K-pop idol Moonbin of the boy band ASTRO was remembered on his first death anniversary on April 19.
Moonbin passed away on April 19, 2023 at age 25. 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.
Moonbin (Instagram)
The hashtag #MOONBIN trended on X on April 19 (Instagram, X)
On April 19 on X (formerly Twitter), the hashtags “#MOONBIN,” “#ASTRO” and “Binnie” trended to commemorate Moonbin’s death.
Fans and the Korean entertainment industry were shocked and devastated by the news of his death.
Immediately following the news of Moonbin’s death, ASTRO member and actor Cha Eun-woo, who was completing a schedule in the US, returned to South Korea. ASTRO member MJ, who is serving in the military, took an emergency leave to visit his wake.
Fantagio, ASTRO’s agency, announced on April 20, 2023, “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.
His wake was held at the Asan Medical Center funeral hall in Seoul. His funeral was held on April 22, 2023 with family, friends and fellow ASTRO members in attendance.
Less than a month earlier, Moonbin and ASTRO’s Sanha held their “Diffusion” concert in Manila on March 25 last year.
Korean TV music programs such as “M Countdown” and “Music Bank” paid tribute to Moonbin.
Moonbin was born in 1998 and started in the Korean entertainment industry at a young age. He worked as a children’s wear model. Moon Sua, a member of K-pop girl group Billlie, is Moonbin’s sister.
He appeared in the music video of TVXQ’s “Balloons,” which was released in 2006.
When he was a child, Moonbin 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 debuted in ASTRO in February 2016 with the album “Spring Up.”
In September 2020, ASTRO’s unit Moonbin & Sanha debuted with the album “In-Out.”
From 2020 to 2022, Moonbin and Sanha became the hosts of the TV music show “Show Champion.” Their last album was “Incense” released in January last year.
Before his death, an account for Moonbin and Sanha was opened on the Weverse app on April 17, 2023.
Moonbin (X, Instagram)
Memorial space
Following Moonbin’s death, a memorial space was set up at the building of Fantagio, in Gangnam, Seoul, where fans could visit. It was extended until June 6, 2023, the 49th day of Moonbin’s death.
“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.
On June 4 last year, Fantagio announced that the memorial space would be transferred to a temple.
Moonbin's memorial space at the Fantagio building in Seoul last year (Online community)
Moonbin’s memorial space was transferred to the Namhansanseong Gukcheongsa Temple located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province in South Korea.
“Although Moon Bin's religion is not Buddhism, in response to the request of the bereaved family we have prepared a dedicated space called 'Moon's Space' within the Namhansanseong Gukcheongsa Temple. It is planned to be operated for a longer period starting on June 7, 2023 at 5:30 am.,” Fantagio said then.
Ahead of the opening of the new memorial space, ASTRO’s Cha Eun-woo and Sanha visited the place.
Fan concert in Manila
On March 25, 2023, Moonbin and Sanaha held their “Diffusion” fan concert in Manila. .
During the 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.
ASTRO's Moonbin and Sanha in Manila on March 25, 2023 (Jonathan Hicap)
Tribute
Following his death, fans set up memorials in different countries to pay tribute to Moonbin.
In the Philippines, the New Frontier Theater, the venue of Moonbin and Sanha’s fan concert, set up a memorial place, allowing fans to offer flowers and candles. Memorials were also set up in different places.
Last Jan. 26, Moonbin would have turned 26. To honor Moonbin, Cha Eun-woo uploaded a cover of American DJ duo Slander’s “Love is Gone” on Jan. 26 on his YouTube channel.
Siblings Moonbin and Moon Sua (Instagram)
ASTRO (Instagram)