According to reports by Yonhap News, police from the Seoul Gangnam Police Station said in a statement: “It appears that Moonbin took his own life. We are currently discussing the possibility of an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.”
His passing has been confirmed by his label, Fantagio Music, who released a statement on Twitter. “We would like to apologise for the sad, heart-breaking news. On April 19, ASTRO member Moonbin suddenly left us to become a star in the sky,” it read.
“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.”
— fantagio (@fantagiogroup) April 19, 2023
Moonbin was one of five members of the band ASTRO. He was also the elder brother of Moon Sua, a member of the K-pop girl group called Billlie who have cancelled all events this week in the wake of the news.
ASTRO’s most recent album, Drive To The Starry Road, was released last May. Earlier this year came the news that one of the band members, Rocky, was leaving the group.
Fantagio’s message continued: “It is even more heart-breaking to deliver this news so suddenly to the fans who have supported Moonbin and sent him their love. We are heartbroken because we know the feelings of the deceased, who always loved and thought of his fans more than anyone else.
“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.
“According to the wishes of the bereaved families, the funeral will be held as quietly as possible with the family members and company colleagues. Once again, we send our deepest condolences to the deceased.”
