On the evening of April 19, 2023, ASTRO’s Moonbin was found lifeless in his home in Seoul, South Korea, sending shockwaves throughout the K-pop community. Two years after his passing, several of his close friends in the K-pop industry collaborated to pay tribute to the late K-pop star.
Released on his second death anniversary, “Memory of the Moon” is a love letter from Moonbin’s fellow ASTRO members, Jinjin, MJ, Rocky, Cha Eunwoo, and Yoon Sanha, including his close friends. According to Jinjin, the group’s leader, he wanted the song to let the members reminisce about Moonbin.
The lyrics are full of yearning and appear as a conversation with the late singer, asking him to meet with them again someday.
Initially titled “Moon’s Memories,” the song serves as an opening for the late K-pop idol’s friends to converse with him once more.
“The song, 'Memories of the Moon', is a song written like a letter from us that contains our memories with Bin. I think everyone has their own wounds and pain. I hope it can be some comfort to that wound and pain,” Eunwoo said in the song's commentary video.
“I hope you can remember those times and share a laugh. I hope it’s that kind of song to share strength and provide guidance to the listeners,” he added.
Although they all miss Moonbin, the members encouraged everyone to live a great life. Additionally, MJ said, “There are many people who struggle in life. I hope you can remember that nearby, family or friends, you can think of people who have your back, and think that you are not alone.”
“It’s not a song made to make you sad. However, it’s not a song made to make you happy as well. I made the song hoping that we can remember and hold dear Bin for a longer time,” Jinjin said.
“My biggest wish is for you to listen to this song and feel Bin more and remember Bin longer,” he added.
By the end of the video, a collective message from Moonbin’s close friends read, “Bin, we love you.”
Besides ASTRO members, the idols who participated in the tribute project were: Viviz, MONSTA X’s Minhyuk, Kihyun, and I.M., SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi, Wonwoo, Mingyu, DK, and Seungkwan, HELLO GLOOM, Choi Yoojung, Kim Doyeon, SF9’s Chani, Stray Kids’ Bang Chan, and Billie’s Moon Sua.
By the end of the commentary, the late K-pop idol’s sister, Sua, said that she’s doing her best and knows that her brother is silently listening to her, especially when she’s struggling.
“Brother, how are you? As [per] your wishes, I’m living happily, doing my best. I’m sure [you’re] watching down on me. I imagine you’re next to me, silently listening when I’m struggling. I’m trying to get stronger and move forward again,” she said.
“You have to give me a big hug when we meet again. I really miss you so much. I hope you can greet us and me in front of the door of dreams. I miss you so much and miss you dearly. [I] thank you in this life and the next life,” she added.
