Moonbin of ASTRO found dead at his home at age 25; police suspect suicide

South Korean musician Moonbin, a member of the K-pop group ASTRO, tragically passed away on April 19 at the age of 25. The singer was reportedly found dead in his apartment by his manager when he immediately made a call to the police. The police suspect possible suicide. The news of the death of the singer was confirmed by his music label, Fantagio.

In a lengthy statement written in Korean, as translated by the Korean outlet Soompi, it said, “First, we apologize for having to convey this sorrowful and heartbreaking news. On April 19, ASTRO member Moonbin suddenly left us and has now become a star in the sky. Although it cannot compare to the grief of the bereaved family that had to part with their beloved son and brother, his fellow artists and the staff here at Fantagio, who have been together with him for a long time, are also deeply mourning the departed amidst tremendous shock and sorrow. It pains us even more to have to convey this sudden news to the fans who have given their unsparing love and support to Moonbin. Because we know all too well just how unparalleled the departed [Moonbin] was in his love for his fans, whom he was constantly thinking of, the grief is all the more overwhelming.”

The statement also made a request to everyone to not speculate anything around his death and give privacy to his family during this devastating time. “In order for the bereaved family, who has fallen into great sorrow due to this sudden tragedy, to be able to respectfully mourn the departed and say their goodbyes, we entreat you to please refrain from speculative or malicious reports. In accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family, the funeral will be held as quietly as possible, with family, close friends, and agency colleagues in attendance. Once again, we express our deep mourning as the departed walks his final path.”

On April 19, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station said that Moonbin was found dead at approximately 8:10 p.m. KST. The police stated, “It appears that Moonbin took his own life,” adding, “We are currently discussing the possibility of an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.”

Moonbin had released a unit album earlier this year in January 2023 under the moniker Moonbin&Sanha. The duo was preparing for their Dream Concert as a part of the unit.

We offer our deepest condolences to Moonbin’s family, friends, ASTRO members, AROHA and to everyone during this painful time.