The 25-year-old singer was found dead at his home in southern Seoul late on Wednesday, a spokesman for the National Police Agency told AFP, adding that there was no evidence of foul play.
South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, citing an unnamed police official, reported that the authorities believe his death was a case of apparent suicide.
Moonbin's label Fantagio Music also released a statement on Thursday confirming his death, but without disclosing the cause.
"On April 19, Astro member Moon Bin unexpectedly left our world and became a star in the sky," it said on Twitter.
It asked that everyone "refrain from speculative and malicious reports" so that his family can pay their respects and honour him in peace.
The label's announcement prompted thousands of comments from grieving fans, many expressing disbelief.
"Rest in peace, Moonbin. I hope the stars and the moon treat you well. I hope they give you all the comfort and love," one wrote on Twitter.
"I can't focus on work now. This really hurts," wrote another.
Moon Bin Moonbin who performed as was also in an Astro sub-group called Moonbin & Sanha.
He joined Fantagio's trainee programme at an early age and was an actor and child model before debuting with Astro in February 2016.
This story is from the April 21, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
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This story is from the April 21, 2023 edition of The Straits Times.
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