On June 4, 2023, Fantagio, the agency representing the South Korean idol group ASTRO, announced the creation of a memorial space for their late member, Moonbin, at Gukcheongsa Temple. As the 49th day since his passing approached, various artists from different K-pop groups came together to honor and commemorate Moonbin’s memory in their own heartfelt ways.
SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan, a close friend of Moonbin, made a poignant visit to the memorial space before it was relocated to the temple. In a letter he left behind, Seungkwan expressed his deep affection for Moonbin and his family. He revealed that he had been supporting Moonbin’s sister, Sua, as well as their parents and aunts. The letter also disclosed their plan to attend Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon’s concert together, highlighting the shared experiences they were supposed to have. Seungkwan conveyed his gratitude to Moonbin’s devoted fans, who had provided him with comfort during this difficult time, reminding him of the cherished memories they had with Moonbin.
Another ASTRO member, Sanha, who shared a sub-unit with Moonbin, took to Instagram to share cherished moments captured in photos and videos. In his heartfelt caption, Sanha bid his final farewell to Moonbin, promising to meet again in the future. He expressed the desire to hold each other tight once more and thanked Moonbin for bringing happiness into his life. Sanha’s unconditional love for his departed friend resonated deeply with their fans.
VIVIZ’s SinB, a childhood friend of Moonbin, also paid tribute to him by sharing a heartfelt photo on her Instagram account. The image encapsulated the bond they shared, evoking nostalgic memories and serving as a beautiful testament to their enduring friendship.
Moon Sua, Moonbin’s younger sister and a member of the group Billlie, broke her silence on Instagram with a touching video of her and Moonbin practicing together in the rehearsal room. In her emotional message, Moon Sua expressed regret for not cherishing the moments they had together and yearned for more shared experiences. She professed her unwavering love for her older brother, vowing to always remember and hold him dear in her heart. Her heartfelt words resonated with those who have lost loved ones, reminding everyone to treasure the time they have with their family and friends.
The collective outpouring of love and remembrance from the K-pop community serves as a testament to Moonbin’s impact as an artist. His music touched the lives of many, and his legacy will endure in the hearts of fans and fellow artists alike. Moonbin’s departure has reminded everyone of the importance of cherishing every moment and supporting one another during times of grief.
As the 49th day approached, marking the end of the formal mourning period, the K-pop industry united to honor Moonbin’s memory and inspire others to continue persevering in their own journeys. Although Moonbin may no longer be physically present, his spirit and the beautiful person he was will forever inspire and encourage those who were touched by his music. Rest in peace, Moonbin, knowing that your music will continue to inspire countless individuals to face each day with strength and determination.
