On April 19, the K-Pop world is in shock yet again as ASTRO’s Moonbin was found dead in his home in Seoul. The idol singer was 25. Prior to his 2016 ASTRO debut, Moonbin was a child model and actor. He appeared in the TVXQ MV for “Balloons” in 2006.
Moonbin, who was signed under Fantagio, failed to appear at rehearsals. His manager went to his Gangnam-area apartment and found the idol deceased. The manager contacted the police upon the discovery.
Yonhap News initially reported Moonbin may have “taken his own life.” While other media outlets reported the same, the police are investigating the cause of death and an autopsy is pending.
In 2019, Moonbin went on hiatus from ASTRO due to health concerns. Moonbin struggled with anxiety and stress and has been open about people needing to take their mental health seriously.
“I think it’s important for people to talk about their mental health and seek help when they need it,” Moonbin said in an interview with The Star magazine. “It’s something that we should all be aware of and try to support each other with.”
When the tragic news broke on social media, many ASTRO fans felt the news was a malicious joke. However, Fantagio released a statement confirming Moonbin’s passing.
This is Fantagio.
First, we apologize for having to convey this sorrowful and heartbreaking news.
On April 19, ASTRO member Moonbin suddenly left us and has now become a star in the sky.
Although it cannot compare to the grief of the bereaved family that had to part with their beloved son and brother, his fellow artists and the staff here at Fantagio, who have been together with him for a long time, are also deeply mourning the departed amidst tremendous shock and sorrow.
It pains us even more to have to convey this sudden news to the fans who have given their unsparing love and support to Moonbin. Because we know all too well just how unparalleled the departed was in his love for his fans, whom he was constantly thinking of, the grief is all the more overwhelming.
In order for the bereaved family, who has fallen into great sorrow due to this sudden tragedy, to be able to respectfully mourn the departed and say their goodbyes, we entreat you to please refrain from speculative or malicious reports.
In accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family, the funeral will be held as quietly as possible, with family, close friends, and agency colleagues in attendance.
Once again, we express our deep mourning as the departed walks his final path.
— 판타지오뮤직 (@fantagiomusic_) April 19, 2023
Moonbin recently made his comeback in the ASTRO sub-unit Moonbin & Sanha, releasing their third EP Incense and the lead single “Madness.”
On April 19, prior to the news of Moonbin’s passing, Moonbin & Sanha were among the first artists announced to perform at the 29th Dream Concert slated for May 27, 2023 at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium. As of this writing, Dream Concert organizers have yet to comment on the tragic news. On May 13, the duo was also expected to perform during the now-canceled Moonbin & Sanha Fan Con Tour: Diffusion in Jakarta.
In light of the news, AROHA, ASTRO’s fandom, has been paying their respects to Moonbin, leaving balloons, photos, flowers, messages, and candles for the fallen star.
The Arohas of different places paying tribute to Moonbin 🙁 pic.twitter.com/7YsanJxnqW
— ⋆｡ﾟares ｡⋆｡ (@yngjngon_won) April 20, 2023
— ⋆｡ﾟares ｡⋆｡ (@yngjngon_won) April 20, 2023
rest in love, fly high, moonbin. 🤍🤍 pic.twitter.com/FbDKCTgqWX
— ssha. (@yyshaabell) April 20, 2023
Out of respect for Moonbin, DIVE Studios and Mindset have postponed activities.
In light of Moonbin’s passing, we are postponing the release of all DIVE Studios and Mindset content for this week.
We send our deepest condolences and appreciate everyone’s understanding. pic.twitter.com/9SMvwcmzwz
— DIVE Studios (@thedivestudios) April 19, 2023
Female idol group BILLLIE also postponed their activities for the unforeseen future. Moonbin’s sister, Moon Sua, is a member of the group and is expected to join her family and go on hiatus. Mystic Story, BILLLIE’s agency announced the hiatus via a statement.
Hello, this is Mystic Story.
We notify you of the cancellation and/or postponement of all schedules planned for this week.
In the case of the fan sign events, we plan to notify you of rescheduled dates and further details in a subsequent statement, and in the case of all other broadcast appearance schedules, we also intend on uploading separate notices soon.
We ask fans for your understanding.
Moonbin’s funeral and memorial will be held at the funeral hall at Asan Hospital in Seoul. His burial will take place April 22.
We send our condolences to Moonbin’s family, friends, and ASTRO mates.
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, there is help.
United States
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: A 24/7 nationwide text-messaging hotline. Text 741741 to talk to a trained counselor.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255- Available 24 hours every day.
The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386. Crisis and suicide prevention services available to the LGBTQ+ community.
Trans Lifeline: Call (877) 565-8860. Crisis and suicide prevention services for trans and non-binary individuals.
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 for help. Text 838255 for text-based services. This service aids veterans.
Canada
Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868. A 24-hour service for young people 20 and under.
The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Assistance is available in French and English. However, they are not a crisis center, but they do have links to crisis centers in each Canadian province.
Trans Lifeline: Call (877) 330-6366
Youthspace: This service helps people aged 30 and under. Text them at 778-783-0177. The service is available from 6pm to midnight PST.
For a complete list of suicide and crisis lifelines available in many countries, please visit Wikipedia’s list of resources.
Related: We Need to Talk…
—-Olivia Murray
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