Hong Kong/Seoul — Fans around the world were shocked and saddened by the loss of 25-year-old K-pop singer Moon Bin, a member of the famed boy band Astro.
Moon Bin’s music company, Fantagio, confirmed his death on Thursday, saying he “suddenly left us and became a star in the sky.”
“All Astro members, Fantagio colleagues, executives, and employees who’ve been together for a long time are deeply mourning the deceased in such great sadness and shock,” said the music label, adding that Moon Bin “always loved and thought of the fans more than anyone else.”
An officer at Gangnam Police Station said that the star was discovered dead at his residence in southern Seoul by his management at around 8:10 p.m. on Wednesday.
Police in Gangnam told the associated press on Thursday that they think Moon Bin committed suicide. Police continued, “No indications of wrongdoing have been discovered in connection with this case.
Fans expressed their grief over the celebrity’s passing on social media, which became flooded with condolences. This incident is the most recent to draw attention to the frequently intense demands that stars in Korea’s competitive and demanding entertainment industry experience.
With more than 2.6 million tweets with the hashtag #moonbin, some of which were in English, Spanish, Indonesian, Tagalog, and Thai, the topic was trending worldwide.
Social media videos, meanwhile, showed Astro’s signature colors of white and purple balloons being used to line a wall as a memorial for the late star in Chile.
On the video that was tweeted, a supporter wrote: “Rest in peace Moonbin… You comforted others with your remarks. I wished you had expressed your suffering. Lie down, darling angel.
“Now that you’re a star in the sky, you’re keeping an eye on the ones you love. Hearts and thoughts are with his family and all AROHAs, as MTV Asia tweeted about the nickname Astro’s supporters use for one another.
“We lost a bright light, who was contributing to his family’s, friends’, and fans’ lives, and that bright light is gone,” said CedarBough Saeji, assistant professor of Korean and East Asian Studies at Pusan National University.
Saeji, a self-described Moon Bin supporter, said that while there was talk about the strains of Korean culture and the country’s celebrity industry, it was also necessary to recall the young star’s successes.
“Moonbin was a dancer and singer with extraordinary talent. He had recently started to write some of the content for Astro as well. Additionally, he had been appearing in several well-liked web dramas. If he had persisted in his profession and developed more as a performer, there is absolutely no telling how far he may have gone, Saeji stated.
Child celebrities
Many K-pop stars begin their training when they are still in their early teens, refining their acting, singing, and dancing abilities for years before they are even allowed to debut their first song.
The extreme strain K-pop idols are known to experience from their stringent management has been connected to an industry-wide mental health epidemic.
Among the members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), South Korea has the highest rate of youth suicide.
South Korea had a suicide rate of 26 per 100,000 people in 2021, and while the country’s overall suicide rate is declining, the number of deaths among persons in their twenties is increasing, according to the Health and Welfare Ministry.
Moon Bin debuted with Astro in 2016. The other members of the group are Jinjin, MJ, Cha Eun-woo, and Yoon San-ha.
He also played as a member of the Moon Bin & Sanha subgroup, which recently toured Asia.
Before his death, the duo was scheduled to play in Busan next month as part of the port city’s campaign to promote the 2030 World Expo, and in Jakarta on May 13.
In 2009, Moon Bin made his acting debut as a young child in the Korean Broadcasting System television drama “Boys Over Flowers.” Southeast Asians made up a large portion of the series’ global viewership after its dub version began airing.
His sister Moon Sua, who performs with the female band Billlie, is also well-known in the K-pop scene.
K-pop star Moon Bin
Moon Bin is a South Korean singer, rapper, and actor. He was born on January 26, 1998, in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, South Korea.
Moon Bin is a member of the K-pop boy group ASTRO, which debuted in 2016 under the label Fantagio Music. He is the lead vocalist and main dancer of the group.
Moon Bin has also acted in various Korean dramas, such as “Boys Over Flowers,” “The Mermaid Prince,” and “At Eighteen.” He is known for his good looks, sharp dance moves, and charming personality.
Moon Bin started his entertainment career as a child actor, appearing in several TV dramas and films. He was also a trainee at JYP Entertainment before moving to Fantagio Music.
As a member of ASTRO, Moon Bin has released several hit singles and albums, including “Hide & Seek,” “Baby,” “All Night,” and “ONE.” He has also participated in various TV shows and variety programs, showcasing his talent as a dancer, singer, and host.
Moon Bin is also known for his fashion sense and has been featured in various fashion magazines and events. He has also been recognized for his philanthropic work, participating in various charity events and campaigns.
Overall, Moon Bin is a talented and versatile artist who has gained a large following both in Korea and internationally.
Moon Bin has received several awards and nominations for his work in the entertainment industry. In 2019, he won the Best New Actor award at the 2nd Asia Artist Awards for his role in the drama “At Eighteen.” He also won the Male Scene Stealer award at the 2020 SBS Drama Awards for his performance in “The Mermaid Prince.”
Aside from his work in music and acting, Moon Bin has also appeared as a host and guest on various TV programs, including “Lipstick Prince” and “Law of the Jungle.” He has also been a regular guest on the popular Korean variety show “Knowing Bros.”
Moon Bin is known for his close friendship with fellow ASTRO member, MJ. The two have been best friends since childhood and are often seen together on and off stage.
In 2021, Moon Bin made his solo debut with the single album “Breathe.” The album features two tracks, “Breath” and “Snow.” The release was well-received by fans and critics alike, further solidifying Moon Bin’s status as a rising star in the Korean entertainment industry.
