ASTRO Moonbin Confirmation Agency Dies, Manager Found At Home

Moonbin ASTRO (Instagram @moon_ko_ng)

JAKARTA - Sad news came from the K-pop industry. Moonbin ASTRO reportedly passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. This news was confirmed by his agency, Fantagio, a few hours after the news circulated.

Previously, Seoul Gangnam police reported Moonbin was found dead at his residence at 20.18 South Korean time. The manager was the first to find him and immediately contacted the police.

Police suspect Moonbin ended his life and they are considering an autopsy to determine the cause of his death.

Hours later, Fantagio released a statement containing statements about their artist as well as related information.

First, we apologize for conveying this sad news. On April 19, ASTRO Moonbin members left us suddenly and became stars in the sky," Fantagio said in a statement via social media.

"This cannot be compared to the grief of the family because they separated from their beloved children and relatives, staff and artists at Fantagio who were with him for a long time and mourned the surprising departure," they continued.

"It hurts us to convey the sad news to fans who give love and support to Moonbin. Because we all know how unmatched Moonbin went in love with fans he kept thinking about," he said.

"For the bereaved family of this tragedy, in honor of leaving and saying goodbye, we ask you to refrain from giving speculative reports or malicious comments," the agency said.

"In accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family, the funeral will be held calmly with his family, closest friends, and agency colleagues. Once again, we express our deep condolences as he went on his final path," concluded the agency.

Hours before the sad news, Moonbin in the ASTRO Moonbin & Sanha sub-unit was confirmed to appear at the Dream Concert 2023 event.

In addition, promoter Lumina Entertainment announced canceling the FANCON ASTRO Moonbin & Sanha titled Diffusion in Jakarta. The promoter explained that the cancellation was due to a situation that could not be controlled. This news was conveyed a few hours before Moonbin reportedly died.

Born on January 26, 1998, Moonbin is a singer and actor who joined the K-pop group ASTRO. Before having a career as an idol, he first appeared in the TVXQ group music video entitled Balloons in 2006. He also acted as Kim Bum's young character in the drama Boys Over Flowers.

As a child actor, he started training at Fantagio and debuted with ASTRO in 2016. Since then he has expanded his career as an idol but has also expanded his wings to acting and variety.

His role received appreciation when he became Jung Oh Je through the drama Moment of Eighteen. He also acted in The Mermaid Prince and Soul Plate. Then he was trusted to guide the music shows Show Champion, Food Avengers, Saturday Night Live Korea, as well as several concerts.

In 2020, he formed ASTRO's first sub-unit with Sanha. They debuted with the mini album In-Out. Through this debut, they won the first trophy from The Show and made them the fastest sub-units to win on a music show.

In 2022, he and five other ASTRO members extended their contract with Fantagio while planning to start their Asia tour for sub-units.

Moonbin ASTRO passed away at the age of 25.