The funeral for K-pop idol Moonbin, 25, was held on the morning of April 22 with family, friends and fellow members in boy band ASTRO in attendance.
It was held in private in accordance with the request of his family. The funeral ceremony and burial site were not disclosed.
(Clockwise from top left) Moonbin in "Boys over Flowers," TVXQ's "Balloons" music video, as part of Fantagio's i-Teens and "To be Continued, and as a member of ASTRO in 2016 (Fantagio, KBS, SM Entertainment, Twitter).
ASTRO's Moonbin (Twitter, Fantagio)
Fantagio, ASTRO’s agency, released a statement on April 21, saying that Moonbin’s burial site will not be disclosed as requested by his family.
“On April 22, Moonbin’s funeral will be strictly observed. As previously announced, the funeral ceremony and burial site will not be disclosed according to the request of the bereaved family,” the agency said.
Fantagio added, “We once again ask for the generous understanding of the reporters so that ASTRO members and the bereaved family can send the deceased on his journey. We express our gratitude to everyone who sent their deep condolences.”
Moonbin (문빈) passed away on April 19. According to the Seoul Gangnam Police Station, Moonbin was found dead at his home in Gangnam, Seoul at about 8:10 p,m. by his manager who reported it to the police.
His wake was held at the Asan Medical Center funeral hall in Seoul.
After his death was reported by the Korean media, Fantagio issued a statement to confirm it.
“First of all, I would like to express my apologies for bringing you such heartbreaking and heartbreaking news,” the agency said.
It added, “On April 19, ASTRO member Moonbin suddenly left us and became a star in the sky. Although it cannot be compared to the grief of the bereaved family who lost their beloved son and brother, the ASTRO members who have been with us for a long time, as well as our fellow Fantagio artists and staff, are deeply mourning the deceased in great sadness and shock.”
“It is even more heartbreaking to deliver this sudden news to his fans who have supported Moonbin and sent him unconditional love. We are more heartbroken because we know the heart of the deceased who always loved and thought of her fans more than anyone else,” it said.
“According to the wishes of the bereaved family, the funeral will be held as quietly as possible with family, friends and company colleagues in attendance. Once again, we express our deep condolences to the deceased on his final journey,” it said.
Career
Born on Jan. 26, 1998, Moonbin started in the entertainment industry at a young age. He worked as a children’s wear model.
He appeared in the music video of TVXQ’s “Balloons,” which was released in 2006.
A young Moonbin in the music video for TVXQ's "Balloons" in 2006 (Screenshot from SM Entertainment video)
Moonbin as a young Kim Bum in "Boys Over Flowers" in 2009 (KBS)
As a child, he appeared in the 2009 hit drama “Boys Over Flowers,” playing the role of the young Kim Bum.
Moonbin, Cha Eun-woo, Sanha, MJ, Rocky and Jinjin were part of Fantagio’s i-Teen rookie project and starred in the web drama “To Be Continued” before they debuted in ASTRO in 2016.
ASTRO made their debut in February 2016 with the album “Spring Up.” In September 2020, ASTRO’s unit Moonbin & Sanha debuted with the album “In-Out.”
ASTRO in 2015 before their debut (Twitter)
K-pop boy band ASTRO in 2016 (Twitter)
ASTRO for the 2022 album "Drive to the Starry Road" (Fantagio)
From 2020 to 2022, Moonbin and Sanha became the hosts of the TV music show “Show Champion.” The duo’s last album was “Incense” released last January.
Last March 25, Moonbin and Sanaha held the “Diffusion” fan concert in Manila. .
During their “Diffusion” show in Manila, Moonbin said, “Among the different countries, since the Philippines was chosen to be the first stop for us, we were really nervous about this. But when we see how you cheer for us, it gives us strength.”
“If we can get the chance in the future, if you would call us once again, we will make sure to come back. Until that day, I hope everyone will remain healthy,” Moonbin added.
Moonbin and Sanha in Manila on March 25 (Jonathan Hicap)
[📸] 🌟2023 #MOONBIN_SANHA(ASTRO) FAN CON TOUR : [#DIFFUSION] IN MANILA🌟
— ASTRO OFFICIAL (@ASTRO_Staff) March 25, 2023
필리핀 아로하를 만나서🇵🇭
행복했던 #문빈_산하 🥺💜
선물같은 오늘을 절대 잊지 않을게요🎁
우리 다음에 또 만나요 mahal kita👋🏻💌#문빈 #MOONBIN #산하 #SANHA #아스트로 #ASTRO pic.twitter.com/AHwNhotXIs
Before his death, an account for Moonbin and Sanha was opened on the Weverse app on April 17.
“Hey, hey. We are ASTRO’s Moonbin and Sanha,” Moonbin posted on the app on April 17.
Moonbin is the brother of Moon Sua, a member of the K-pop girl group Billlie.
Tribute
The news of Moonbin’s death sent shock waves through the Korean entertainment industry and fans.
Memorials were set up by fans in different countries. In the Philippines, the New Frontier Theater, the venue of Moonbin and Sanha’s fan concert last March 25, set up a memorial place, allowing fans to offer flowers and candles. Filipino fans also set up memorials in different places.
On April 21, Fantagio set up an incense burner place in a parking lot near the company building in Seoul.
"In order to prepare a comfortable space for the fans who have traveled a long way, we have prepared a simple incense burner at one side of the parking lot, although it is not an official venue," the agency said in a notice.
Moonbin’s colleagues and friends in the entertainment industry expressed their condolences.
Among those who expressed their condolences to Moonbin include BTS’ RM, SHINee’s Key and Taemin, TVXQ’s Yunho, Kim Jaejoong, Kim Jong-kook, Hyolyn, EXID’s Hani, iKON’s Chanwoo, Park Seoham, .
###### Moonbin (Instagram)
###### Moonbin (left) and his sister Moon Sua, member of girl group Billlie (Twitter)
“I won't forget how you smiled brightly and shone brightly. I pray that you are at peace and happy there,” Yunho posted on Instagram.
"I can't sleep even more now that I'm saying my last goodbye with the hope of you going to a good place. I sincerely hope you are happy,” SHINee’s Key commented on Moonbin’s last Instagram post.
He added, “Thank you very much for leaving behind a lot of records of the past days that Moon Bin has done.Those left behind will be able to live with those memories crying and laughing, looking forward to the day we turn around the corner and you will greet us with a bright smile. You have worked hard, really. And I'm sorry for not knowing.”
Entertainment agencies deferred or canceled activities and events as a sign of respect for Moonbin’s death.
Billlie canceled and postponed their activities for the week.
“We inform you that the schedule for this week has been canceled or postponed. In the case of the fan signing schedule, we will inform you again through a later notice, and for other schedules, including broadcasts, we will inform you of specific cancellations. We ask for your generous understanding,” said agency Mystic Story on April 20.
Following Moonbin’s death, the “Diffusion” fan concert slated in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 13 was canceled.