[TRIGGER WARNING: SUICIDE]
ASTRO's Moonbin, 25, has reportedly passed away.
Seoul Gangnam Police Station reported that a K-Pop idol was found dead at his home in the Gangnam district of Seoul, according to the South Korean news website Yonhap News TV.
Moonbin was discovered by his manager who called the police on April 19, 2023, at approximately 8:10 p.m. KST
As per a statement by the South Korean police, Moonbin's death is suspected to be a suicide. Yonhap News TV reported that the police are contemplating performing an autopsy to ascertain the exact cause of death.
The police stated, as translated in English by Soompi.com: "It appears that Moonbin took his own life. We are currently discussing the possibility of an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death."
Fantagio, the talent agency representing K-Pop group ASTRO, has issued an official statement in response to the passing of Moonbin.
The statement, which was shared on Fantagio's social media accounts, confirms the news previously reported by Yonhap that Moonbin has passed away
The full statement reads, as translated by Soompi.com: "This is Fantagio.
"First of all, we would like to apologize for the sad, heartbreaking news.
"On April 19, ASTRO member Moonbin suddenly left us to become a star in the sky.
"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 mouring the deceased in great sadness and shock.
"It is even more heartbreaking 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 honor 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."
Prior to his passing, Moonbin was scheduled to take part in the upcoming 2023 Dream Concert. The concert will be held on May 27, 2023, at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium in Busan, South Korea.
Moonbin's most recent visit to the Philippines was on March 25, 2023, when he joined his fellow ASTRO member Sanha for their first fan-meet in the country. The duo's fan-meet took place at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City.
Moonbin & Sanha, the first official sub-unit of the K-Pop boy group ASTRO, was launched in 2020.
The other members of ASTRO include MJ, Jinjin, and Cha Eun Woo.
Some of the group's popular songs include "Blue Flame," "Candy Sugar Pop," "Knock," and "Crazy Sexy Cool," among many others.
Para sa mga nangangailangan ng kausap at tulong dahil sa kanilang mental health issues, tumawag lamang sa National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 1553, Landline (02) 7-989-8727 at cellphone number 0966-351-4518.
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