SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — Moonbin, who was a member of the K-pop band ASTRO, passed away at the age of 25 in his residence in Seoul at 8:10 pm on Wednesday.
He is believed to have died by suicide, but the official cause of death is pending.
The band and its management agency confirmed the news of his death through a statement on social media but didn’t disclose the cause of death.
The agency requested fans to avoid making speculative or malicious reports about the incident and said that Moonbin’s funeral would be held privately, only for family, friends, and colleagues.
According to reports by the Korean news agency Yonhap, Moonbin was discovered dead at his house in Gangnam, an affluent neighborhood in Seoul, at 8:10 pm on Wednesday by his manager, who then informed the local police station.
The message, which was translated into English by the K-pop media company Koreaboo, reads: “On April 19, Astro member Moonbin suddenly left us to become a star in the sky.”
The statement continued, “Although we cannot compare our sorrow to the grief that the bereaved families are feeling, losing a beloved son and brother, the Astro members, fellow Fantagio artists, company executives, and employees are mourning the deceased in great sadness and shock.”
Moonbin was not only a singer but also an actor, dancer, and model who performed as part of the duo Moonbin & Sanha. In 2016, ASTRO debuted with their EP “Spring Up,” which made them a hit among K-pop fans. They were listed as one of the top 10 new K-pop groups by Billboard that year.
Moonbin’s unexpected death has saddened fans worldwide, with many expressing their grief and paying their respects. Several other Korean celebrities in their 20s have also passed away suddenly in recent years, causing South Korea to reflect on the cause of these tragic events.
Although not all of them have been confirmed as suicides, it’s a concerning trend that has sparked discussion and concern in the country’s entertainment industry. – KLife/Jayve
Also read: South Korean actor Na Chul passes away at 36
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