South Korean singer Wheesung, renowned for his influence on R&B music in his native country, was discovered dead at his Seoul apartment on Monday, March 10, 2025. He was 43 years old.
“On this day, our artist Wheesung has left us. He was found in a state of cardiac arrest at his home in Seoul and was pronounced dead,” the agency said in their announcement. “The sudden news has deeply saddened the family, fellow artists from TAJOYENT, and all staff who mourn his passing.”
Police reported no immediate signs of foul play but have requested an autopsy to determine the precise cause and time of death. Local sources indicate Wheesung’s mother, residing in the same building, found him after he missed a meeting with his manager.
Wheesung, born Choi Whee-sung, was scheduled to perform with ballad singer KCM in Daegu this weekend; however, the concert has been canceled following his passing.
Wheesung gained prominence in the early 2000s, beginning his career in 2002. He quickly became well-known across South Korea for his distinguished vocal talent and soulful performances, winning the Best New Artist award at the 2002 Golden Disc Awards and releasing around a dozen albums over the years.
His popular songs included “With Me,” “Heartsore Story,” and his rendition of Craig David’s “Insomnia,” which highlighted his ability to blend R&B with K-pop. Wheesung was instrumental in popularizing R&B in South Korea.
In addition to performing, Wheesung established a reputation as a skilled songwriter and producer, working with various K-pop artists. Later in his career, he also served as a mentor and vocal coach for other K-pop artists and explored acting in musical theater productions.
His career faced major challenges due to legal difficulties related to substance abuse. In 2021, he was convicted for purchasing and using propofol, a potent anesthetic associated with Michael Jackson’s death. He received a two-year suspended sentence, was fined, and was ordered to undertake community service and drug treatment.
Before his sentencing, in 2020, Wheesung was found unconscious twice in public restrooms, reportedly with syringes and vials of etomidate, another anesthetic.
According to some reports, Wheesung had been dealing with chronic depression, panic disorder, and insomnia, particularly after the deaths of his father and close friends.
The news of Wheesung’s death led to numerous tributes from fellow artists within the Korean music industry.
Wheesung’s death follows the recent passing of South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron, who was found dead in Seoul at the age of 24, reported as a suicide. The Korean entertainment industry has faced similar incidents in recent years, including the deaths of K-pop artists Goo Hara, Sulli, and SHINee’s Jonghyun.
The intense public scrutiny faced by celebrities in South Korea has raised concerns about mental health issues within the entertainment industry. In South Korea, maintaining a spotless public image is crucial for a celebrity’s career, and public controversies can severely impact their professional standing.