K-pop singer Moonbin was found dead in his apartment aged 25 in Seoul, South Korea on April 19, 2023.
The performer was well known among fans of the K-pop genre as a member of the boy band Astro, formed by the Fantagio entertainment company.
He is believed to have been found after he did not turn up for rehearsals.
Born named Moon Bin, he was part of the original lineup for Astro, debuting with five other singers in 2016.
As fans around the world pay tribute to the star, MailOnline looks at what happened to Moonbin and what is known of his tragic passing.
Tragedy: K-pop singer Moonbin was found dead in his apartment aged 25 in Seoul, South Korea on April 19, 2023 (pictured in January 2023)
Star: The performer was well known among fans of the K-pop genre as a member of the boy band Astro, formed by the Fantagio entertainment company
When did Moonbin die?
Moonbin tragically passed away on Wednesday, April 19 2023. He was found at approximately 8:10pm KST.
Astro’s record label Fantagio Music, in a statement that was also shared on the band’s Instagram, said: ‘On April 19th, Astro member Moonbin suddenly left us and became a star in the sky.
‘Although it cannot be compared to the grief of the bereaved families who lost their beloved sons and brothers, 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 is even more heartbreaking to deliver the sudden news to the fans who have supported Moonbin and sent him generous love.
Heartbreaking: A statement from his record label said: : ‘On April 19th, Astro member Moonbin suddenly left us and became a star in the sky’ (pictured in 2021)
‘I am more heartbroken because I know the heart of the deceased who always loved and thought of his fans more than anyone else.’
They added that the funeral would be held quietly with his friends, family and colleagues attending.
What was his cause of death?
No cause of death was immediately given for Moonbin.
However, Yonhap News reported that Seoul Gangnam Police released a statement addressing the star’s cause of death.
Translated into English by Soompi, it reads: ‘It appears that Moonbin took his own life. We are currently discussing the possibility of an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.’
Suicide is among the leading causes of death for young people in South Korea. The country has the highest suicide rate among the OECD group of wealthy nations.
The suspected suicide occurred a month after her close friend, K-pop star Sulli, took her own life after a long struggle with online bullying, prompting demands in South Korea for stronger punishments for cybercrimes.
Sulli’s death echoed that of fellow K-pop star Jonghyun, who took his life in 2017 after battling depression.
Service: The label said Moonbin’s funeral would be held quietly with his friends, family and colleagues attending
What was the reaction to Moonbin’s passing?
There was an outpouring of tributes for Moonbin after the news of his death was made public.
The phrase ‘all idols’ trended on Twitter in South Korea following the announcement.
‘I hope all idols can chase their dreams without feeling heartbroken,’ read one tweet.
Moonbin’s death also became the most searched topic on China´s Twitter-like social media platform Weibo on Thursday, April 20, with many saying the news reminded them of the deaths of other young South Korean popstars in the past.
Devastated fans flocked to social media to pay tribute to the young star.
One said: ‘Rest in peace angel. You will be missed.’ Another added: ‘I am crying. Moonbin you are a perfect wonder.
‘I wish you will be perfect in the sky too. You will stay in our hearts forever. We love you.’
A third wrote: ‘Rest in peace Moonbin! May you be a shining star where you are now.’
Career: The K-Pop band Astro, with Moonbin third from left. Members JinJin, MJ, Cha Eunwoo, Rocky and Yoon Sanha completed the band’s lineup
Who are Astro?
Astro are a popular Korean boy band who debuted in 2016 with their extended play Spring Up.
They were named as one of the best new K-pop acts of that year by Billboard magazine.
The group is currently made up of MJ, Jinjin, Cha Eun-woo and Yoon San-ha.
Previous member Rocky quit on February 28, 2023.
They released their latest album Drive to the Starry Road on May 16, 2022.
The band’s tour date set for May 13 in Jakarta, Indonesia, has now been cancelled, according to event promoter Lumina Entertainment.
They said: ‘After long discussion and consideraion, we have to cancel this event due to unforseen circumstances beyond our control that we could not avoid.’
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