Moonbin of Astro. Image from Fantagio
Singer and actor Moonbin was found dead Wednesday evening at his home in Seoul.
Moonbin entered the entertainment industry at just 11 years old, making his debut in the 2009 KBS drama “Boys Over Flowers.”
Even before his official debut in the entertainment industry, Moonbin used to model for kid fashion brands.
In 2016, Moonbin made his way into the K-pop scene as a member of Astro, a six-member boy band under Fantagio.
He was 18 at the time and took on the role of a sub-vocalist and main dancer in the group.
The artist was recognized as an all-rounder, showing great talent in everything, from singing and dancing to rapping.
He was also talented in writing lyrics and composing songs, and he took part in making some of his tracks such as “Footprint,” “Candy Sugar Pop” and “Madness.”
To his fans, he is remembered as the kindest and most perceptive member of Astro as he used to post self-written poems on his fan community and ask how his fans are doing.
In 2020, Moonbin expanded his musical career by forming Astro’s first subunit with member Sanha and has since been working actively as part of the duo.
Last year, Moonbin renewed his exclusive contract with Fantagio, as Astro’s previous 7-year contract expired.
Astro’s Moonbin. Instagram/Moonbin
Early this year, Moonbin and Sanha released their third EP, “Incense,” marking their return 10 months after the release of their second EP, “Refuge.”
The duo has been performing its first world tour “Diffusion,” which kicked off in Seoul in March.
Their recent concert was in Bangkok on April 8, for which Moonbin was supposed to leave on April 7, but his departure was delayed due to a health condition.
He reportedly suffered from nausea after he arrived at Incheon Airport to take his flight to Bangkok.
After resting for a while, Moonbin managed to get on his flight and carry out the concert as scheduled.
According to local reports, Moonbin had told his fans during the concert in Bangkok that he had been “feeling unwell, but feeling a bit better,” and that he was trying his best to “feel better.”
After this concert, Moonbin told his fans through live streaming that he is “working out” to take care of his health and “to recover” to make his fans happy.
“I chose this job so I need to bear it,” he said.
The duo was scheduled to perform in Macau this Saturday.
Moonbin was also set to perform at the upcoming “Dream Concert,” which will take place at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on May 27.
Moonbin has a younger sister who is also in the K-pop scene — Moon Sua of the K-pop group Billlie.
Moonbin’s funeral will take place at the Asan Medical Center in Seoul.