FANTAGIO, the agency representing the K-pop group ASTRO, has announced the immediate closure of Moonbin‘s long-term memorial space. On Sunday, December 3, the label released a statement in response to the opinions expressed by AROHA, ASTRO‘s official fan club.
Since June, Moonbin’s memorial site, or also called Moon Space, has been located at Gukcheongsa Temple near Namhanseong. At the time, the agency said that they’d like the site to be a “space that AROHA can comfortably visit anytime and feel at least a little soothed and comforted.”
But Fantagio recently relocated the memorial site to Seonunsa Temple and had it opened on Saturday, December 2. However, the sudden move was met with backlash from fans, with some even speculating the relationship between Fantagio and the Seonunsa Temple.
hi everyone, please rt this.
what fantagio is doing is so hurtful to those who love him, and they’re so disgusting to use moonbin’s name even after his passing. his name and memory should not be used to make money.
we do not want this.#판타지오_보이콧#판타지오_명확히_해명해 pic.twitter.com/QZg31BToDB
— moonbin loops (@moonbinclips) December 2, 2023
On social media, ASTRO fans have started a campaign denouncing Fantagio. According to fans, the label signed business agreements with the temple, making them question the motives behind the move as it could possibly a way for the agency to exploit the late idol for tourism purposes. Some were also concerned at how the new location was farther from Seoul, making it more inaccessible to fans.
On top of that, fans also expressed discomfort with the public display of Moonbin’s life, requesting that his belongings should be returned to his family. “Please grant him a peaceful rest,” the fans said.
FANTAGIO reacts
In response to these accusations, Fantagio clarified that they had not entered into any agreement or contract with Seonunsa Temple. Furthermore, they also emphasized that there was no financial interest behind the relocation.
[📢] 달의 공간 관련 안내
— ASTRO OFFICIAL (@ASTRO_Staff) December 3, 2023
“The reason for relocating the Moon Space from Gukcheongsa Temple to Seonunsa Temple was due to safety concerns for visitors in the winter and for enshrining a permanent memorial tablet for Moonbin. We decided to relocate because Gukcheongsa Temple is a branch temple belonging to Seonunsa Temple,” the agency explained.
Furthermore, the label added that it was the executives and employees of Fantagio who personally prepared the memorial space at Seonunsa Temple for several days as a way to show their love for Moonbin. After addressing the rumors, the agency also announced plans to take strong legal action against those perpetuating these false claims.
As of writing, fans are waiting on the label’s next moves regarding Moonbin’s memorial space. Moonbin passed away on April 29 at the age of 25.
Featured image: Moonbin poses for ASTRO’s 2023 Season’s Greetings. Credit: Facebook/ASTRO