Moonbin, K-Pop star and member of Astro, dies suddenly at age 25

The world of K-Pop is in mourning, as another young star in the South Korean entertainment industry has passed away.

Moonbin, a member of the group 'Astro,' died at his home in Seoul, Korean media report. He was 25 years old.

While waiting for the autopsy to confirm the cause of death, local media suggest that Moonbin would have taken his own life.

Photo: @moon-ko-ng / Instagram

Moonbin's representative found the lifeless body of the singer at his home around 8 pm on April 19, 2023. Local authorities reported this fact to the South Korean media.

The production company Fantagio, with whom Moonbin had signed for years, confirmed the harsh news on social media.

Photo: @officialastro / Instagram

"He has become a star in the sky," they remarked. The management also declared that the funeral would be a discreet one, with the "presence of family, friends, and colleagues." They have asked the fans for respect and understanding.

Photo:@officialastro / Instagram

Born in the town of Cheongju (South Korea) in January 1998, Moonbin had always been clear about his dream of being a K-Pop star.

Photo: @moon-ko-ng / Instagram

Before rising to fame, Moonbin began working as a child model in 2004, at just 6 years old.

Photo: @officialastro / Instagram

In 2009, at the age of 11, he made his acting debut in the series 'Boys Over Flowers.'

Photo: @moon-ko-ng / Instagram

From that moment, Moonbin combined his work as an artist with that of an actor, appearing in series like 'Soul Plate,' 'At Eighteen,' 'SweetRevenge,' and 'Mermaid Prince.'

Showbiz talent runs in the family. Moonbin's sister, the singer Moon Su-ah, is part of a well-known girl band, 'Billie.'

In 2015, Moonbin participated in 'Fantagio iTeen' a competition that yielded the group 'iTeen Boys.' A year later, these 'iTeen Boys' would become 'Astro,' the group that would elevate him to global star status.

Photo: @officialastro / Instagram

The group's first work was 'Spring Up,' a mini album in 2016 of which 'Hide & Seek' was the outstanding single. Astro reached number 6 on the Billboard World Album Chart.

In 2019, Astro released its first complete album, 'All Lights.' It would be followed by 'All Yours' (2021) and 'Drive to the Starry Road' (2022).

In parallel to 'Astro,' Moonbin and his partner SanHa were the visible faces of the group's first split. They released the album 'In-Out' in 2020. At the time of Moonbin's death, the duo was preparing an international tour that was going to places like Mexico, Chile, and Brazil, among others.

Moonbin's death coincides with Rocky's recent departure from the band (February 28, 2023). In less than two months, 'Astro' has gone from six to four members. At the moment, it is unclear what will happen with the group.