Minhyuk (MONSTA X) Biography: Background, Net Worth 2025, Career, and Military Service

Profile:

Birth Name: Lee Min-hyuk (이민혁)  

Stage Name: Minhyuk (민혁)  

Birth Date: November 3, 1993  

Birth Place: Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea  

Nationality: South Korean 

Because of his vivacious and joyful nature, Minhyuk has been dubbed "Beauty Coo," "Minmungi," and "Jjang Puppy." He is a unique member of MONSTA X because of his distinct, husky vocal tone and captivating stage presence.

Background:

Minhyuk was raised in Seoul but was born in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, on November 3, 1993. His parents and younger brother, Lee Minjun, who was born in 1997 and has already served in the military, make up his family. Minhyuk jokes that he got his mother's height, which is notable because she used to play volleyball. Dambi, a cherished poodle that belonged to his family, died in January 2020. Minhyuk's parents exposed him to the Jeolla dialect (satori) at a young age, which gave his language abilities a special edge. Despite his mother's initial disapproval, his love of performing was ignited at a high school talent show, and the audience's cheers encouraged him to pursue a career in music. After his outspoken teacher commended his ability, she became more supportive.

Education:

Minhyuk received his diploma from Seoul's Deoksu High School. His training as a K-pop idol under Starship Entertainment was intense, despite the fact that specifics on his additional schooling are not well known. He developed his singing, dancing, and performance abilities during his three years as a trainee, laying the groundwork for his MONSTA X debut. His involvement in the survival program *No.Mercy*, where he demonstrated his value despite originally being viewed as an outsider, demonstrated his determination during this time.

Career:

In December 2014, Minhyuk competed among recruits to earn a seat in Starship Entertainment's new boy group on Mnet's survival show "No.Mercy", marking the beginning of his career. Viewers were sceptical, but Minhyuk's charisma and skill won him a spot as the last confirmed member for MONSTA X. The group's successful K-pop adventure began on May 14, 2015, when they released their EP "Trespass". Now consisting of six members (Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M.), MONSTA X has achieved international acclaim for albums like "Fatal Love", "No Limit", and "All About Luv", which feature songs like "Love" and "Beautiful Liar."

With his passionate stage presence and clear, varied voice, Minhyuk, MONSTA X's sub-vocalist and visual, adds to the group's explosive performances. His songwriting abilities have also been demonstrated; he is credited with writing three songs on "All About Luv" (2020) and "I Do Love U" from "Take.1 Are You There?" (2018). He showcased his artistic breadth in 2019 when he released the solo mixtape song "Ongsimi," which came with a music video.

Minhyuk has achieved great success in entertainment in addition to music. Alongside April's Naeun and NCT's Jaehyun, he hosted SBS's "Inkigayo" from October 2019 until February 2021, receiving recognition for his charm and wit. Beginning in July 2020, he also presented Naver Now's "Vogue Ship Show", a weekly radio program that featured fan interactions and idol guests. With roles in dramas like Riverdale (2017), Debut's Plan (2025), and MONSTA X's Shine Forever (2017), Minhyuk's versatility also extends to acting. Additionally, he has been on variety shows including Law of the Jungle, Weekly Idol, and King of Mask Singer, where he demonstrated his vocal talents as "Bapsae."

In joint collaborations like the 2016 exhibition Moment in November with Kihyun, which showcased his calligraphy and paintings, and the 2023 joint exhibition with street artist Doezny and Mountain Dew, Minhyuk's artistic abilities are evident. He added fan-inspired features to the album artwork for MONSTA X's Shape of Love (2022). His cultural significance was demonstrated in 2025 when he was named the honorary first pitcher for the LG Twins vs. Hanwha Eagles KBO League game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium.

Military Service:

On April 4, 2023, Minhyuk joined the military band at Yeoncheon army base in Gyeonggi Province as an active-duty soldier in the 5th Infantry Division as part of his required military service. From October 6–10, 2023, he had a performance at the Ground Forces Festival (Army Fest) in Gyeryong, South Chungcheong Province. After serving for eighteen months, Minhyuk was released on October 3, 2024. He thanked fans (Monbebe) for their support and characterised the experience as a worthwhile time of personal development. In honour of his comeback, he sponsored a free fan event called *Let's GO!5rae* at Seoul's Yes24 Live Hall on October 6, 2024, and did a live broadcast on MONSTA X's YouTube page. After leader Shownu, Minhyuk was the second member of MONSTA X to finish military service.

2025 Net Worth:

Because of conflicting reports and the private nature of celebrity wealth, it is difficult to predict Minhyuk's net worth in 2025. According to sources, he has a net worth of between $100,000 and $5 million, with some speculative estimates reaching $33 million. His own endeavours in hosting, acting, and social media partnerships, in addition to MONSTA X's lucrative music releases, global tours, and brand sponsorships, are the main sources of his riches. Minhyuk has more than 1.5 million Instagram followers, and sponsorships account for a sizable amount of his revenue. Given his reputation in the entertainment sector and his involvement in high-profile projects, his net worth in 2025 is probably closer to the higher end of the conservative estimate, which is between $3 and $5 million.

Personal Life and Recent Developments:

Minhyuk is well-known for his affinity for whales and frequently uses their imagery to represent his wish to inspire others. He has a noticeable dislike for cucumbers and likes to bowl, eat pizza (especially Hawaiian and sweet potato pizza), and drink cola. His professional skincare regimen, which he discussed on V LIVE, has drawn attention and helped him establish a reputation for having perfect skin. Minhyuk's close friendships with celebrities such as Jeonghan and Mingyu from SEVENTEEN, Cha Eunwoo from ASTRO, and Jaehyun from NCT demonstrate his outgoing personality.

Minhyuk encountered controversy in 2025 because dating rumours involving influencer Sung Su In were allegedly verified on March 28, 2025, by Korean media source SWAY. Reactions to the rumours were divided; some fans defended his right to a private life, while others criticised his lack of participation on sites like Bubble. On June 15, 2025, Minhyuk addressed the matter through Bubble, expressing regret for any disappointment fans may have experienced and admitting the emotional toll of the criticism. Regarding the rumours, Starship Entertainment has not made any formal statements.