Moonbin of K-pop boy band ASTRO / Courtesy of Fantagio
By Pyo Kyung-min
Fantagio, the agency representing the late ASTRO member Moonbin, announced the closure of a memorial space dedicated to the late K-pop star, following a controversy.
Moonbin, a notable dancer and vocalist of the K-pop boy band, passed away on April 19 at the age of 25.
The memorial, initially located at Gukcheong Temple near Seoul, was recently moved to Seonun Temple in Gochang, North Jeolla Province, sparking speculation among fans.
In a statement released on Sunday on ASTRO’s official fan site, the agency revealed its decision to close down the space at Seonun Temple, which had opened on Saturday, a day before the decision to shut it down was disclosed.
“After thorough deliberation, we have resolved to promptly shut down the memorial space, effective from 8 p.m. on Dec. 3, in consideration of the sentiments expressed by AROHA (ASTRO’s official fandom),” the agency said in the statement.
Previously, Fantagio decided to move the memorial space to a venue farther from Seoul than the original place just six months after the initial establishment.
The decision drew additional criticism amid allegations that Fantagio and Seonun Temple had entered into a business agreement in September. These accusations suggested the conversion of the deceased’s cherished items into tourism products, seemingly under the guise of fostering the development of the K-pop industry.
Fantagio dispelled the accusations regarding the alleged connection.
“We want to clarify that we have no agreements, contracts or financial interests with Seonun Temple,” the statement read. “The decision to move the memorial space from Gukcheong Temple to Seonun Temple was driven by safety concerns for winter visitors and the desire for a permanent resting place for Moonbin.”
The statement further debunked rumors of financial gain through Seonun Temple’s temple stay program.
“The allegation that Fantagio is financially profiting from organizing a temple stay is entirely false… Our company and the temple monks had no ulterior motive; our intentions were solely based on consideration for the fans,” the agency wrote.
The agency also appealed to fans’ understanding, stating, “Our executives and employees spent several days at Seonun Temple, dedicated solely to recreating the space to honor Moonbin. We strongly discourage false distortions and instigations targeting Fantagio’s employees.”
