ASTRO is preparing to pay tribute to their late member Moonbin through a heartfelt music project and an upcoming concert, sparking a wide range of reactions from fans and the public.
On April 19, the group’s agency, Fantagio, will release a special tribute single titled Moon. The song is a collaboration between Moonbin’s close friends and fellow artists, aiming to offer comfort to those still mourning his untimely passing. According to Fantagio, Moon was created not only as a musical gift but also as a symbol of the deep love and shared memories among those who knew Moonbin personally.
The lineup includes ASTRO members and a host of artists from across the K-pop industry—featuring contributions from VIVIZ, MONSTA X, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, and HELLO GLOOM. One particularly meaningful addition is Moonbin’s younger sister, Moon Sua of Billie, who has been vocal about her desire to continue her brother’s legacy. Fantagio highlighted that her involvement underscores the sincerity of the project and reflects the blessings of Moonbin’s family.
However, while many fans welcomed the tribute as a touching gesture, others voiced discomfort online, leading to a wave of discussions across social media and fan community platforms.
A critical post on a popular forum, which quickly gained traction with over 60,000 views, questioned the sincerity of the project. The writer accused the members of being emotionally self-serving and criticized the timing of the concert announcement, particularly the inclusion of former member Rocky. The post read, in part, “Moonbin is still not in their sight, and the members are just caught up in their own emotions… You guys are celebrities, so you should try to read fans’ thoughts, too.”
This sparked backlash from many AROHAs (ASTRO’s fans), who defended the group’s intentions and condemned the negativity. Supporters argued that the tribute should be seen as a genuine act of love, especially with Moon Sua’s involvement—an indication, they said, that the project had the family’s full support.
Fans also pointed out that music has always been a way for artists to process grief and express their emotions. They questioned the idea that ASTRO should halt their activities altogether, stating that everyone mourns in different ways and that sharing Moonbin’s memory through music aligns with his life and legacy.
As the release of Moon approaches, it’s clear that the tribute has stirred complex emotions—but for many, it’s a chance to remember Moonbin with love, music, and unity.
