Celebrity

'Was Proud of the Little Kid Growing Up Well,' Moonbin's Colleagues Mourn

Apr 20, 2023 | by Samriddhi Dastidar

As ASTRO's late Moonbin suddenly left this world, fellow entertainers are expressing their condolences.

Moonbin was found dead at his home in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, around 8:10 pm on the 19th. He was 25 years old. According to the wishes of his family, the funeral will be held as quietly as possible, with only family members, relatives, and company colleagues attending.

On April 20, his agency Fantagio stated, "Moonbin has suddenly left us and become a star in the sky. The ASTRO members, Fantagio's fellow artists, and all employees who have been with him for a long time are deeply mourning his passing in great sorrow and shock."

On this day, BTS's RM posted a black image without any special comment. EXID's Hani (Ahn Hee-yeon) also expressed her condolences with a black image and a praying emoticon.

'Was Proud of the Little Kid Growing Up Well,' Moonbin's Colleagues Mourn

Former Wassup member Song Da-in recalled her long relationship with Moonbin, saying, "During our trainee days, I was proud of the little elementary school kid who used to sweat in the same practice room, seeing him grow up into a cool adult after practicing hard." She added, "I hope you shine even brighter in that place without any pain."

Former Sistar member Hyolyn said, "I pray that you won't be in pain in that place," while broadcaster Lee Se-young wrote, "My heart aches so much." Former The Grace member Sunday shared her feelings with a photo of chrysanthemum flowers, saying, "I mourn. It's really unfortunate. I hope all our seniors, juniors, and colleagues are healthy in body and mind."

Actor and broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon posted a photo of Moonbin, expressing his regret, "I'm so sorry. I'm really sorry."

Broadcaster Park Seul-gi, who hosted several showcases for Moonbin's group ASTRO and unit Moonbin & Sanha, mourned, "Why didn't I ask if he was okay or if he was having a hard time? I was foolish, thinking he was always smiling and enjoying himself. I hope you'll only be happy in a place with no worries or concerns."

Kim Jae-joong posted a short message on a black background with white text, saying, "I hope you're happier in heaven..." Moonbin appeared as a 'little TVXQ' in TVXQ's 'Balloons' music video in 2006, when Kim Jae-joong was a member. The two met on a radio show in 2021 and talked about 'little TVXQ.'

Although they didn't have a special friendship, senior K-pop artist SHINee's Taemin also left a message saying, "I remember his shining appearance on stage. I hope he's happy there, just as he was shining."

Meanwhile, Moonbin's funeral parlor has been set up at Seoul Asan Hospital, and the funeral procession will be held privately on the 22nd. His younger sibling, Billie's Moonsua, has been named as the chief mourner.

[Photo = Sunday from Cheon Sang Ji-hee, Park Seul-gi, SHINee Tae-min]