Astro subunit Moonbin & Sanha shows off new scent with 'Incense'

Moonbin & Sanha, a subunit of boy band Astro, showcased its third EP “Incense” on Wednesday at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul. Formed in 2020 with the two namesake members, the duo has become a success story of a boy band ...

Moonbin & Sanha, a subunit of boy band Astro, performs its new lead track “Madness” during Wednesday’s showcase for its third EP “Incense” at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul. [FANTAGIO]

Moonbin & Sanha, a subunit of boy band Astro, showcased its third EP “Incense” on Wednesday at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul.

Formed in 2020 with the two namesake members, the duo has become a success story of a boy band subunit. This time, it is back with its third standalone EP eight months after its previous, “Refuge” (2022).

“I’m very excited and nervous at the same time,” Sanha said. “I am slightly worried whether our fans will like it. But we prepared so hard, we have no regrets.”

Through its new EP, Moobin and Sanha have taken on the persona of perfumers and aim to flaunt the “irresistible scent” of their sexiness.

Moonbin & Sanha, a subunit of boy band Astro, performs its new lead track “Madness” during Wednesday’s showcase for its third EP “Incense” at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul. [FANTAGIO]

Concept photo for "Incense," the third EP by boy band Astro's subunit Moonbin & Sanha [FANTAGIO]

“Through ‘Incense,’ we want to make all the listeners happy with our unique musical scent,” said Moonbin. “I referenced the movie ‘Perfume’ for our latest concept as perfumers. I also personally put on perfume every day, before stepping on stage, it’s like a ritual. I hope people get reminded of a scent every time they watch us perform or listen to our songs.”

The EP features six tracks in total: “Perfumer,” “Madness,” “Carried Away,” “Wind,” “Chup Chup” and “Your day.” The lyrics of “Perfumer” are fully in English. “Carried Away” is a solo number by Moobin, and “Wind” by Sanha. Members participated in writing the lyrics and music for multiple tracks, and for the lead number “Madness,” Sanha also challenged himself to rapping for the first time.

Astro member Sanha's concept photo for subunit Moonbin & Sanha's third EP "Incense" [FANTAGIO]

Astro member Moonbin's concept photo for subunit Moonbin & Sanha's third EP "Incense" [FANTAGIO]

The duo performed the lead track “Madness” and “Chup Chup” on stage for the first time during the showcase. “Madness” is a powerful dance number with a striking synth hook in the chorus, while the bubbly “Chup Chup” contrasts with the lead track’s dark, sensual image.

“All of Moonbin & Sanha’s three EPs so far have had dark concepts,” said Moonbin. “In the future, we hope we get to try out refreshing, tropical-themed concepts like SHINee’s ‘Good Evening.’ […] If we had to do another type of sexy concept, I’d like it to be a wild west, 1800s cowboy theme.”

Boy band Astro debuted in 2016, and four of the six members — JinJin, Cha Eunwoo, Moonbin and Sanha — recently renewed their contract with agency Fantagio. Members Rocky and MJ, the latter currently serving his mandatory military service, have reportedly not decided yet.

At the showcase, Moonbin and Sanha declined to answer questions about Astro’s contract renewal with Fantagio. The agency will comment separately on the issue, the host said.

Moonbin & Sanha, a subunit of boy band Astro, poses during Wednesday’s showcase for its third EP “Incense” at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul. [FANTAGIO]

BY HALEY YANG [yang.hyunjoo@joongang.co.kr]