Korean R&B vocalist Wheesung, who rose to prominence in the early 2000s and helped shape Korea‘s contemporary music landscape with his soulful ballads and exceptional vocal prowess, was found dead Monday at his apartment in Seoul’s Gwangjin District. He was 43.
His agency, Tajoy Entertainment, confirmed his death in a statement, saying “Wheesung has left us. He was found in cardiac arrest at his home in Seoul and was pronounced deceased.” Police have requested an autopsy from the National Forensic Service to determine the cause of death, noting there were no signs of forced entry or foul play.
Born Choi Whee-sung, the artist also performed under the name Realslow. Before launching an influential solo career, Wheesung made his industry debut in 1999 as a member of the four-piece group A4. His 2002 solo debut album “Like a Movie” marked the arrival of a distinctive voice in Korean music, with his title track “Can’t You” propelling him to immediate chart success. His hits also included a cover of Craig David’s “Insomnia.”
Wheesung demonstrated considerable prowess as a songwriter and producer, penning hits for numerous K-pop acts. His writing credits include Younha’s “Password 486” (2007), G.NA’s “I’ll Get Lost, You Go Your Way” (2010), T-ara’s “You Drive Me Crazy” (2010), Orange Caramel’s “Magic Girl” (2012), and Twice’s “Dance the Night Away” (2018). He also launched singer Ailee’s career in 2012 by producing her debut single “Heaven.”
Wheesung’s career included struggles with legal issues and mental health challenges. In 2019, he was indicted for habitual use of propofol, a controlled anesthetic in Korea, eventually receiving a suspended prison sentence and substantial fine in 2021. In 2020, he was found collapsed after reportedly injecting etomidate, another anesthetic, on two separate occasions.
The artist had previously disclosed his diagnosis of chronic depression from 2005, along with panic disorder and insomnia.
Wheesung remained active in music until his death and had been scheduled to perform at a ballad concert with singer KCM at Daegu’s EXCO Auditorium on Saturday. The event has been canceled.
Wheesung’s death marks another tragedy in the Korean entertainment industry, which has experienced a string of losses in recent years. Last month, former child actor Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home at 24. Her career had stalled following a 2022 drunk-driving incident that made it difficult for her to secure new roles.
In 2023, actor Song Jae-lim died at 39, while K-pop star Moonbin, a member of boyband Astro, was found dead in his apartment at 25. The industry has weathered several similar losses among young talents, including K-pop artists Goo Hara and Sulli in 2019, Minwoo of boyband 100% in 2018, and SHINee’s lead vocalist Jonghyun in 2017.