IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Remembering Moonbin as an artist, friend, brother, inspiration

In March 2023, a man wearing a glossy, long-sleeved shirt stole many a heart in Quezon City. He had a charming smile and such a kind-hearted way of expressing his love to fans.

“Hello everyone, I am Astro’s Moonbin,” he said in response to excited cheers, after performing “Who” and “Bad Idea” — songs from his sub-unit with bandmate Sanha.

It is hard to believe that I would be back at the same venue weeks later, only this time, I would be surrounded by a sea of photos, candles, flowers, and soft cries coming from the same group of fans.

More glimpses of the memorial for Astro’s Moonbin at the New Frontier Theater, as of 9:14 pm.

The crowd is growing at the moment, as many fans tearfully hug one another. Others seem to be at the loss for words as they appear to be writing messages for Moonbin. pic.twitter.com/GbIUiqyeeV

— Hannah Mallorca (@HMallorcaINQ) April 20, 2023

Little did I know that I would write the words in Korean: “Moonbin-ah, you’ve worked hard. Thank you for making me love you even if it lasted for less than a month,” in a sticky note — in hopes that it would reach him in heaven.

For outsiders, K-pop is seen as a mundane phase. On the other hand, some view our relationship with artists as a quick cash-grab or a welcome ticket to higher engagement on the interwebs. But once you get to know someone like Moonbin, you would discover that he is so easy to love.

A star as bright as Moonbin, like his peers, deserve to be treated with the love and respect they deserve.

Moonbin as an actor

Moonbin had a long way in the spotlight before his official debut. When he was still a child, he was influenced by his mother to be a model and ulzzang (or perfect face) in 2004, where he even modeled for children’s clothing with his longtime friend, Viviz’s SinB.

Two years later, he had the privilege of working with veteran South Korean group TVXQ during its heyday, where he starred as the mini version of Yunho in their music video for “Balloons.”

Moonbin didn’t have an idea about K-pop back then since he was nine years old at that time, which he admitted in an interview with former TVXQ member Jaejoong in July 2021. But performing with the veteran group gave birth to his passion of becoming a singer.

Unknowingly, showing off his moves with Yunho at a variety show sealed his fate of debuting as the main dancer of Astro years later.

The young Moonbin proved he had the makings of a shining star in 2009 after starring as the young So Yi-jung in the hit K-drama “Boys Over Flowers.” Yi-jung, whose adult version was played by Kim Bum, is dealing with the grippings of his dark past after being born to an adulterous father.

Yet the star in making managed to take on the role with such grace. The moment he covered his ears in tears while moaning, “Mom, please don’t die,” is a sign that he would someday make it big.

After debuting as Astro, he dabbled into acting through the series “Moment of Eighteen,” “The Mermaid Prince,” “The Mermaid Prince: The Beginning,” and “Soul Plate,” where his maturity after working in the spotlight for many years is evident.

Moonbin as an artist

Moonbin eventually made his debut in Astro in February 2016, where he was mainly known as the main dancer of the group. But while his effortless, smooth dance moves are his pièce de résistance to outsiders, he is determined to prove that he is more than just his designated role.

He has a light, airy tone that allows him to sing high notes with ease, and a commanding presence that captures newbie Arohas, or his group’s fandom name, without giving them the freedom to escape from him completely.

It is easy to describe a K-pop idol as an “all-rounder” or an “ace,” but Moonbin is one of the South Korean artists who holds the title without making fans doubt his abilities. At the same time, he is also known among casual fans as the “member in Astro with a charming smile.”

The artist, who once said at a podcast monologue in January 2023 that “scents are a medium of memories,” dipped his toes into writing songs where he’s credited as the lyricist to “Footprint,” “One & Only,” “By Your Side,” “Let’s Go Ride,” and “You and Me (Thanks Aroha).”

Moonbin as a friend, brother, inspiration

In an industry that seems so iron-clad, Moonbin emerged as a rebel with a heart as he maintained strong relationships with many K-pop idols through the years. It’s easy to dismiss being friendly as a need for self-gain, but he kept his friendships close to heart that the overwhelming number of tributes are a testament to his kindness.

Apart from his Astro bandmates, among his closest friends include Viviz’s SinB, Viviz’s Umji, Seventeen’s Seungkwan, Uni.T’s Suji, Imfact’s Ungjae, SF9’s Chani, iKON’s Chanwoo, and “True Beauty” star Moon Ga-young, just to name a few.

It’s unknown how they honored the late artist in the final moments of his life, but it’s clear that he was a gift in the best and worst of times.

“Thank you for being with us at our prettiest age. Thank you so much for coming as a beautiful gift that it feels almost too good to unwrap. Like you said, you really are the most wonderful person in the world and that’s right. It was an honor to meet you,” Suji said, as she accompanied her post with film photos featuring the star.

Moonbin is also a devoted brother to Moon Sua of K-pop girl group Billlie. You would easily dismiss him as a tsundere or someone with a cold personality at first glance, but he is the type of person who shows his love through acts of kindness.

He is the type of brother who allows his sister to use his credit card, treat her out to a delicious meal, slice her meat, express his desire for her happiness, and even dedicate his free time to monitor her performances — as someone who is aware of the hardships in the industry.

“My brother and I are only a year apart. But he debuted six years before me, there’s a lot to learn from him. When I ask him for it, he always gives me sincere advice,” Moon Sua recalled, as she spoke about her relationship with Moonbin in January 2023.

I arrived at Moonbin’s memorial space on the night of April 20 as a journalist, with the responsibility of writing the news of his death. But as soon as I was welcomed with a path full of flowers and candles, it was clear that I hadn’t accepted his death as I’d expected.

“Moonbin is my inspiration. Siya nag-inspire sa akin paano maging mas mabuting tao” a fan said, before bursting into tears during our ambush interview. I was going to ask a follow-up question but I ended up hugging her as she cried, and I did my best to keep my composure.

It is hard to accept that someone as young as Moonbin would be gone too soon, and even some adult fans at the venue were out of words to express how much he meant to them.

“Napakabait ng batang ‘yan eh. Napaka-sincere. Mapagmahal din siya. Kaya hindi ko alam paano ko ‘to tatanggapin,” another fan said.

Grief comes in waves days after his death. Moving forward seems too much to say to his dedicated fans at the moment, but it doesn’t hurt to offer a listening ear and be a source of comfort because they need it the most.

It is hard to accept that a shining star like Moonbin is gone too soon. But in honor of his gift of life, we can spend the rest of our days living with a smile on our faces, as beautiful as his own.

In the words of “Morning Call,” a song from Astro’s first mini-album, “I’ll run even if we’re far apart until we’re face-to-face.” EDV

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