Father Of K-Pop Star Found Dead In Mexico, Was Possibly Beaten To Death

Jose Arredondo, a car dealer and father of teen K-pop star Samuel, was found dead in his home in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico this week.

Prosecutors in the state of Baja California Sur confirmed to the Associated Press that their office received a call on Tuesday regarding the discovery of a dead body in a condominium that “showed signs of blunt force trauma.” They are currently investigating the 58-year-old’s death.

While Arredondo’s cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed, his pastor stated that he died from multiple stab wounds, The Bakersfield Californian.com reports. No suspects have been identified or arrested at this time and authorities have neither confirmed nor denied reports that Arredondo was killed during a home invasion, according to another report.

An unnamed official with the U.S. State Department confirmed only that Arredondo’s death is under investigation, telling the outlet, “We are closely monitoring local authorities’ investigation into the cause of death. We stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance.”

Arredondo is the father of 17-year-old K-pop singer Samuel Kim Arredondo, known by his stage name of Samuel. He got his start performing in his father’s car commercials before breaking into the world of Korean pop music as one-half of the duo 1Punch. He went on to strike out on his own and released his first solo album in 2017, and currently lives in South Korea, according to People.

Arredondo immigrated from Mexico to the United States when he was 11 years old, according to The Californian. Despite not knowing any English when he first arrived, Arredondo would go on to enjoy a successful career in the automotive industry, having gotten his start washing cars before progressing onto sales.

Before his death, he owned a number of car dealerships throughout California, KGET News reports.