Astro's Moonbin remembered on first anniversary of death

Friday marked a year after the death of Moonbin, member of boy band Astro who died last year on April 19 at the age of 25.

Late singer Moonbin of boy band Astro [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Friday marked a year after the death of Moonbin, a member of boy band Astro, who died last year on April 19 at the age of 25.

The boy band member, real name Moon Bin, was found dead by his manager at around 8:10 p.m. at his residence in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. Police found no foul play in his death.

His death was mourned by countless colleagues from the entertainment industry, including Astro bandmate Cha Eun-woo and Moon Sua, a member of girl group Billlie and also Moonbin's sister.

Moonbin had admitted to going through "hard times" during his live sessions with fans during a session on April 8, 2023, following a concert by Astro’s subunit Moonbin & Sanha.

The singer told viewers that he had “something to confess."

“I was going through a rough time,” he said. “I tried to not let it show, but I think it did. I’m sorry. […] I’m trying to get better. I’m exercising and doing things I’ve been missing out on. I have to recover and make Aroha [Astro’s fandom] happy.”

A memorial altar for Moonbin has been set up at the Gukcheong Temple in Gyeonggi. Astro's agency Fantagio did not organize a separate event for the one-year anniversary.

In February 2016, Moonbin debuted as the main dancer and sub-vocalist of boy band Astro. He was originally a child actor in the 2000s, most notably starring in the KBS series "Boys Over Flowers" (2009), and had continued his acting career.

Moonbin's bandmate Jinjin released digital single "Fly (Duet with. Moonbin (Astro))" on Friday. "Fly" is a duet song that Jinjin produced with Moonbin.

If you or someone you know is feeling emotionally distressed or struggling with thoughts of suicide, LifeLine Korea can be contacted at 1588-9191. The Seoul Foreign Resident Center offers English-language counseling. Contact 02-2229-4900 to arrange a session. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]