Trigger warning: This story contains a discussion of suicide, self-injurious behavior, depression, and/or reference of other mental health disorders that may be upsetting or triggering for some. Reader discretion is advised.
K-POP star and ASTRO member Moonbin passed away on Wednesday, April 19, his agency confirmed. He was 25.
According to local reports, Moonbin was found unresponsive by his manager on Wednesday evening in his apartment in Gangnam, an upscale neighborhood in Seoul.
“On April 19th, Astro member Moonbin suddenly left us and became a star in the sky,” his music label Fantagio wrote in a statement posted on Twitter.
“[…] the Astro members who have been with us for a long time, as well as our Fantagio fellow artists and executives, are deeply mourning the deceased in great sadness and shock,” it added.
The music label did not provide any details regarding the cause of death as it asked fans to “refrain from speculative and malicious reports” to allow Moonbin’s family to mourn his sudden passing.
Local authorities reported that there was no evidence of foul play and that the singer-actor was suspected of having committed suicide. His death is still under investigation, though.
“We understand that Moonbin was living alone at his home. Although we believe that he killed himself, we are also considering conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death,” the local police said, as reported by local media.
Moonbin debuted in 2016 as part of the sextet ASTRO, together with other members MJ, Jinjin, Cha Eun-woo, Rocky, and Yoon San-ha.
Rocky left the band in February 2023.
Moonbin served as the group’s main dancer, lead rapper, and vocalist and was known for his charisma and impeccable performances.
He had also played various roles in dramas such as At Eighteen and The Mermaid Prince.
In September 2020, he was introduced as part of ASTRO’s first subunit called Moonbin & Sanha with his band member Sanha. They released their third extended play (EP), Incense, in January 2023.
Last month, Moonbin and Sanha visited the Philippines for their Diffusion in Manila fan con tour.
Moonbin’s younger sister, Moon Sua, also works in the entertainment industry as part of the fourth generation girl group Billlie.
The funeral service for Moonbin will be held at the Asan Medical Center in southern Seoul.
Fantagio said “the funeral will be held as quietly as possible with family, friends, and company colleagues attending” out of respect for his family’s wishes.
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