Seo Min-Woo death: 100% lead singer and K-pop star dies aged 33

Singer known as Minwoo was reportedly found unconscious at his home

K Pop fans are mourning 100% singer Minwoo after his death aged 33.

The group's management issued a statement reported by IBTimes which said he had died after being found unconscious at his home. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but local media reports suggested it was a cardiac arrest.

"This is TOP Media," the statement read. "We apologise for delivering this sudden and heartbreaking news.

"Our artist 100% Minwoo left us on 25 March. He was found with no pulse at his home in Ganghan. Emergency services attended but he was pronounced dead at the scene."

"His family, bandmates, TOP Media colleague artists, and staff members are all grief-stricken and in mourning due to this unexpected sad news," they added.

"As the oldest member of his team, Minwoo led the band and truly loved his fans. For everyone who knew him and was aware of his kind-heartedness and faithfulness, the sadness is even greater."

Minwoo's funeral will be a quiet, private affair, "according to his family's wishes," they added. "We express our deepest condolences."

Fans posted messages on Twitter to pay their respects.

"[Minwoo] gave up everything for 100% and perfection. Words are not enough to describe how great of a person he is. How lovely, caring and talented his is," one wrote.

"Rest in peace, Minwoo," another said. "All your efforts, achievements, performances and you yourself will always be remembered. Condolences to his family and friends."

Luke Waltham, a student, activist and prominent K Pop fan, tweeted: "Sending my condolences and love to the fans, friends and family of Seo Minwoo and 100%"

K Pop originated in South Korea and has, over the past 5-10 years, amassed a huge fanbase in its neighbouring Japanese market as well as in India, Latin America, the US and the UK.

The music itself is slick pop accompanied by colourful music videos that involve incredibly precise choreography - stars of the genre are known as "idols" or idol groups.

Last year BTS, one of the biggest K Pop groups, scored the first US hit for a K Pop band in the history of Billboard's Pop Songs radio airplay, with the Steve Aoki remix "MIC Drop" ft. Desiigner.