. I.M.'s early life was greatly impacted by his father, a physicist and researcher who has held positions at esteemed universities like Harvard and MIT. In addition to running the home and providing emotional support, his mother is an accomplished Western painter. The family has strong ties to relatives in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, and I.M. has an elder brother who resides in Japan. I.M. has thanked his family for their support, stating that they love MONSTA X and have supported his work. He once revealed that, in keeping with his family-oriented ideals, he spent portion of his first pay cheque on his parents and donated 10% to his church.

Military Service:

I.M. is the lone member of MONSTA X who has not yet signed up for required military service as of July 2025. All physically capable men must serve 18 to 21 months by the age of 28, according to South Korean legislation, though there may be exceptions or delays for a number of reasons. I.M., who was born in 1996, has not made any public announcements on his enlistment date, which has caused fan speculation, especially since his Bubble messaging service was shut down in March 2025. He did clarify, though, that the decision had nothing to do with intentions for quick enrolment. Supporters have had varied opinions, with some wishing that his service might overlap with that of other members in order to shorten the group's break.

Although I.M.'s eventual enlistment is expected, as of mid-2025, no formal date has been set.