On the second anniversary of the death of late Moon Bin, reactions among fans are mixed ahead of the release of a tribute song.

On the 16th, Fantagio revealed a teaser video for 'Moon in the Dream' through Astro's official channel. 'Moon in the Dream' is a tribute song to late Moon Bin featuring Astro (MJ, JinJin, Cha Eun-woo, Yoon San-ha), VIVIZ, Monsta X's Minhyuk, Kihyun, IM, Seventeen's Hoshi, Wonwoo, Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Choi Yu-jung, Kim Do-yeon, SF9's Chanhee, Stray Kids' Bang Chan, and Billy's Moon Sua.

Fantagio noted last month that 'friends of Moon Bin plan to release a new song in April.' They added, 'This new song will be composed of a letter sent to Moon Bin by friends, and detailed information about the participating artists and the new song will be announced later.' They also expressed, 'We hope this new song will provide comfort and be a gift for the fans who remember and love Moon Bin.'

In this context, the teaser video released on the 16th featured appearances of Astro members and parts of the song 'Moon in the Dream,' catching attention. Fantagio stated in a press release, 'Moon in the Dream is a song completed by Moon Bin's friends gathering their hearts. The Astro members prepared this new song with fellow K-pop artists, hoping it will be a comfort and a gift for fans who remember and love Moon Bin.' They added, 'A total of 22 artists who have had a connection with Moon Bin, not just Astro, participated in this meaningful project. The precious friendship and special memories embedded in 'Moon in the Dream' are expected to deliver warm emotions.'

However, some fans, particularly those who cherished late Moon Bin, reacted coldly to the news of the tribute song release. They claim that the agency and members are using late Moon Bin as a tool for image making or commercial purposes. They pointed out that creating and promoting a new song using the deceased's name shows a lack of respect. They do not want to be associated with a poor image that is solidified and consumed.

Recently, Fantagio also drew attention by releasing a poster for the complete concert 'The 4th ASTROAD Stargraphy,' which includes late Moon Bin and the departed Rocky. This concert is held to commemorate the release of the special single 'Twilight.' Fantagio stated, 'We are preparing to show a stage that will evoke precious memories of Astro and Aroha through collaboration with Astro members and Rocky,' adding that 'Rocky is scheduled to perform with Astro members on the stage of the songs he previously participated in.'

Some fans claim that this is also an act of hurting fans by putting late Moon Bin in the forefront. Members mentioned during a live broadcast, regarding performing with the departed Rocky, 'Bin often expressed a desire to perform together on stage with the six of us,' and 'Even if it were Bin, he would have wanted to join us.' This led to some backlash, saying it is 'using late Moon Bin as a shield.'

However, there are also criticisms that this is an overly sensitive reaction. It is argued that since the members have spent much longer closely with late Moon Bin than the fans, they should not be hastily judged on their way of mourning. Furthermore, late Moon Bin's biological sister, Billy's Moon Sua, also participated in this tribute song. It is noted that since the family agreed to this, fans have no right to hastily criticize.

Meanwhile, Astro's tribute song 'Moon in the Dream,' created alongside fellow artists, will be released on the 19th at 6 p.m. across various music sites.

[Photo] OSEN DB, Fantagio

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