KUALA LUMPUR: K-pop star Moonbin, a member of the boy band Astro, has died at the age of 25 yesterday.
Soompi reported that the unfortunate news was confirmed by the group's agency, Fantagio, following an announcement by the Korean police.
In a statement today, the company said: "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 artistes and the staff here at Fantagio, who have been together with him for a long time, are also deeply mourning his passing with great shock and sorrow.
"It pains us to have to convey this sudden news to the fans who have given their unwavering love and support to Moonbin.
"Because we know very well just how much love he had for his fans, whom he was constantly thinking of, the grief is all the more overwhelming," it said.
Fantagio urged the public to give Moonbin's family space to grieve and refrain from spreading any "speculative or malicious reports".
The company announced that a quiet and closed funeral would be held in line with the wishes of the late idol's family, which would only be attended by family, close friends, and agency colleagues.
Yesterday, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station reported that Moonbin was found dead at his home in the Gangnam district of Seoul by his manager at about 8.10 pm on April 19.
"It appears that Moonbin took his own life.
"We are currently discussing the possibility of an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death," police said.
Moonbin, a singer, dancer, actor, and model, whose name is Moon Bin, was scheduled to perform at the upcoming 2023 Dream Concert on May 27 in Busan as part of the Astro sub-unit Moonbin & Sanha.
