South Korean singer Wheesung found dead at 43 in Seoul Home
Annapurna Rai | Mar 11, 2025, 23:48 IST
( Image credit : Agencies )
South Korean R&B singer Wheesung was found deceased in his Seoul apartment at age 43. Authorities do not suspect foul play, and an autopsy has been requested. Wheesung's death brings attention to the struggles and pressures faced by South Korean entertainers.
South Korean R&B singer Wheesung, born Choi Whee-sung, was discovered deceased in his Seoul apartment on March 10, 2025, at the age of 43. Emergency responders found him unresponsive after his mother reported concerns when he missed a scheduled meeting with his manager. Authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected, but an autopsy has been requested to determine the exact cause and time of death.
Career and achievements
Wheesung began his musical journey in 1999 with the boy band A4 but left after the first album due to creative differences. He launched his solo career in 2002 with the album "Like a Movie," which received acclaim from prominent artists such as Seo Tai-ji and Shin Seung-hun. Over the years, he released multiple albums, including "It's Real" (2003), "For the Moment" (2004), and "Eternal Essence of Music" (2007). His soulful voice and R&B style earned him numerous awards, including the Best New Artist at the 13th Seoul Music Awards in 2002 and the Best R&B Artist at the Mnet KM Music Festival in 2004 and 2005.
Personal struggles
Despite his professional success, Wheesung faced personal challenges, particularly related to substance use. In 2013, he was accused of using propofol between 2011 and 2013 but was later cleared of these allegations. However, in 2020, he was found unconscious on two separate occasions due to the use of Etomidate, a sedative not classified as a narcotic in South Korea. In 2021, he received a suspended prison sentence for propofol use.
Tributes and industry concerns
The news of Wheesung's passing has led to an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow artists alike. Artists such as Verbal Jint and Paloalto have expressed their sorrow and paid tribute to his contributions to the music industry. His death also highlights ongoing concerns about the pressures faced by South Korean entertainers, with several young artists having passed away prematurely in recent years, often bringing attention to mental health issues within the industry.
As investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding Wheesung's death, his legacy as a talented artist who significantly influenced South Korea's R&B scene will be remembered.
Career and achievements
Wheesung began his musical journey in 1999 with the boy band A4 but left after the first album due to creative differences. He launched his solo career in 2002 with the album "Like a Movie," which received acclaim from prominent artists such as Seo Tai-ji and Shin Seung-hun. Over the years, he released multiple albums, including "It's Real" (2003), "For the Moment" (2004), and "Eternal Essence of Music" (2007). His soulful voice and R&B style earned him numerous awards, including the Best New Artist at the 13th Seoul Music Awards in 2002 and the Best R&B Artist at the Mnet KM Music Festival in 2004 and 2005.
Personal struggles
Despite his professional success, Wheesung faced personal challenges, particularly related to substance use. In 2013, he was accused of using propofol between 2011 and 2013 but was later cleared of these allegations. However, in 2020, he was found unconscious on two separate occasions due to the use of Etomidate, a sedative not classified as a narcotic in South Korea. In 2021, he received a suspended prison sentence for propofol use.
Tributes and industry concerns
The news of Wheesung's passing has led to an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow artists alike. Artists such as Verbal Jint and Paloalto have expressed their sorrow and paid tribute to his contributions to the music industry. His death also highlights ongoing concerns about the pressures faced by South Korean entertainers, with several young artists having passed away prematurely in recent years, often bringing attention to mental health issues within the industry.
As investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding Wheesung's death, his legacy as a talented artist who significantly influenced South Korea's R&B scene will be remembered.