Remembering Moonbin of ASTRO through his music: 9 songs he penned that showcase his artistry

In one of the tragic moments in the music industry, South Korean music Moonbin of the K-pop group ASTRO passed away on April 19, 2023. The 25-year-old was a powerful performance, a multi-talented singer, lyricist, actor and also a reality TV participant. Having been in the industry since childhood, his career spanned 14 years. As a member of ASTRO, Moonbin would often contribute to lyrics in the group’s discography. As a member of the subunit Moonbin&Sanha, the singer showed his musical prowess by participating in song composition and lyric writing. Let’s take a look at the songs which possess Moonbin’s artistry, and remember him fondly for the memories that he gave his fans through his music and powerful lyrics.

Remembering Moonbin of ASTRO through his music: 9 songs he penned that showcase his artistry

1. YOU AND ME – WINTER DREAM (2017)
‘You and Me’ is one of the first songs by ASTRO for their lovely fandom, Aroha. The song is a smooth flowing pop RnB track featuring the members singing words of gratitude – “Wanna walk together, one step, two steps, three steps? / I can only be happy if you’re by my side” – for their fans for their undying love and support. ‘You and Me’ is a song that feels like a warm hug on a wintery night.

2. BY YOUR SIDE – RISE UP (2018)
‘By Your Side’ is another heartwarming track from the boy group. This romantic R&B track features a larger than life instrumental piece which accentuates the emotional lyrics. Moonbin contributed to writing the lyrics for this track and his emotions clearly show as the group croons – “With my red heart / I’m so excited, I call out your name / With a smile like a happy ending / Please accept my heart for you.”

3. MERRY GO AROUND – ALL LIGHT (2019)
‘Merry Go Round’ is a joyous festival themed track. The song is replete with a happy vibe from the start to end. ASTRO brought out their charms once again and delivered a soft romantic number with honest lyrics like, “I like you, for real, I confess to you every day / Even if you don’t care, I wear clothes I think you’d like / I’d like to go on a date with you / Once again, I’m saying I love you.” There is also a Christmas edition of this song which is a whole new vibe in itself.

4. ONE AND ONLY – ONE AND ONLY (2020)
ASTRO’s ‘One and Only’ from the EP of the same name is a buttery soft romantic number. The track is a joyous ballad that shines a light of love and gratitude on one’s lover. One and Only is a perfect track to listen to when you want to unwind and indulge in some feel good ASTRO music as the group croons, “Light permeates my heart / The beginning that shined shyly / The tears that were shed helplessly/It’s all because of you.”

5. FOOTPRINT – SWITCH ON (2021)
A song that literally talks about leaving one’s footprints behind, ASTRO’s track ‘Footprint’ is a fun foot-tapping number. Moonbin’s creativity finds an outlet once again as the co-writer for this song. This holiday themed number boasts of lyrics which tell the listener to shed their worries and embrace their life – “Even if big waves come crashing down on us, it’s okay / Because we left everything in the place only the two of us know / Even if we’re blown away by the big wind, it’s okay / Because we left everything in the place only the two of us go to.”

6. LET’S GO RIDE – DRIVE TO THE STARRY ROAD (2022)
‘Let’s Go Ride’ is one of the tracks which showed Moonbin’s strengths as a soloist. The song sports minimalistic instrumental composition which matches the mood of the lyrics as Moonbin croons, “I need you / It’s just this moment / Don’t let go of it / I need you / It’s just the two of us / Don’t walk on eggshells”.

7. CANDY SUGAR POP – DRIVE TO THE STARRY ROAD (2022)
One of ASTRO’s latest releases, ‘Candy Sugar Pop’ is a funky bright number. The song incorporates fantasy-like elements as the members saunter around a visually appealing candy land. As a co-writer in the song, Moonbin proved his singing and writing prowess as he sang, “My candy sugar pop / Tell me wherever / Take one step closer / Tell me to take you tonight”.

8. MADNESS – INCENSE (2023)
In January 2023, Moonbin and Sanha made a comeback with the danger and seduction laced EP Incense. The title track Madness sports an idea of love that is so lethal that it borders on madness. Moonbin contributed to writing the lyrics and showcased his smooth vocals as he sang, “This heart that is unseen / Until it becomes all yours / It will spread more to you”.

9. DESIRE – INCENSE (2023)
‘Desire’ is one more track from Incense which sports Moonbin’s touch not only as a singer but also as a co-writer and co-composer. ‘Desire’ mirrors the idea of ‘Madness’, but takes a softer approach in expressing the sultry emotions, “Your continuous scent lingers in me / I’m drunken on your charming voice / I don’t know what’s wrong with me”. From the beginning to the end, the song boasts of an effervescent musicality which only further highlights Moonbin’s artistry.

Also Read: Fantagio’s memorial space for ASTRO’s late member Moonbin to remain open until early June; agency to end of Moonbin&Sanha’s Weverse community