Moonbin of K-pop group ASTRO dead at 25: ‘Suddenly left us and became a star in the sky’

K-pop star Moonbin, a member of the group ASTRO, has died.

The singer/actor was reportedly found dead at his home in Seoul, South Korea Wednesday. He was 25.

Moonbin’s sudden death was confirmed by his group’s label, the Fantagio Group, on social media.

“On April 19, ASTRO member Moonbin suddenly left us and became a star in the sky,” the statement said, adding that Moonbin’s group mates and family are “deeply mourning the deceased in such great sadness and shock…The heart of the deceased was always loved and thought of the fans more than anyone else.”

The cause of death has not been determined, pending an autopsy. The artist’s family and Fantagio Group asked in their statement to “refrain from speculative and malicious reports.” Rumors Moonbin died by suicide were rampant online, fueled by a statement from local police that was reported in South Korean media. USA TODAY has not been able to confirm the local authority’s statement as of press time.

ASTRO is acclaimed in the K-pop genre, having been named one of the best new K-pop acts by Billboard in 2016, the same year the group released its debut EP, “Spring Up.”

Their most recent studio album, “Drive to the Starry Road,” was released in 2022. Songs including “Breathless,” “After Midnight” and “One” have charted on Billboard’s World Digital Songs chart.

Moonbin’s acting career included roles in the South Korean TV series, “At Eighteen” and the lead role in the web-drama, “The Mermaid Prince.”

He was also a member of the offshoot duo Moonbin & Sanha with group mate Yoon San-ha. The sub-unit released three EPs since 2000 and most recently hit the Korean charts with “Madness,” from their “Incense” release.

Other members of ASTRO are MJ, JinJin, Cha Eun-woo and San-ha. Earlier this year, member Rocky left the group.

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night, or chat online. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.