Moonbin, the beloved K-pop star, and member of ASTRO tragically passed away at the age of 25 in his home in the Gangnam-gu district of Seoul. The talented singer had a history of battling anxiety and health issues that led to a hiatus in his career years prior to his untimely death. In this article, we'll delve into Moonbin's health struggles, his brief hiatus from ASTRO, and his tragic passing.
Moonbin's Health Struggles: A Lifelong Battle with Anxiety
Moonbin had been open about his struggles with anxiety and stress throughout his ASTRO career. In a 2019 interview with Newsen, he revealed that he had been dealing with anxiety since he was young, attending therapy sessions and taking medications to manage his symptoms. The idol shared that exercise and support from friends and family helped him cope with his anxiety.
There were also a lot of times when he has emphasized the importance of discussing mental health and seeking help when needed.
Astro Hiatus: Putting Health First
On November 12, 2019, Moonbin announced that he would be taking a hiatus from ASTRO due to health-related reasons. While preparing for the group's eighth EP, "Blue Flame," he felt unwell and underwent a thorough examination at the hospital.
Fantagio, the ASTRO's label, stated that Moonbin would temporarily suspend his team activities to focus on rest and treatment, based on the medical staff's recommendation.
On February 14, 2020, Moonbin returned to the group after ending his hiatus.
A Shocking Loss: Moonbin's Tragic Death at 25
Moonbin's passing was confirmed on ASTRO's Instagram page, with Fantagio expressing their deep sadness and shock.
The Seoul Gangnam Police Department released a statement suggesting that Moonbin took his own life, with discussions underway regarding a possible autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.
Following the tragic news, Moonbin & Sanha's DIFFUSION tour was canceled, with LUMINA Entertainment announcing that the Jakarta, Indonesia's stop which is scheduled for May 23 had been called off due to unforeseen circumstances.
Moonbin's Legacy
Before joining ASTRO, Moonbin was a child model and Fantagio trainee since fifth grade. Afterwards, the he and the rest of the group debuted together in the South Korean TV drama, "To Be Continued," in 2015.
The group released their debut album, Spring Up, in February 2016, which included the hit single Hide & Seek. Billboard named ASTRO one of the best new K-pop acts in 2016. Their latest album, Drive To The Starry Road, was released in May last year.
Moonbin is survived by his sister, Moon Sua, a member of the K-pop girl group Billlie.