Moon Bin
Info
🙂 Native Name: 문빈 (Moon Bin)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: January 26, 1998
🏠 Birth Place: Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
📏 Height: 182 cm (5’11”)
💍 Spouse: None
👶 Children: None
Biography
Moon Bin (January 26, 1998 – April 19, 2023) was a beloved South Korean singer, dancer, and actor, best known as a member of the K-pop boy group ASTRO and its sub-unit Moonbin & Sanha. Born in Cheongju, South Korea, he began his career as a child model in 2004 and gained early recognition by portraying the younger version of TVXQ’s U-Know Yunho in the 2006 music video “Balloons.” His acting debut came in 2009 with a role in the popular K-drama Boys Over Flowers.
In 2016, Moon Bin debuted with ASTRO under Fantagio, serving as the group’s main dancer and lead vocalist. The group quickly rose to fame with hits like “Hide & Seek” and “Breathless.” In 2020, he and fellow member Yoon San-ha formed ASTRO’s first sub-unit, Moonbin & Sanha, releasing their debut EP In-Out, which featured the title track “Bad Idea.” The duo continued to captivate fans with subsequent releases, including their 2023 EP Incense.
Beyond music, Moon Bin showcased his versatility through acting roles in web dramas such as The Mermaid Prince and by hosting the music show Show Champion. He was known for his warm personality, earning him nicknames like “Puppy-Cat” among fans. His close bond with his younger sister, Moon Sua of the girl group Billlie, was well-known, and she has paid heartfelt tributes to him following his passing.
Tragically, Moon Bin was found deceased in his Seoul apartment on April 19, 2023, at the age of 25. His untimely death shocked the K-pop community and fans worldwide, leading to an outpouring of grief and tributes celebrating his life and contributions to the industry.
Hobbies
Dancing Freely – Even outside of choreography, Moon Bin loved dancing for fun. He often shared videos of himself experimenting with freestyle or urban moves in practice rooms.
Watching Anime – He was a big fan of anime and often referenced characters or shows he liked, including Naruto and One Piece.
Working Out – Fitness was a key part of his lifestyle. He enjoyed gym sessions to stay fit and release stress, often sharing his routines with fans.
Cooking Simple Meals – He enjoyed cooking at dorms or home, especially comfort foods like ramen, rice dishes, and Korean side dishes for his members.
Photography – Moon Bin occasionally used his free time to take aesthetic photos, especially during travel or quiet moments, capturing the world from his unique perspective.
Interests
Astrophysics & Stars – His stage name “Moon Bin” suited his interest in space and constellations. He was fascinated by the cosmos and often talked about stars.
Fashion Styling – He had a strong sense of personal style and sometimes styled his own outfits. Fans admired his ability to blend streetwear with elegance.
Mental Health Awareness – Moon Bin showed interest in mental health topics and openly discussed self-care and emotional well-being in interviews.
Dance Choreography – He didn’t just dance—he was interested in choreography creation and often contributed ideas to ASTRO’s routines.
Sibling Bonds – His younger sister Moon Sua inspired his interest in family relationships, and he was always curious about different sibling dynamics.
Facts
Child Actor Roots – Moon Bin began his career at age 6 as a child model and actor, appearing in TVXQ’s “Balloons” music video and later in Boys Over Flowers.
Left-Handed – He was naturally left-handed, which fans found charming. He sometimes struggled with tools or choreography adapted for right-handed people.
Debuted at 18 – He officially debuted with ASTRO in 2016, just after turning 18, following seven years of training under Fantagio.
Close to Sanha – His deep friendship with fellow sub-unit partner Sanha became iconic among fans; they often displayed genuine care and fun chemistry.
Dreamed of Being a Pilot – Before committing fully to the entertainment world, he once mentioned he dreamed of flying and becoming a pilot.
Secrets
Stage Fright Moments – Though confident on stage, he confessed to having moments of anxiety before performances, especially during early promotions.
Soft-Spoken Off-Camera – While energetic on shows, he was actually more introverted and thoughtful when off the spotlight.
Used to Hide Injuries – He sometimes danced through physical pain and only revealed it later to avoid worrying fans or delaying promotions.
Private Journaling – Moon Bin reportedly kept personal journals to process emotions, but never shared the content publicly.
Had a Pet Cat Secretly – Rumors circulated among fans that he once cared for a cat without initially telling his managers or the company.
Funny Things
Made Up New Words – He often created funny or strange words while joking around, which fans and members started using.
Unusual Eating Habits – He sometimes mixed foods in quirky ways, like dipping sweet snacks in spicy sauces, just to test the taste.
Snores Loudly – According to his members, Moon Bin snored very loudly and even talked in his sleep, which became an ongoing dorm joke.
Mimic Talent – He loved impersonating his members or anime characters in funny voices, entertaining both fans and friends.
Dance Battles Alone – He occasionally challenged himself to imaginary dance battles, pretending to be both sides for laughs.
Fears
Letting Fans Down – He often worried about not meeting expectations and took performance quality very seriously.
Being Forgotten – As a public figure, Moon Bin feared becoming irrelevant or being forgotten despite his hard work and passion.
Thunderstorms – He mentioned once during a live stream that loud thunderstorms made him nervous since childhood.
Deep Water – Although not a confirmed phobia, he was uneasy around oceans or deep swimming pools, especially when alone.
Emotional Vulnerability – Despite being affectionate, he sometimes found it hard to open up fully about his struggles, fearing he might burden others.
News
1. Moon Bin’s Passing at Age 25
On April 19, 2023, Moon Bin was found deceased in his apartment in Seoul’s Gangnam district. His management agency, Fantagio, confirmed the tragic news, describing it as a sudden loss that deeply affected his group members, colleagues, and fans. The cause of death was suspected to be suicide, highlighting the intense pressures faced by K-pop idols and prompting discussions on mental health awareness within the industry.
2. Debut with ASTRO in 2016
Moon Bin debuted as a member of the K-pop boy group ASTRO on February 23, 2016, with their extended play “Spring Up.” The group quickly gained popularity for their bright synth-pop sound and captivating performances, establishing a strong fanbase both in South Korea and internationally.
3. Formation of Sub-Unit Moonbin & Sanha
In September 2020, Moon Bin and fellow ASTRO member Yoon San-ha formed the group’s first official sub-unit, Moonbin & Sanha. They debuted with the mini-album “IN-OUT,” featuring the title track “Bad Idea.” The sub-unit showcased a different musical style and achieved significant success, including their third EP “Incense” released in January 2023.
4. Acting Career Highlights
Beyond his musical endeavors, Moon Bin had a notable acting career. He began as a child actor, portraying the younger version of So Yi-jung in the 2009 drama “Boys Over Flowers.” He later starred in various dramas, including the lead role in the 2020 web series “The Mermaid Prince.” Additionally, he served as a host for MBC M’s music program “Show Champion” from 2020 to 2022.
5. Hiatus Due to Health Concerns in 2019
In November 2019, Moon Bin announced a temporary hiatus from ASTRO activities due to health-related issues. While preparing for the group’s eighth EP “Blue Flame,” he felt unwell and underwent medical examinations. Following the advice of medical professionals, he took a break to focus on rest and treatment, highlighting the importance of health and well-being in the demanding K-pop industry.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Moon Bin’s Musical Journey: A Talented Star in K-Pop’s Constellation
Moon Bin’s music career was a shining path filled with versatility, passion, and evolution. Best known as a member of the K-pop boy group ASTRO and its sub-unit Moonbin & Sanha, Moon Bin made a lasting impact on the industry through his dynamic performances and emotive stage presence. His career, though tragically cut short, showcased the promise of a multi-talented artist who continuously pushed creative boundaries.
Debut with ASTRO (2016)
Moon Bin officially debuted on February 23, 2016, as the main dancer and lead vocalist of ASTRO, under the label Fantagio Entertainment. The group’s debut mini-album, Spring Up, featured the title track “Hide & Seek”, a bright, youthful song that set the tone for their fresh image. The album entered the Billboard World Albums Chart at number 6 — a remarkable achievement for a rookie group.
With ASTRO, Moon Bin quickly became known for his smooth dance lines, expressive vocals, and strong stage presence. Subsequent comebacks like “Breathless” (2016), “Crazy Sexy Cool” (2017), and “Blue Flame” (2019) helped the group mature musically while showcasing Moon Bin’s growing artistry.
Formation of Moonbin & Sanha (2020)
In September 2020, Moon Bin and fellow member Yoon San-ha debuted as ASTRO’s first official sub-unit, Moonbin & Sanha, with the mini-album “IN-OUT”. The album’s lead single, “Bad Idea,” won them their first music show win, highlighting their chemistry and shared stage charisma. Their sound was noticeably darker and more experimental than ASTRO’s core style, reflecting artistic growth.
They released additional EPs including:
“Refuge” (2022) – featuring the acclaimed track “Ghost Town.”
“Incense” (2023) – which became their most successful album, with the lead track “Madness” demonstrating a bold, theatrical style.
Moon Bin contributed creatively to both vocals and visual storytelling, adding depth to their musical concept and building a unique identity separate from ASTRO.
Music Show Performances & Recognition
Moon Bin’s talent was frequently recognized through live performances on Korean music shows like Music Bank, Inkigayo, and M Countdown. His ability to blend precise choreography with genuine emotion drew admiration from both fans and professionals in the industry. He often received praise for his facial expressions — a key element in K-pop performances known as “expressive acting” or “表情演技” (pyojeong yeongi).
He also served as a host for “Show Champion” between 2020 and 2022, where he introduced and supported fellow artists while maintaining his own career, further solidifying his role in the K-pop community.
Discography Highlights
Here are some standout releases that define Moon Bin’s career:
With ASTRO:
Spring Up (2016) – “Hide & Seek”
Autumn Story (2016) – “Confession”
All Light (2019) – “All Night”
Drive to the Starry Road (2022) – “Candy Sugar Pop”
With Moonbin & Sanha:
IN-OUT (2020) – “Bad Idea”
Refuge (2022) – “Who”
Incense (2023) – “Madness”
These works represent a wide spectrum of themes — from lighthearted youth to emotional darkness — showing Moon Bin’s musical range and evolution.
🌙 Legacy in Music
Moon Bin’s career wasn’t just about success; it was about connecting with people. His lyrics, performances, and interactions were rooted in sincerity. His final work, Incense, received international praise and topped iTunes charts in over 18 countries.
Even after his passing in April 2023, fans continue to stream his music, and tributes pour in globally — a testament to the emotional impact of his voice and artistry.
Gallery
