ASTRO

* Group
* Logo

**ASTRO** (아스트로; *Aseuteulo*) is a South Korean boy group signed under Fantagio. The group is composed of four members: JinJin, MJ, Cha Eunwoo, and Sanha. Originally a 6 member piece, they debuted on February 23, 2016 with the extended play *Spring Up*. Since then, they have released three studio albums, ten extended plays, two special albums, one single, and four digital singles.

Their first sub-unit, Moonbin & Sanha, debuted on September 14, 2020.

MJ made his solo debut on November 3rd, 2021.

JinJin & Rocky made their sub-unit debut on January 17, 2022.

## History

### Pre-debut

The members of ASTRO were originally trainees partaking in the rookie talent development program iTeen Boys created by the management agency Fantagio. In August 2015, the final member line-up and group name were announced.

The same month, their pre-debut web drama titled *To Be Continued* aired, aiming to introduce the members to the public. The drama starred the members themselves, as well as Kim Sae Ron, Seo Kang Joon, and girl group Hello Venus.

After the web drama finished airing, the group started the "Meet U" project. As part of the project, ASTRO traveled through South Korea, covering songs in front of crowds. Along with the performances, a KakaoTalk Plus Friends account was set up. Fantagio stated that once the group gathered 10,000 friends on the app, they would announce their official debut date. The goal was finally met in December 2015. On January 8, 2016, the hashtag "#ASTROISCOMING" trended on Twitter.

They also appeared in their own reality TV show *Astro OK! Ready*, which began airing on January 21, 2016 on MBC Every1. The show concluded on February 18, 2016.

### 2016: Debut with *Spring Up* and rising popularity

On February 23, 2016, they released their debut extended play *Spring Up* alongside its title track "Hide & Seek". Their debut showcase was held at Lotte Card Art Center and Wapop Concert Hall. Both locations were sold out after only a minute. There, they also announced their official fan club name, AROHA. Within a week of its release, *Spring Up* reached #6 on the Billboard World Albums Chart in the United States, as well as #4 on the Gaon Music Chart. On February 25, the group released the music video for "Cat's Eye", which contains clips from their web drama *To Be Continued*. In April, the group was the only Korean act invited to the 5th LeTV Entertaiment Awards in China. Due to their popularity in China, Cha Eunwoo was also offered a role in a Chinese drama shortly after their debut.

Their second EP *Summer Vibes* was released on July 1. The album peaked at 6th on the *Billboard* World Albums Chart and 2nd on the Gaon Weekly Albums Chart. Furthermore, the music video for *Breathless* surpassed half a million views in just 3 days. The same month, the group performed in front of more than 20,000 people at KCON 2016 in Los Angeles.

Just five months after their debut, ASTRO held their first solo mini concert *ASTRO 2016 MINI LIVE - Thankx AROHA* from August 27 to 28 at KEPCO Art Center in Seoul. Additionally, showcases were held in Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand through the months of October and November.

The group released its third EP *Autumn Story* on November 10. Simultaneously, their reality TV show *Astro Project A.S.I.A*, which explored the events of their first overseas showcases, began airing.

In December, *Billboard* named ASTRO one of the best new K-pop groups of 2016.

### 2017—2018: First tour, group hiatus, and *Rise Up*

On February 22, 2017, one day before their one year anniversary, ASTRO's four seasons project came to a close with their special album *Winter Dream*. The album and its title track "Again" were neither promoted on any music shows, nor did they receive a music video. The group did, however, resume their overseas showcases with performances in Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

The group released their fourth extended play *Dream Part.01*, featuring its title track "Baby," on May 29. The album placed 6th on the *Billboard* World Albums Chart. The same month, the group signed a contract with AVEX Taiwan to handle their music distribution in Southeast Asia. In July, the group started their first tour *The 1st ASTROAD to Seoul* in South Korea, later expanding it with stops in Japan and Taiwan.

On November 1, ASTRO released their fifth extended play *Dream Part.02*. A limited *Wish* edition of the EP was released on January 10, 2018. All of its 10,000 copies were sold out in pre-orders alone. *Wish* contains a poem written by member Cha Eunwoo titled "Purple Evening," a hidden "Thanks to," as well as polaroid pictures taken by the members themselves. Throughout February and March 2018, the group held fan meetings all around the world, visting the United States, Canada, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand.

On July 24, after a prolonged hiatus, ASTRO released their second special mini album *Rise Up*. Due to internal problems at their label, Fantagio Music, the group did not promote the album on music shows. Yet, the group proceeded to hold their second tour *The 2nd ASTROAD* in August 2018, starting in Japan with further shows held in South Korea.

### 2019: First studio album *All Light*, *Venus*, and Moonbin's hiatus

On January 16, 2019, following their 14 month hiatus without any full comeback, ASTRO released their first studio album *All Light*. To further promote the album, the group continued their second tour with stops in Taiwan, Thailand, Hongkong and the United States. On January 29, the group received their first music show win with "All Night" on the SBS MTV music program *The Show*.

On April 3, ASTRO made their debut in Japan with the extended play *Venus*. The EP features three original Japanese tracks along with Japanese remakes of their songs "Baby," "Always You," and "All Night". The release was well-received by the general public, ranking third on the Oricon Weekly Album Chart and peaking at number one on the Daily Album Chart.

On November 12, Fantagio announced that member Moonbin would be going on a hiatus to recover from health issues and focus on his treatment. Subsequently, Moonbin did not participate in the promotions for the group's sixth extended play *Blue Flame*, which was released on November 20. His parts were therefore temporarily re-distributed amongst the remaining members. Despite this, Moonbin still took part in the recording of the EP and appeared in the music video for "Blue Flame".

### 2020: *ONE&ONLY*, *Gateway*, *No, I Don't*, and first sub-unit Moonbin & Sanha

On February 14, 2020, Moonbin appeared in a vLive broadcast with the other ASTRO members, officially ending his hiatus.

In celebration of their fourth debut anniversary, ASTRO released a special digital single album entitled *ONE&ONLY* on February 23. The physical edition of the single was released on March 13.

On May 4, ASTRO released their seventth extended play *Gateway*. On May 12, its title track "Knock" earned the group their second win on the MBC M music show *Show Champion*. On June 28, ASTRO held their first online live streaming concert *2020 ASTRO Live on WWW.*, where they performed the song "No, I Don't" for the first time. The same day, the single was distributed digitally through various streaming services.

On August 14, Fantagio confirmed that members Moonbin and Sanha would form ASTRO's first sub-unit Moonbin & Sanha and that the recording for the unit's first extended play had already been completed. The EP titled *In-Out*, featuring the title track "Bad Idea," was released on September 14. Eight days later, the sub-unit received their first music show win on *The Show*, making them the fastest sub-unit to receive a first win.

On December 31, the group released the digital single "We Still (Be With U)" as a special gift to their fans. The song is a re-arranged, winter themed version of *We Still* from their seventh EP *Gateway*.

### 2021: Second studio album *All Yours*, *Switch On*, and solo activities

On April 5, 2021, ASTRO released their second studio album *All Yours*. The group received a total of three music show wins for its title track "ONE": the first on *The Show* on April 13; the second on *Show Champion* on April 14; and finally on *M Countdown* on April 15, making it their first win on the program. On June 10, *All Yours* became the first ASTRO album to get certified platinum by Gaon.

On August 2, the group released their eighth extended play *Switch On*. The music video for its title track "After Midnight" attracted 10 million views in 34 hours, breaking the record previously set by "ONE". On August 10, "After Midnight" earned its first music show win on *The Show*. Just a day after, the group received their second win on *Show Champion*, followed by their third win on *Music Bank* on August 13 and their fourth win on *Show! Music Core* on August 14. This also marked their first win on the latter two music shows and their first win on national TV since debut. On October 7, *Switch On* was certified platinum by Gaon.

On September 2, ASTRO released the digital single "Alive". The music video for "Alive" was distributed exclusively through the Universe app. The song appeared at number 103 on the Gaon Download Chart.

On October 14, Fantagio confirmed that MJ would be the first member to promote as a solo artist. He will be making his solo debut with the semi-trot single *Happy Virus* in November. The song will be released digitally and will be produced by trot musician Young Tak. The single will feature child singer Kim Tae Yeon, who was a contestant on *Miss Trot 2*.

On December 27, 2021, Fantagio announced that the second Astro unit, JinJin & Rocky, would debut on January 17, 2022. The duo released their mini album, Restore, with the title track "Just Breath".

### 2022: Third studio album "Drive to the Starry Road", more solo releases and contract renewal

On January 28, Fantagio announced that MJ will be going on hiatus off due to health issues.

On February 4, Fantagio announced that Moonbin & Sanha would make a comeback with a mini album in March, but would release a pre-release single on February 11. The duo released their second mini album "Refuge" on March 15, 2022, with the title track "Who".

On April 5, it was reported that Astro is gearing up for a comeback. Subsequently, on April 9, it was announced that MJ would be the first member of ASTRO to enlist in the military on May 9, in which he would serve in the military band. On April 25, it was announced that ASTRO would release their third studio album, "Drive to the Starry Road", on May 16 and that MJ would be included in the music video, but would not be present for promotions due to his military enlistment.

On December 30, it was reported that JinJin, Eunwoo, Moonbin and Sanha decided to renew their contract with Fantagio. At that time, the company said they are discussing renewal with Rocky and that MJ will discuss his renewal when his military service ends.

### 2023: Rocky's departure, Moonbin's death

On February 28, it was announced that Rocky had left ASTRO after deciding to not renew his contract with Fantagio.

On April 19, Moonbin was found dead at his residence in the Gangnam district of Seoul.

## Members

### Current

* JinJin (진진)
* MJ (엠제이)
* Cha Eunwoo (차은우)
* Sanha (윤산하)

### Former

* Rocky (라키)
* Moonbin (문빈) (R.I.P.)

### Endorsements

On March 3, 2016, just two weeks after their debut, ASTRO signed a advertisement contract with the school uniform brand PL Schoolwear. In April of the same year, the group modelled for the cosmetics brand LovLuv. They were also appointed as ambassadors to the 2016 Korea Youth Federation.

In early 2017, ASTRO became the face of the restaurant chain Chicken Mania. In late October, they were chosen as the new advertising model for Shinsegae Duty Free. On November 1, 2017, the group appeared in a advertisment for Secret Day, a South Korean women's hygiene products brand.

In March 2018, ASTRO endorsed the cosmetics brand ShionLe. In June, they partnered with the dessert cafe Sulbing, creating and advertising custom items for their menu. In 2019, they also endorsed Pizza Hut.

In January 2020, the group signed a brand deal with the school wear brand Smart School Uniform alongside labelmate Weki Meki. In April, they became the new muse for the cosmetics brand Liz K.

## Awards and nominations

*Main Article: ASTRO (Awards and nominations)*

## Trivia

* ASTRO's fandom name is AROHA.
* ASTRO's official fan colors are **Vivid Plum** and **Space Violet**.
* ASTRO's official motto is "Wanna Be Your Star".
* ASTRO is the Spanish word for "star".

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Ajunews — '데뷔' 아스트로 진진 "올해, 신인상이 목표"
2. ↑ Hankyung Ten Asia — 아스트로 첫 유닛 문빈&산하 "'Bad Idea'로 절제된 다크 섹시 느낄 수 있을 것"
3. ↑ Soompi - Watch: ASTRO’s MJ Makes Solo Debut With Lively MV For Trot Single “Get Set Yo”
4. ↑ Soompi - Watch: ASTRO’s New Unit JinJin&Rocky Debuts With Fun MV For “Just Breath”
5. ↑ Hankyung News — 하정우에서 헬로비너스까지 스타를 모십니다 2015 판타지오 아이틴오디션 개최
6. ↑ Hankyung News — 판타지오 보이그룹, 팀명 ‘아스트로’ 확정…출격 준비 완료
7. ↑ Naver News — 김새론, 웹드라마 '투비컨티뉴드' 출연…판타지오 NEW 보이그룹과 호흡
8. ↑ Top Star News — 아스트로(ASTRO), 팬들 위한 ‘월간 팬미팅’ 화제… ‘이번 달은 포옹, 다음 달은?’
9. ↑ Chosun News — 신인 그룹 아스트로, 데뷔 앨범 'Spring Up' 하이라이트 메들리 영상 공개
10. ↑ Top Star News — 아스트로(ASTRO), 전국 6개 도시 돌며 윙카 공연 펼쳤다…‘성공적’
11. ↑ @softmooncakes Twitter — OMG ASTRO IS TRENDING~ I'm so proud ㅠㅠ #ASTROISCOMING (better citation needed)
12. ↑ MBN Star — 아스트로, ‘OK! 준비완료’로 리얼리티 도전…‘데뷔 초읽기’
13. ↑ Busan News — 'OK! 준비완료' 아스트로, 잠자리 복불복 5종 '폭소'
14. ↑ News Inside — 판타지오 신상 보이그룹 아스트로, 2월 23일 데뷔일 확정
15. ↑ MBN Star — MBN Star — `데뷔` 아스트로, `2016년 기대주` (MBN포토)
16. ↑ Hankyung News — '어디 숨었다 이제 왔니?' 아스트로, 대한민국 차세대 아이돌의 얼굴
17. ↑ FN News — 아스트로 "2016년 신인상 받는 게 목표"
18. ↑ Sports Donga — 아스트로 데뷔 쇼케이스 1분만에 매진
19. ↑ Billboard — WORLD ALBUMS. The week of March 12, 2016.
20. ↑ Gaon — 2016년 09주차 Album Chart
21. ↑ Yahoo News — ASTRO to Participate ‘LETV Award’ in China
22. ↑ Chosun News — '컴백' 아스트로, 여자친구 히트곡 만든 '이기용배' 프로듀서
23. ↑ Billboard — ASTRO Earn 2nd Top 10 Entry on World Albums With 'Summer Vibes'
24. ↑ Gaon — 2016년 31주차 Album Chart
25. ↑ Hankyung News — 아스트로, 신곡 ‘숨가빠’ MV 3일 만에 50만뷰 돌파...‘2016년 핫루키’ 입증
26. ↑ Billboard — DEAN, ASTRO Added to KCON USA Lineup
27. ↑ MBN — 아스트로, ‘썸머바이브’ 활동 마무리…“노력하는 성장돌 될 것”
28. ↑ Naver News — 아스트로, 데뷔 5개월만에 단독콘서트 개최
29. ↑ SpoTV News — 아스트로, 미니라이브 '땡스 아로하' 티켓 예매 27일 오픈
30. ↑ Hankyung News — 아스트로, 日 도쿄 달궜다… 첫 해외 쇼케이스 성료
31. ↑ Sports Donga — 아스트로, 인도네시아 공연 성황리 개최… 현지 팬 ‘들썩’
32. ↑ Hankyung News — 아스트로, 태국 쇼케이스 개최 "亞 투어 고려 중"
33. ↑ 아스트로, 이번엔 '가을 소년'이다...추억 속 첫사랑男 변신
34. ↑ Hankyung News — 아스트로, 단독 리얼리티 ‘아스트로 프로젝트 : 아.시.아’ 주인공 낙점
35. ↑ Billboard — 10 Best New K-Pop Groups In 2016
36. ↑ Hankyung News — 아스트로, '윈터 드림' 공개...사계절 프로젝트 완성
37. ↑ Top Star News — (HD테마) 같이 벚꽃놀이 가고싶은 아이돌…‘방탄소년단(BTS) 진- 엑소(EXO) 백현-아스트로(ASTRO) 차은우’ ②
38. ↑ OSEN — "꿈을 파는 소년들"..아스트로, 오늘 정오 '베이비'로 컴백
39. ↑ Hankyung News — 아스트로 '드림 파트 1', 빌보드 차트 6위 쾌거
40. ↑ Hankyung News — 아스트로, 해외 진출 청신호..'글로벌돌' 잇는다
41. ↑ Star Today — 아스트로, 첫 단독콘서트 프리뷰 공개...차은우 문빈 '6인6색 힌트'
42. ↑ Top Star News — 아스트로(ASTRO), 첫 단독 콘서트 ‘아스트로드 투 서울’ 포스터 깜짝 공개…‘기대감 UP’
43. ↑ Dispatch — "기다려, 8월 1일"…'아스트로', 일본 콘서트
44. ↑ Sports Kyeonghyang — 아스트로, 첫 日단독 콘서트 성료…퍼포먼스·소통·팬사랑 3박자
45. ↑ Hankyung News — 아스트로, 대만 단독 콘서트 성황리 종료...대만을 달군 별둥이
46. ↑ Billboard — Astro Returns With Smooth New 'Crazy Sexy Cool' Video
47. ↑ Seoul Daily — 아스트로, '드림 파트 2' 한정판 위드 버전 발매 '1만장 완판'
48. ↑ Chosun News — "행복한 추억"…아스트로, 日서 '글로벌 팬미팅' 피날레
49. ↑ News1 — "글로벌 인기" 아스트로, 태국 팬미팅 성황…다음은 일본
50. ↑ Billboard — K-Pop Boy Band Astro Talks 'Always You' Single, Artistry & Hiatus
51. ↑ Billboard — Astro & Weki Meki's Label Fantagio Corp. Faces Strike After CEO's Firing
52. ↑ Top Star News — 아스트로(ASTRO), 일본 나고야 ‘아스트로드’ 공연 후 단체샷 공개…“시작부터 잘 풀려”
53. ↑ Seoul Daily — 아스트로, 두 번째 단독 콘서트 성료···신곡 깜짝 공개
54. ↑ Chosun News — "독보적 눈빛"..아스트로, 6인6색 매력 대방출(Oh!쎈 컷)
55. ↑ Maeil Kyeongje — 아스트로, 1월 16일 ‘올라잇’ 발표…1년 2개월만 완전체 컴백(공식)
56. ↑ Hanguk Kyeongje TV — 아스트로, 첫 월드투어 성료…글로벌 아이돌 가능성 입증
57. ↑ Hanguk Kyeongje TV — 아스트로, 미주 투어 대성황…‘新글로벌 아이돌’ 이목 집중
58. ↑ Hanguk Kyeongje TV — 아스트로, 대만 콘서트 성료…첫 월드 투어 화려한 포문 열어
59. ↑ Top Star News — ‘더쇼’ 아스트로(ASTRO), ‘전화해’로 데뷔 후 음악방송 첫 1위
60. ↑ Modelpress — ASTRO、日本デビューをファンとお祝い　新曲初披露で「これから幸せな花道を作りましょう」＜ファンミーティングレポ／セットリスト＞
61. ↑ Oricon — 週間　アルバムランキング. 2019年04月15日（2019年04月01日～2019年04月07日）
62. ↑ Wow! Korea — 韓国ボーイズグループ・「ASTRO」、オリコンデイリー1位に！続々日本でのコラボキャンペーン展開も発表！
63. ↑ News1 — (전문) 아스트로 측 "문빈, 건강 이상으로 일시적 활동 중단"
64. ↑ Naver News — "문빈 빈자리, 최소화할 것" 아스트로, '몽환파탈' 변신 예고 (종합)
65. ↑ Naver News — 아스트로 측 “11월 20일 미니 6집 컴백, 색다른 모습 보여줄것”(공식)
66. ↑ Hankyung News — 아스트로, 청량 벗고 몽환파탈…'Blue Flame' MV 티저 공개
67. ↑ Top Star News — 아스트로(ASTRO), ‘활동 중단’ 문빈까지 6인 완전체로 팬들과 소통
68. ↑ Naver News — 아스트로, 오늘(23일) 데뷔 4주년 기념 스페셜 싱글 'ONE&ONLY' 발매
69. ↑ Hankyung News — 아스트로 ‘ONE&ONLY’, 화이트데이 전날 음반으로 만난다
70. ↑ Hankyung News — 아스트로 "더 좋은 에너지로 멋진 무대 보이겠다" 일문일답
71. ↑ NBN News — 아스트로,컴백 후 '쇼! 챔피언' 에서 첫 1위! 감동의 눈물!
72. ↑ Naver News — 아스트로, 6월 28일 온택트 공연 개최..안방 1열 팬들과 만남 예고
73. ↑ Naver News — 아스트로, 28일 디지털 싱글 '아니 그래' 깜짝 발매(공식)
74. ↑ Naver News — 아스트로 측 “문빈·산하 첫 유닛 결성, 9월 앨범 발표” (공식입장)
75. ↑ Single List — 아스트로 문빈·산하 '인아웃', 해외차트 상위권 랭크…'유닛 파워' 증명
76. ↑ Star News — '더쇼' 아스트로 문빈&산하, 첫 1위..막강 유닛 파워
77. ↑ Naver News — 아스트로, 'We Still(Be With U)' 오늘(31일) 발매..깜짝 연말 선물 (공식)
78. ↑ Star Today — '올 유어스' 아스트로, 청량 풀파워 장전…모든 게 그대 것이라오(종합)
79. ↑ Naver News — 아스트로, 벌써 음악방송 3관왕‥‘엠카’ 1위는 데뷔 최초(공식)
80. ↑ 80.0 80.1 Gaon — 가온 인증(Gaon Certification)
81. ↑ News Nate — 아스트로 'All Yours', 가온차트 플래티넘 획득…막강 저력
82. ↑ Star Today — 아스트로 “신보 ‘스위치 온’, 저희 과거·현재·미래 담아”
83. ↑ Star Today — 아스트로, ‘스위치 온’ 자체 최초·최다·최단 기록 행진
84. ↑ Chosun News — 아스트로, 컴백 동시에 '더쇼' 1위.."청량감으로 무더운 여름 물리치겠다"
85. ↑ News Nate — 아스트로, 미니 8집 'SWITCH ON' 활동 마무리…'기록스트로' 입증
86. ↑ Star Today — 아스트로, 데뷔 1999일만 지상파 1위…"아로하 덕분"
87. ↑ Naver News — 유니버스, 아스트로 신곡 'ALIVE' 9월 발매 확정
88. ↑ Gaon — 2021년 36주차 Download Chart
89. ↑ Naver News — (단독)아스트로 MJ, 트로트 곡으로 솔로 데뷔…영탁 손잡았다
90. ↑ Naver News — 아스트로 MJ, 영탁 프로듀싱 트로트로 솔로 데뷔…녹음실컷 공개
91. ↑ https://www.soompi.com/article/1510863wpp/astros-mj-temporarily-halts-activities-due-to-health-concerns
92. ↑ Soompi - ASTRO Confirmed To Be Preparing For Comeback
93. ↑ Soompi — ASTRO’s MJ Tearfully Announces Military Enlistment Date
94. ↑ Soompi - ASTRO Unveils Highlight Medley For Upcoming Full Album “Drive To The Starry Road”
95. ↑ Soompi — 4 ASTRO Members Renew Contracts With Fantagio
96. ↑ Soompi — ASTRO’s Rocky Leaves The Group And Fantagio
97. ↑ Soompi — Breaking: ASTRO’s Moonbin Passes Away; Fantagio Confirms
98. ↑ Hankyung News — 아스트로, 교복 모델 발탁..엑소-트와이스-아이콘와 나란히
99. ↑ Simin Ilbo — 아스트로 교복광고 모델 발탁,'역시 2016년 최고의 라이징 스타 ’
100. ↑ Hankyung News — 아스트로, 교복 광고 이어 화장품 모델 발탁..'핫루키' 행보
101. ↑ Hankyung News — 아스트로, 2016 청소년 홍보대사 임명.. ‘대세 신인’ 예감
102. ↑ Chosun Business News — 치킨매니아, 아스트로 첫 TV-CF 공개! 상큼함 대 방출
103. ↑ Hankyung News — 롯데면세점 모델로 등장한 방탄소년단
104. ↑ Seoul Daily — 시크릿데이의 새로운 6色 남자친구 ‘아스트로’ 광고 모델발탁
105. ↑ Chosun Business News — 아스트로, '션리' 전속모델 전격 발탁
106. ↑ Maeil Kyeongje — 설빙, 전속 모델 '아스트로' 세트 6종 출시
107. ↑ License News — 아스트로-위키미키, 스마트학생복 브랜드 신규 모델로
108. ↑ The JoongAng — ‘리즈케이’ 새 모델로 차은우&아스트로 발탁