Moonbin, a member of the popular K-pop band ASTRO, has passed away unexpectedly in his home at the age of 25. An autopsy still has to be done, but Seoul Gangnam Police said it appears to be a suicide. He was found unresponsive by his manager.
Moonbin, whose real name is actually Moon Bin, was represented by the label Fantagio Music, which released a statement confirming the sad news (translated by Koreaboo).
“We would like to apologize for the sad, heart-breaking news. On April 19, ASTRO member Moonbin suddenly left us to become a star in the sky. 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.”
The message went on to say that the label’s “sorrow” can’t compare to what “the bereaved families are feeling.” Fantagio said losing Moonbin was like “losing a beloved son and brother.”
“We sincerely ask you to refrain from speculative and malicious reports so that the bereaved families, who are in a state of great sadness and sorrow due to the sudden news, can honour the deceased,” adding that “the funeral will be held as quietly as possible with the family members and company colleagues.”
The police statement on the star’s death was a bit more clinical (translated by Soompi).
“It appears that Moonbin took his own life,” the police said. “We are currently discussing the possibility of an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.”
ASTRO had five members, and Moonbin was the older brother of the K-pop all-girl group Billie member Moon Sua. The band was scheduled for a fan event in Jakarta, and Moonbin and fellow K-pop artist Sanha had a concert next month in Busan, South Korea. All are canceled, per NME.
The band’s latest album was released about a year ago and was called Drive To The Starry Road. Moonbin was born on January 26, 1998, and worked as a child model and actor. He joined Fantagio in the fifth grade as a trainee for the label. ASTRO debuted in February of 2016 with six members, but member Rocky left earlier this year.
Moonbin first appeared in a music video for TVXQ’s “Balloons” video and his acting debut was in the K-drama Boys Over Flowers. Before ASTRO, he was in a boy band project called iTeen.
If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (En Español: 1-888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. A list of international crisis resources can be found here.