Moonbin, a member of the K-pop band Astro, has died. He was 25.
The singer was found dead at his home in the Gangnam neighborhood of Seoul on Wednesday by his manager, according to local news reports citing police. A cause of death was not given.
Astro and Fantagio, the band’s management company, confirmed the news in a statement.
“Moonbin suddenly left us and has now become a star in the sky,” the statement said, according to a translation.
It said fellow artists and staff were mourning Moonbin with “tremendous shock and sorrow,” and apologized to fans for sharing such painful news, noting the singer’s “unparalleled” love for his supporters.
A small funeral was expected be held for family, close friends and agency colleagues, the statement said. It also asked that people “refrain from speculative and malicious reports” and to allow the family to pay their respects in privacy.
Moon Bin, who used the stage name Moonbin, started his career as a child model and moved into acting with the 2009 Korean drama “Boys Over Flowers.” He signed with Fantagio’s trainee program at a young age and rose through the ranks, joining Astro in 2016. He also performed with a subgroup called Moonbin and Sanha, which released its third EP, “Incense,” in January. Astro’s hits include “Candy Sugar Pop,” “Blue Flame” and “Baby.” Moonbin’s sister, Moon Sua, is also a K-pop singer. She’s a member of the girl group Billlie.