Former BIGBANG member TOP (real name Choi Seung-hyun) will not be going on a space trip after all.

On the 1st, the ‘dearMoon’ team announced, “Unfortunately, the first private lunar flight project ‘dearMoon’ has been canceled. We thank everyone who has supported us so far.”

TOP also shared his thoughts on the cancellation of ‘dearMoon.’ “The project has unfortunately been canceled. However, I deeply appreciate Mr. Yusaku Maezawa,” he expressed regretfully.

He continued, “Being selected as part of the dearMoon crew was one of the greatest honors of my life. I am grateful for the experiences and friendships I gained through this process.”

TOP also mentioned the inspiration he derived from the project. “My body and soul, connected to the moon and space, have already inspired me to compose a lot of new music. I look forward to sharing some of it soon.”

He shared his ultimate goal as well. “My dream of traveling to the moon is not over; it has become the ultimate and greatest goal of my life.”

He concluded, “I will never give up on my dream. I will continue to pursue new adventures that challenge me.”

The ‘dearMoon’ project was planned and executed by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa. It was a lunar tourism mission conceived and funded by Maezawa himself.

Maezawa selected eight civilians, including TOP, to be part of the ‘dearMoon’ crew. The plan was to travel on a SpaceX-developed spacecraft for approximately seven days, but the project was ultimately canceled.