K-pop star Moonbin dies at the age of 25 in suspected suicide
K-pop star Moonbin (real name: Moon Bin) has been found dead at the age of 25, his record label has announced.
According to South Korean media, he was found unresponsive by his manager at his apartment in Seoul on Wednesday night. "He appears to have taken his own life but an autopsy is being reviewed to determine the exact cause of death," police have been quoted as saying.
Sharing a statement about his tragic death, record label Fantiago said: "[He] unexpectedly left our world and became a star in the sky."
Moonbin entered the spotlight as a child actor and model in the 2000s, making his acting debut in 2009 when he was just 11 years old. At 18, Moonbin joined the popular K-pop boy band Astro, although he went on hiatus in 2019 to 2020 citing his health.
Speaking about the pressure that K-pop stars are under, Rob Schwartz (an Asia correspondent for Billboard Magazine) told the BBC: "It's crazy how they have these guys under a microscope."
"K-pop artists don't really have a life outside being a pop star. They start training at a very young age. They don't go to school or make regular friends," he added. "It's really hard for them to see life outside the K-pop world."
According to Korean broadcaster SBS, Moonbin told fans at a recent concert that he'd been struggling, later going live on social media to open up. "I want to confess one thing, I'm actually feeling really bad. There might have been a lot of signs from which people could notice since the concert started, so I'm also very sorry to you guys," he said.
"I'm working out and trying to pick up things that I've left little by little. I chose this job so I need to be happy so that I can make fans happy as well."
Moonbin last performed publicly on 8 April in Thailand, alongside Astro bandmate Sanha – the pair were half-way through a world tour at the time of his death. The rest of Moonbin's bandmates are confirmed to be travelling to Seoul to gather for his wake.
Since news of Moonbin's death was announced, Astro fans – known as "Arohas" – have flocked to social media to mourn, with many taking to the streets to lay flowers at impromptu memorials.
Our thoughts are with Moonbin's loved ones at this emotional time.
Samaritans are here to listen, day or night, whenever anyone needs, providing a safe and confidential space to talk openly and honestly. Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to face it alone. Call Samaritans free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.
You Might Also Like
