Truck Protests, Hate Comments, and a Tribute to Moonbin — Why ASTRO Finally Drew the Line

ASTRO’s label has taken a firm stand against the flood of malicious comments and rumors that surfaced online after the release of a tribute track honoring late member Moonbin.

On April 23, Fantagio, the agency behind ASTRO, issued an official statement condemning the “indiscriminate spread of defamation, slander, and baseless rumors targeting the group’s character.” The agency noted that while it had carefully monitored the situation, “the continued repetition of malicious behavior” has prompted them to prepare strict legal action without leniency.

Fantagio stressed that the spreading of false information and hateful content under the guise of anonymity constitutes a clear violation of the law. It also stated that it is actively collecting evidence and has been receiving valuable tips from fans, which can be submitted via email.

The agency emphasized, “We will continue to take strong action against any behavior that infringes upon ASTRO’s rights.”

ASTRO debuted in 2016 with tracks like ‘Hide & Seek’ and ‘Breathless,’ gaining recognition for their fresh image and musical growth. Last April, the sudden passing of member Moonbin at the age of 25 sent shockwaves through the industry and fandom alike.

To mark the second anniversary of his passing, ASTRO released a heartfelt tribute single titled ‘Memory of the Moon.' All proceeds from the track will be donated to charity. The project brought together 22 artists, including Moon Sua, VIVIZ, MONSTA X, SEVENTEEN, and SF9.

However, some netizens criticized the release, accusing the group of exploiting Moonbin’s memory for commercial gain. These claims soon escalated into a wave of hate comments. In response, fans rallied in defense of the group, organizing a truck protest and calling for legal action against the perpetrators.

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