K-Pop star Samuel's father Jose Arredondo, 58, 'beaten to death' in Mexico

The father of K-Pop star Samuel has been found "beaten to death" in Mexico, authorities said.

Jose Arredondo, 58, was found dead in the resort town of San Jose del Cabo after a suspected home invasion.

Authorities said his body was found showing “signs of blunt force trauma” and prosecutors were investigating.

The popular businessman, who owned several car dealerships and a real estate agency, was discovered on Tuesday after Baja California Sur state prosecutors received reports of a dead body.

A US State Department official confirmed the death, adding that it was “closely monitoring local authorities' investigation into the cause”.

No suspects have been identified at this time, investigators said.

The Mexican-born car dealer is the father of K-pop star, Samuel, 17, who found fame in South Korea.

The 17-year-old, got his first taste of stardom appearing in his father's car dealership adverts.

Born in the US to a South Korean mother, he went on to form a short-lived hip-hop duo called 1Punch before making it big on Korean reality show Produce 101.

Samuel's first full-length album ‘Eye Candy’ was released in November 2017.

The pop star is yet to speak out about the tragedy, but fans have offered their condolences on social media.

"We love you Samuel stay strong we are always with you and support you," tweeted one supporter.

His father, who moved to the US from Mexico aged 12, was known for his work in the community as well as his business success.

When Mr Arredondo was not “selling cars or running his business” he took time to “visit and feed farm labour workers”, and "encourage children to stay in school and get an education”, it says on the website to his business Family Motors Acura.

The biography states that the salesman was the fourth of 11 children and “was so poor that he did not receive any toys at Christmas”.

“At 6 years old, Jose picked corn, onions, tomatoes and chilies to help his family survive,” it adds.

Tributes have been paid to the 58-year-old, with his community remembering him as a “great friend”.

"So sorry, this happened to such a kind and genius soul," commented one Facebook user.

"I know it is difficult just thinking about it. He sure did a lot of good for our community. God bless his family during this time," wrote another.

"So devastating, so heartbreaking..." added another.