(From left) Denise Laurel, Moonbin, Sam Oh, Sanha. Images: Instagram/@d_laurel, Instagram/@iamsamoh
Denise Laurel and Sam Oh were among the thousands of fans mourning the death of Astro’s Moonbin, who passed away at the age of 25 last April 19.
Moonbin was reportedly found dead by his manager in his home in Gangnam in Seoul, South Korea at around 8:10 p.m. (Korean standard time) after failing to attend rehearsals. His passing was confirmed by his label Fantagio on Thursday, April 20.
Laurel expressed her love for the Astro member on her Instagram account, as she reposted a photo of a dandelion. The picture is said to be one of the latter’s final posts on the boy group’s official Twitter account.
로하 민들레 꽃씨에요!!!😀
민들레 꽃씨야~바람 타고 널리널리 퍼져나가렴!#아스트로 #아로하 pic.twitter.com/6BcJRjQtYG— ASTRO 아스트로 (@offclASTRO) April 11, 2023
“I’m at a loss for words. I can’t accept it’s real. But [I] will fill myself with prayers for you and all the people that love you. I will try my best to continue to pass on the joy you have shared with me. May your soul rest in peace and the insurmountable joy you deserve,” she wrote.
The actress then described Moonbin as a “star,” before urging her followers to be “kind and compassionate.”
“You don’t have to wanna be our star. You are always our star,” she said. “You never know what someone could be going through. Be kind, be compassionate, be considerate. We only have one ride through this life.”
The “Flower of Evil” star is known for being a fan of Astro, and was spotted during Moonbin and Sanha’s fan concert which was held at the New Frontier Theater in March 2023.
@d_laurel Fan gurl tingz! If u aren’t into #ASTRO yet this is that sign! #REFUGE #WHO #MOONBIN #SANHA #aroha ♬ original sound – Denise Laurel
Meanwhile, Oh, a Korean TV host now based in the Philippines, said the “Bad Idea” singer was “such a sweet and positive presence” on her personal Instagram page.
“He was such a sweet and positive presence, this is hard to believe and so heartbreaking. I mourn with you today and will be offering prayers for the repose of his soul,” she said.
The radio broadcaster notably hosted the Astro sub-unit’s fan concert where she even helped in translating Moonbin and Sanha’s messages for fans.
Prior to debuting as an Astro member in February 2016, Moonbin was featured in TVXQ’s music video for their song “Balloons” where he portrayed a younger version of the latter’s member Yunho. He was also notable for starring as a young So Yi-jeong in the hit K-drama “Boys Over Flowers.”
Fantagio confirmed that a closed funeral will be done in private amid his family’s request for privacy. EDV