South Korean singer Wheesung, celebrated for his impactful vocals and role in advancing R&B music in South Korea, 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 stated in their announcement. “The sudden news has deeply saddened the family, fellow artists from TAJOYENT, and all staff who mourn his passing.”
Police authorities indicated no suspicion of foul play but have requested an autopsy to ascertain the precise cause and time of death. Local reports mention that Wheesung’s mother, residing in the same apartment complex, discovered him after he missed a scheduled meeting with his manager.
The artist, whose real name was Choi Whee-sung, had planned to perform with ballad singer KCM this coming weekend in Daegu, South Korea.
Wheesung gained prominence in the early 2000s, beginning his career in 2002 and quickly achieving fame across South Korea for his outstanding vocal skills and soulful performances. He received the Best New Artist award at the 2002 Golden Disc Awards and released approximately a dozen albums during his career.
His well-known tracks included “With Me,” “Heartsore Story,” and a rendition of Craig David’s “Insomnia,” highlighting his resonant voice and ability to merge R&B with K-pop. He was widely acknowledged for aiding the rise of R&B music in South Korea.
Apart from his performances, Wheesung was a respected songwriter and producer, crafting music for various K-pop groups. Later in his career, he also worked as a mentor and vocal coach for other K-pop artists and ventured into acting, participating in musical theater.
Wheesung’s career encountered significant obstacles due to legal issues associated with substance abuse. In 2021, he was convicted for purchasing and using propofol, a potent anesthetic notoriously linked to Michael Jackson’s death. He was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence, a fine, and was mandated to perform community service and undergo drug treatment.
Before his sentencing, in 2020, Wheesung was found unconscious on two occasions in public restrooms, reportedly with syringes and vials of etomidate, another sleep-inducing medication.
According to certain reports, Wheesung had been dealing with chronic depression, panic disorder, and insomnia in the years preceding his death, particularly after the deaths of his father and close friends.
News of Wheesung’s death led to numerous tributes from fellow Korean music industry artists.
Wheesung’s passing follows the death of South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron less than a month ago, who was found dead at her home in Seoul at 24. Her death was reported as a suicide. The Korean entertainment sector has faced several similar incidents in recent years, including the deaths of K-pop artists Goo Hara, Sulli, and SHINee’s Jonghyun.
The pressures and significant public scrutiny experienced by celebrities in South Korea have raised concerns about mental health issues within the entertainment industry. In South Korea, a celebrity’s social status heavily relies on maintaining a spotless reputation, and public controversies can significantly impact their careers.
