ASTRO Member Moonbin Found Dead in Apparent Suicide
The K-pop world is in mourning after the sudden passing of Moonbin, a member of the popular group ASTRO, who was found dead in his apartment in the Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea, on April 19.[0] At the age of 25, he was.[1] The Seoul Gangnam Police Station reported that Moonbin was found dead by his manager, who immediately called the police.[2] Authorities believe that Moonbin took his own life and are currently discussing the possibility of an autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.[3]
Moonbin, whose real name is Moon Bin, began his career as a child model and actor, starring in the music video for TVXQ’s “Balloons” in 2004 and having a small role in the hit K-drama “Boys Over Flowers” as the younger version of one of the lead characters.[4] He signed with Fantagio’s trainee program at a young age and rose through the ranks, joining ASTRO in 2016.[5] In January, he collaborated with a subgroup known as Moonbin and Sanha and together they released their third EP, “Incense,”[6]
ASTRO, which also includes Jinjin, MJ, Cha Eun-woo, Sanha, and Rocky, debuted in 2016 with their EP “Spring Up” and were named one of Billboard’s top 10 new K-pop groups of the year.[4] Hits include “Candy Sugar Pop,” “Blue Flame,” and “Baby.” In 2020, Fantagio formed Moonbin and Sanha, ASTRO's first sub-unit comprised of the late singer and Yoon San-ha.[7] In January, the third EP of the duo, titled Incense, was released.[8]
Moonbin’s death was confirmed by his group’s label, the Fantagio Group, in a statement on social media, which implored fans and the media to “please refrain from speculative or malicious reports.” The statement also noted that Moon Bin’s family is requesting a quiet funeral with “family, close friends, and agency colleagues in attendance.” To allow everyone to “respectfully mourn the departed and say their goodbyes,” the label asked fans to “please refrain from speculative or malicious reports.”
Moonbin had been scheduled to perform at the upcoming Dream Concert in Busan, South Korea next month as part of the ASTRO spin-off group Moonbin and Sanha.[9] On May 27, 2023, the Busan Asiad Main Stadium will host the Dream Concert, which will also serve as the concluding event of the 2023 World Climate Industry Expo in Busan, scheduled from May 25 to 27.[2]
The K-pop world is reeling from the loss of Moonbin, who was known for his talent and passion for his fans. If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or a crisis text line for support.[1]
0. “K-pop singer Moonbin of Astro passes away: report” ABS-CBN News, 19 Apr. 2023, https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/04/20/23/k-pop-singer-moonbin-of-astro-passes-away-report
1. “Moonbin of K-pop group ASTRO dead at 25: ‘Suddenly left us and became a star in the sky'” USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/04/19/astro-member-moonbin-dead/11697386002
2. “Kpop band ASTRO member Moon Bin found dead in his home at 25, fans in shock” mid-day.com, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/korean-entertainment/article/kpop-band-astro-member-moon-bin-found-dead-in-his-home-at-25-fans-in-shock-23281891
3. “ASTRO'S Moonbin dies at 25” Philippine Entertainment Portal, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.pep.ph/news/foreign/172832/astro-moonbin-dies-at-25-a721-20230420
4. “Moonbin, Member of the K-Pop Group Astro, Dead at 25” msnNOW, 20 Apr. 2023, https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/moonbin-member-of-the-k-pop-group-astro-dead-at-25/ar-AA1a4HMi
5. “Moonbin, member of K-pop band Astro, dies aged 25” Sky News, 19 Apr. 2023, https://news.sky.com/story/moonbin-member-of-k-pop-band-astro-dies-aged-25-12861339
6. “K-Pop Star Moonbin Dies At 25” HuffPost, 20 Apr. 2023, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/moonbin-k-pop-star-dies_n_64407dd0e4b03c1b88c4dbd0
7. “Moonbin dead: Member of K-pop group Astro was 25” Entertainment Weekly News, 19 Apr. 2023, https://ew.com/music/moonbin-dead-astro-member-25/
8. “Moonbin, member of K-pop band ASTRO, reportedly dies aged 25” NME, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/astro-moonbin-dead-3432753
9. “Moon Bin, Member of the K-Pop Group Astro, Dead at 25” Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2023, https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/moon-bin-k-pop-astro-dead-obituary-1234719893/
