Moonbin, the singer and member of the popular boy band Astro music group, has died at the age of 25.
The musician was found unconscious on Wednesday evening by the local police in his house in Gangnam, Seoul.
According to BBC, the police said the singer “appeared to have taken his own life” but an autopsy will be conducted.
In a statement on Thursday, Fantiago, Moonbin’s record label, warned against “speculative and malicious reports” that could undermine the cause of the singer’s death.
The music label also described Moonbin’s death as “heartbreaking,” adding that it has left them in “great sadness and shock”.
Written in the Korean language, the record label also said the burial rites of the late singer would be done “as quietly as possible”.
“First of all, I would like to say that I am sorry to deliver the sad and heartbreaking news. On April 19th, Astro member Moonbin suddenly left us and became a star in the sky,” the statement reads.
“Although it cannot be compared to the grief of the bereaved families who lost their beloved sons and brothers, the Astro members who have been with us for a long time, as well as our Fantagio fellow artists and executives, are deeply mourning the deceased in great sadness and shock.
K-pop Star Moonbin Dies At 25 In Suspected Suicide
“It is even more heartbreaking to deliver the sudden news to the fans who have supported Moonbin and sent her generous love. I am more heartbroken because I know the heart of the deceased who always loved and thought of her fans more than anyone else.
“We earnestly ask you to refrain from speculative and malicious reports so that the bereaved family who are deeply saddened by the sudden sad news can reverently commemorate and greet the deceased.
“According to the wishes of the bereaved family, the funeral will be held as quietly as possible with family, friends and company colleagues in attendance.
“Once again, I send my deepest condolences to the deceased on his last journey.”
— fantagio (@fantagiogroup) April 19, 2023