Former ASTRO member Rocky opened up about the deep bond he continues to share with his members, despite having parted ways with the team. 

On November 22, Rocky released his 1st mini album 'ROCKYST' and signaled his new beginning as a solo artist under his self-established label, One Fine Day Entertainment. First, he said, "The members all listened to my new album and said it was good. They always only say good things. They are like old, comfortable roommates. We don't necessarily give one another advice about really serious stuff. We just talk about daily life." 

He also reflected on his decision to leave Fantagio and ASTRO, commenting, "At the time, launching a solo career wasn't really on my mind. I was just really tired and lost, and I didn't know what to do. Combining the time that I spent as a trainee, I've been in this industry for nearly 15 years, and that was when I was thinking to myself, 'Maybe I don't need to continue on this path'." 

Then, soon after his decision to leave his team, Rocky lost a longtime friend and teammate, the late Moonbin. 

"I think I've sent him off in my own way. To be honest, it was so painful. I think the pain was so great that I couldn't even fathom it," the musician described. 

Later on, Rocky was asked what Moonbin might say after listening to his solo album. He answered, "He's visited me in my dreams before. But I think he would just nod. We practically grew up together, and back then, we fought all the fights we needed to fight, and even if we didn't necessarily open up, time would resolve everything for us. Rather than saying anything fancy, hyung would just smile and nod." Rocky then pointed to his heart, and assured, "He is aways here with me." 

Finally, Rocky stated, "I hope to become known as an artist who experiments and takes risks. I would be grateful if people listened to this album with that impression in mind." 

Rocky's 1st mini album 'ROCKYST', with its title track "Lucky Rocky", is now available for streaming.