Stray Kids Bang Chan’s Reaction To MONSTA X’s ‘Beautiful Liar’

Stray Kids Bang Chan‘s reaction to MONSTA X‘s ‘Beautiful Liar’ is more than just a pleasant surprise. Even if his reaction video was uploaded ten months ago, it is wonderful to be able to wrap up the year with what I believe is an authentic statement of the powerfulness of this song.

We can understand Bang Chan. We can also understand how MONBEBE, who are currently out there in the tough trenches of military hiatus waiting, will understand Bang Chan for bopping his head like that and being at a loss for words.

As for me, attempting to put the powerfulness of this song and MV into words leads me into expressing myself by way of metaphor. ‘Beautiful Liar’ is a song that will take you by the hand, make you wonder “why oh why”, sweep you off your feet and, in doing so, will show you the carrot and the stick.

To begin with, ‘Beautiful Liar’ as a song has a non-standard structure. After the initial guitar riff, the first two verses set the mood, the post-verse hits where it needs to (but the real peak is yet to come) and there comes the chorus in the shape of decisive rap parts. The ending to the song is subdued but well-balanced, considering that perhaps the transition to the second setting in the video would call forth this specific ending that lingers, making this a signature performance by MONSTA X.

With a “seductive beat and a dangerous concept,” ‘Beautiful Liar’ is a track that reverberates drama as much as it echoes the unique and recognizable sound that MONSTA X brings to the equation of their genre-bending music style. This track offers a mysterious visual and vocal narrative that, however, makes you feel as if everything is going to be just fine, as long as you keep listening.

Obsession aside, this is the MONSTA X effect. They have done it before with ‘Gambler’, a track deeply rooted in rhythmical bass and gutsy verse, enriched with a music video narrative that, similarly to ‘Beautiful Liar’, is imbued in an alluring and addictive setting. In the words of MONSTA X’s JooHoney from an interview with W Korea, “Gambler symbolizes we are ready to bet our lives on our performances, music and fans.”

MONSTA X do it their way. Whether it’s pushing boundaries, romantic verses, funny quips, or demonstration of affection and respect towards others, they are a group at the heart of K-Pop (and beyond) and at the heart of their fans.