Jungwon covers Monster by Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber, emotional fans recall 2024 controversies: 'He was bashed...'

It’s a bittersweet moment for Engenes, the fanbase for the band Enhypen. Recently, Jungwon, a member of the band released the cover of the song Monster, a track by Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber. The song’s themes focused on the exhaustive pressure of being idolised by the public, which can turn artists into ‘monsters’, if they don’t fit society’s idea of perfection. In the song, Bieber shares his own experience of becoming a global music sensation at the age of 15, and how he had to move past the trauma of ‘bad choices’. 

And so, Jungwon covering this song, after his spate of controversies last year, moved his fans, who have been defending him and by his side throughout the tumultuous times. Last year, he found himself at the centre of dating controversy with AESPA’s Winter, along with other alleged activities, such as smoking. The incident angered the fanbase, as the situation was further complicated by rumours that he had been spotted in a bar. As a result, the singer’s cover hits harder than ever, as it shows his own struggle with being in the spotlight. One fan wrote on YouTube, "think a lot of “fans” and “engenes” need to understand that idols are people too. Idols have feelings too, don’t be mean and critical be encouraging and supporting of them." Another commented on the weight he has had to should since he was 15, "The lyrics just fits Jungwon so much. He was put in a pedestal at such a young age. He experienced best of best so early. But when he "tripped" or made mistake then he's bashed to death like a monster. I just hope he knows that Enhypen and the whole fandom NEEDS him, we won't be here without him."

It didn’t just register with the Enhypen fanbase, it also made a mark on other fandoms, for instance the BTS ARMY, as the rapper, Suga was embroiled in controversy last year over a scooter incident, and had to be on the receiving end of much hate and backlash, along with ‘funeral wreaths’ that were sent to the HYBE office.