South Korean Singer Wheesung Passes Away at 43, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Soulful Music
South Korea mourns the loss of one of its most beloved R&B pioneers, Wheesung, who was found dead at his home in Seoul on Monday. He was 43.
Authorities confirmed that the singer was discovered in a state of cardiac arrest, with a “significant amount of time” having passed before his body was found. There were no indications of foul play, they added.
Born Choi Whee-sung, he first captivated audiences in 2002 with his emotive voice and heartfelt ballads. Wheesung quickly became a household name in the Korean music industry, playing a crucial role in popularizing R&B in the country. His music resonated deeply with fans, and his influence extended beyond his own performances—he mentored rising K-pop stars and penned songs for many artists. His collaborations spanned across genres, and his live performances were treasured by fans worldwide, including those who saw him perform in Hollywood.
Wheesung had been preparing for an upcoming concert alongside fellow ballad singer KCM, scheduled for this weekend in Daegu. His sudden passing has left fans and peers in shock, struggling to come to terms with the loss of a musical icon.
Over the years, Wheesung’s talent earned him praise from legendary Korean artists like Shin Seung-hun and Seo Tae-ji. However, his journey was not without hardship. In 2021, he received a two-year suspended sentence for his struggles with substance abuse, particularly propofol—a powerful anesthetic linked to the death of pop legend Michael Jackson. In 2020, he was found unconscious on two separate occasions, with evidence of etomidate, another sleep-inducing drug.
Despite these battles, Wheesung remained deeply respected in the industry for his artistic contributions. The news of his passing has sparked an outpouring of grief from fellow musicians and fans alike.
Singer Yoon Min-soo shared an emotional tribute, writing, “Wheesung, let’s sing and make music freely in that place. I won’t forget your pure and clear heart. Let’s meet again someday and sing together.”
Rapper Verbal Jint honored his memory with a solemn Instagram post, sharing a black square with the heartfelt caption: “Every moment we shared was an honor, and I’m grateful. You’ve worked so hard, rest in peace, Wheesung.”
The void left by Wheesung’s passing is immeasurable, but his music and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who cherished him. Rest in peace, Wheesung—you will never be forgotten.