Remembering Moon Bin: The Life and Legacy of a K-pop Star, died age 25
Fans around the world reacted with shock and grief to the death of 25-year-old K-pop star Moon Bin, a member of popular boy band Astro.
His music label, Fantagio, confirmed Moonbun’s death on Thursday, saying he had “left us suddenly to become a star in the sky.”
“All Astro members, Fantagio’s colleagues, executives and employees who have been together for a long time, are deeply saddened by the loss,” the music label said. loved and thought of more than anyone else.”
The star was found dead at her home in southern Seoul by her manager around 8:10 p.m. Wednesday night, according to an official from the Gangnam Police Station.
Gangnam police told CNN on Thursday that authorities believe Moon Bin took his own life. “No signs of foul play have been found in this case,” the police added.
Social media was flooded with condolences as fans expressed their grief over the celebrity’s death, which celebrities often face under intense pressure in the competitive and stressful Korean entertainment industry.
The hashtag #moonbin was trending globally on Twitter with over 2.6 million tweets, with some posts written in English, Spanish, Indonesian, Tagalog, and Thai.
Meanwhile, social media videos showed fans in Chile setting up a memorial for the late star, lining a wall with white and purple balloons, the colors of Astro’s theme.
Commenting on the video shared on Twitter, one fan said: “Rest in peace Moon Bin… You had words [of comfort] for others. I wish you would have talked about your pain… Rest in peace.” Dear Angel.”
“You are now a star in the sky and watching over your loved ones. Hearts and thoughts go out to his loved ones and all AROHAs,” MTV Asia tweeted, referring to Astro’s fan name.
“We’ve lost a bright light, who really played an important role in the lives of his family and his friends and his fans,” said Cedar Boff Saji, assistant professor of Korean and East Asian studies at Pusan National University. That bright light is gone.”
A self-confessed fan of Moon Bin, Saiji said that while discussing the pressures of Korean society and its popular industry, it’s also important to remember the young star’s accomplishments.
“Moon Bin was an exceptionally talented dancer and singer. In recent years, he started writing some material for Astro as well. And he was also acting in a bunch of web dramas that became quite popular. Really. There is no limit to how far he could go if he continues his career and continues to mature as an actor,” Saji said.
Child stars:
Many K-pop icons begin training as young teenagers, honing their singing, dancing and acting skills for years before they even have the chance to debut their first song.
K-pop idols are under intense pressure from their strict management, which is linked to a mental health crisis in the industry.
South Korea has the highest youth suicide rate among the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.
In 2021, the suicide rate in South Korea was 26 out of every 100,000 people, and while the country’s overall suicide rate is declining, according to the country’s Ministry of Health and Welfare, , deaths in their twenties are on the rise.
Members of K-pop band Astro, Yoon San-Ha, MJ, Moon Bin, Cha Eun-wo, attend the 26th High1 Seoul Music Awards at Jamsil Arena on January 19, 2017.
Members of K-pop band Astro, Yoon San-Ha, MJ, Moon Bin, Cha Eun-wo, attend the 26th High1 Seoul Music Awards at Jamsil Arena on January 19, 2017.
Chosunilbo JNS/ImaZinS/Getty Images
Moon Bun debuted with Astro in 2016. The other members of the group are Jinjin, MJ, Cha Eun Woo and Yoon San Ha.
He also performed as part of the subgroup Moon Bun and Sinha, which toured Asia in recent months.
Before their deaths the duo were expected to perform in Busan next month, as part of the port city’s bid to promote the 2030 World Expo, and in Jakarta on May 13.
Moon Bin entered the entertainment industry as a child actor, making his debut in the Korean Broadcasting System TV drama “Boys Over Flowers” in 2009. The series was widely popular and its dubbed version aired globally, gaining a large fan base from Southeast Asia.
Her sister, Moon Soo, is also a K-pop celebrity, performing as part of the girl group Cat.
