Conceived by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, the dearMoon project aimed to provide a free tour around the moon with a SpaceX Starship rocket for Maezawa and eight civilians, while also inspiring them to conjure artistic creations. One of the invited artists includes TOP, a former member of Big Bang.
Delayed after projecting to launch in 2023, it is officially cancelled on June 2024, with dearMoon's cancellation notice stating that "Unfortunately, however, launch within 2023 became unfeasible, and without clear schedule certainty in the near-term, it is with a heavy heart that Maezawa made the unavoidable
decision to cancel the project. To all who have supported this project and looked forward to
this endeavor, we sincerely appreciate it and apologize for this outcome."
Following the cancellation, TOP has issued a statement:
"Regarding the dearMoon project cancellation:
As you may have heard, the ‘dearMoon’ project has unfortunately been canceled.
However, I am deeply grateful to Mr. Yusaku Maezawa for conceptualizing the 'dearMoon' project.
He selected and brought together beautiful artists from all over the world to embark on a mission to travel to the moon and create art inspired by this journey. This was the greatest and most beautiful art project for the development of mankind that no one in the world would have dared to imagine, and the courage to even attempt this mission was truly extraordinary to witness.
My dream is by no means over.
Being selected as a ‘dearMoon’ crew member was one of the greatest honors of my life. My heart is full of gratitude for the experiences I gained and the friendships I made through this process.
Over the last few years since joining ‘dearMoon’, I feel that my body and soul have forged a deep, direct connection with the moon. My imagination has expanded to places I would have never expected as I prepared for moon exploration.
As a Korean artist, this experience has had a profound impact on my life and the music I make. My body and soul connected with the moon and space has already inspired me to compose a lot of new music, some of which I look forward to sharing soon. The moon has and will continue to nourish my soul and fill me up with meaning and inspiration forever.
The ‘dearMoon’ mission made my dream to go to space, something that seemed completely impossible, to feel possible for the first time. This invaluable experience has changed my life and perspective forever. My dream to travel to the moon is not over. It has become the ultimate and greatest goal of my life, an official challenge, and a core mission for my life.
I feel deep responsibility for all the people who cheered for and supported me through this process to make them proud.
I will never give up on my dreams, and I will continue to pursue new adventures that challenge me. This is for everyone who strives with love.
Life is most beautiful for you who believe everything is possible.
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June 2nd_2024
TOP
Choi Seung Hyun"
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