The memorial space set up in Seoul for the late K-pop idol Moonbin, who passed away on April 19, will be extended until June.
In an announcement, Fantagio, the agency of K-pop boy band ASTRO to which Moonbin belonged, said the memorial space that was set up at its building in Gangnam, Seoul when the idol died, will be extended until June 6.
Moonbin and the memorial space at Fantagio building in Gangnam, Seoul (Photos: Fantagio, TheQoo)
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June 6 will be Moonbin’s 49th day since death, which is a significant day under Korean funeral customs.
“In traditional Korean funeral procedure, there is the 49th Day Rite, which is held 49 days after death, as the deceased goes through trials in the netherworld for 48 days before the process of reincarnation,” the Korea Times reported.
According to the Seoul Gangnam Police Station, Moonbin was found dead at his home in Gangnam, Seoul at about 8:10 p,m. on April 19 by his manager who reported it to the police. No evidence of foul play was found. He was 25.
Moonbin's funeral was held in private on April 22.
Fantagio said, “We would like to inform you that the visitation period has been extended until June 6th (Tue) which marks the 49th memorial day for those who were unable to visit during the original period, after acknowledging the opinions of AROHA [ASTRO’s fans].”
“Additionally, we have prepared a new space dedicated to the memorial. The memorial space that was located at the front of the Fantagio building, inside the parking lot, and behind the building will be relocated in steps to the rooftop sky park of the company starting from April 28th (Fri). Therefore, until April 30th (Sun), we ask for your understanding that only the memorial space that has been set up on one side of the parking lot will be available for the visit,” the agency said.
ASTRO members Cha Eun-woo, MJ, Sanha and Jinjin, former ASTRO member Rocky, Seventeen members, and K-pop group Billlie member Moon Sua, Moonbin’s sister, have visited the memorial space and left messages for him.
The memorial space and messages left by ASTRO members and Moonbin's sister at the Fantagio building in Gangnam, Seoul (Photos: TheQoo)
Here is the rest of Fantagio’s announcement:
All letters and gifts left at the memorial space will be kept safe and secure and will be regularly collected and stored without any damage during the operational period.
Please note that the building is shared with other tenants, and therefore we kindly ask the visitors to refrain from accessing other floors of the building during the visitation period.
We express our deepest gratitude to AROHA, who is always with ASTRO.
[Memorial Space Operation Information]
Operation Period: May 1st, 2023 (Mon) to June 6th, 2023 (Tue) 10AM~11:59PM
Operation Space: Fantagio Rooftop Sky Park
[Memorial Space Operation Guidelines]
1. We apologize in advance for the inconvenience of having to use the stairs to go up three floors after arriving on the 5th floor using the dedicated elevator for memorial visitors.
2. Other areas of the building cannot be accessed during the visitation period.
3. We will prepare a standing signboards to provide detailed guidance to visitors. Please follow the instructed footpath when you visit the memorial space.
4. The memorial space, except for the sky park, will not be in operation from May 1st (Mon). Please refrain from visiting other memorial spaces during the visitation period.
5. This space is dedicated to AROHA. We’d like to inform you that in case of any inconvenience or accidents that are caused by disorderly manners, it’ll be difficult to operate this memorial space.
6. In case if you have inquires related to the use of the memorial space starting from May 1st (Mon), please contact 010-2316-7718, and for other inquiries, please contact our fan club email ([email protected]).
We will work to address any inconveniences that may arise during the use of the memorial space.