Fans leave messages for Moonbin at KL MRT station
The past week has been a difficult one for the K-pop community. The sudden passing of idol, Moonbin, from K-pop group ASTRO shocked and anguished their fans – known as AROHA – around the world. To remember the “star in the sky”, many have been paying tribute to the beloved singer by holding memorials where fans can leave their farewells.
While there hasn’t been an official memorial organised in Malaysia, Malaysian fans were able to bid Moonbin goodbye in their own small, yet heartfelt, way – they left sticky notes with their farewell messages on an ad display of the group at Muzium Negara MRT.
Farewells written in various languages on sticky notes
Image credit: Hans Leong
It has no doubt been a difficult week for family, friends, and fans of K-pop idol, Moonbin.
Among the many who have been coming together to pay tribute to his passing are Malaysian fans. They took it upon themselves to leave farewell messages on an ad display placed between KL Sentral and Muzium Negara MRT. The display is an ad campaign for the payment platform, Atome, who named ASTRO as their global brand ambassador in October 2021.
Image credit: Hans Leong
Several notes can be seen stuck on the smiling image of Moonbin. They were posted by fans who took the time to leave short messages written in various languages for the young singer – the languages include Chinese, Korean, and English. A note we spotted reads, “Thank you for everything! I miss you a lot today! This will be my final goodbye and visit!” – likely indicating that the fan had visited this display and left messages several times prior.
Video credit: Hans Leong
There were also longer messages in Korean, thanking Moonbin for his smile that had healed them, and other wishes that he is now happy in heaven and resting well.
Some fans had even left sticky notes and pens for passers-by who might want to leave a note as well.
The idol is now a ‘star in the sky’
Image adapted from: Pinterest
According to reports from Korean media, ASTRO’s Moonbin was found unresponsive in his apartment in Gangnam, Seoul, on 19th April 2023.
His agency Fantiago, wrote in an official statement that the singer had “suddenly left us and became a star in the sky” and that they “express our deep mourning as the departed walks his final path”. In the statement, they also urged everyone to refrain from speculating about his death. The young idol was only 25 years old at the time of passing.
Image credit: Allkpop
In Seoul, Fantiago is having a special memorial space to honour Moonbin until 30th April 2023, so fans can visit and leave their farewell messages there.
The site has since been visited by several of Moonbin’s closest friends and many others who left notes for him as well – including his sister and idol Moon Sua from Billie, his fellow ASTRO members, Seventeen’s Seungkwan and Mingyu, and many more.
Our condolences go to Moonbin’s family
As heart-shattering as it is to admit, tragic losses and devastating deaths in the music industry isn’t uncommon. In such a distressing period like this, we hope that society can continue to be kind to each other and for everyone to refrain from speculations to ensure that family and friends are able to say their farewells in peace.
We offer our deepest condolences to Moonbin’s family, friends, and AROHA around the world during this difficult time.
As you shouldn’t be afraid to speak out and seek help, here are 8 counselling and mental health services that may be able to make you feel better.
Also watch our video here:
Cover image adapted from: @moon_ko_ng via Instagram & Hans Leong
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