Latest news with #ChoiWhee-sung
Korea Herald
16-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Singer Wheesung laid to rest
Singer Wheesung, known for his soulful vocal performances, was laid to rest Sunday as family, friends and fans gathered to pay their final respects. The 43-year-old artist, whose real name is Choi Whee-sung, was found dead at his home in Seoul on Monday, with no signs of foul play, according to police. A funeral was held at Samsung Medical Center in southern Seoul, with some 130 people in attendance, including family members, Ha Dong-kyun and other fellow artists, and fans. Since his singing debut in 2002, Wheesung rose to fame with numerous hit songs, including "With Me" and a remake of Craig David's "Insomnia." Music critic Lee Dae-hwa said the singer "played a key role in popularizing R&B music" in Korea during the 2000s. Authorities are looking into the cause of his death. Initial findings from an autopsy said the cause of death is "unknown." The singer's career suffered a setback in 2021 after he received a two-year suspended sentence for abusing propofol, a powerful sedative. (Yonhap)
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mystery Surrounds K-Pop Star's Death As Authorities Open Investigation
South Korean singer-songwriter Wheesung was reportedly found dead inside his home on Monday, prompting an investigation into whether his death was drug-related. Emergency responders discovered Wheesung, whose real name was Choi Whee-sung, inside his apartment after he suffered cardiac arrest. According to The New York Times, officials from the Seoul Gwangjin Police Station are now looking into the possibility of a drug overdose, given Wheesung's past struggles with substance abuse. Wheesung was due to perform at a joint concert with fellow South Korean singer KCM on Saturday; the event has now been canceled. Just five days before the scheduled performance, on March 10, Wheesung was found in cardiac arrest at his home in Seoul. The sudden loss has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with both fans and fellow artists mourning his passing. In the wake of his death, an outpouring of grief has flooded social media, particularly in the comment sections of his music videos. Fans have left heartfelt tributes, expressing their sorrow and appreciation for his contributions to music. One fan wrote, "I came to listen because I thought of you; may you rest in peace," as another expressed, "Your voice has always been in the memories of our love and separation." Someone else said, "You have left, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who embarks on a journey of memories with your songs," and a fourth fan commented, "I sincerely hoped for your return to activity." His career took a downward turn in September 2019, when Wheesung was implicated in purchasing propofol on 12 occasions over a three-month period, shocking the public when he was formally indicted the following year. In March 2021, he was sentenced to one year in prison and two years of probation in his first trial. When he appealed the ruling in October of the same year, the court upheld the original sentence, which included a one-year prison term, two years of probation, a forfeiture of 60.5 million won, 40 hours of community service, and 40 hours of mandatory drug treatment education. Following a period of self-reflection, Wheesung returned to music in 2022, contributing to the OST for the drama Sponsor, produced by Dramax and MBN. This marked the beginning of his comeback in the industry. He resumed performances with a Christmas concert and continued engaging with fans through concerts and fan meetings, culminating in the 2023 Wheesung Family Gathering event in June 2023. In December 2023, Wheesung opened up about his struggles. According to Chosun Biz, he shared, "It's been a while. I've been hiding at home due to severe mental distress." Several months later, in May, he revealed plans for his next project, announcing that he was working on his first album, "REASLOW." "I'm making all tracks rated 19+. Currently, it's about 40% complete, and the release is targeted for this winter," he wrote, sparking interest in his return to the music scene. Wheesung's death comes amid ongoing concerns about mental health and pressures in South Korea's entertainment industry. Recent deaths of young K-pop idols and K-drama stars have sparked discussions about the intense scrutiny and high expectations placed on public figures. His passing follows a string of tragedies in the industry, including the deaths of South Korean actor Kim Sae-ron, who was found dead at her home last month at age 24, and K-drama actor Song Jae-lim, who died last November at age 39. ASTRO boy band member Moon Bin was 25 when he passed away last year, while K-pop singer and actress Sulli also died at 25 in 2019. Two years earlier, SHINee's Kim Jong-hyun was found dead at age 27. KCM posted a photo of a white flower on his Instagram once the news broke, one of several tributes to Wheesung that flooded social media. Singer Yoon Min-soo said that he and Wheesung will 'meet again and sing together again,' while musician and rapper Verbal Jint said the moments he spent with the 'One Year' singer 'were an honor." Wheesung rose to fame in 2002 with the release of his debut album "Like a Movie," which earned critical acclaim and multiple awards. Over the years, he became a major figure in the K-Pop industry, releasing more than a dozen albums and writing songs for some of South Korea's biggest acts, including Twice and Super Junior. His talents also extended to musical theater, where he took on roles such as Zorro and Elvis Presley.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
South Korean Singer Wheesung Found Dead at 43
Originally appeared on E! Online K-pop fans are mourning a tragic loss. Wheesung—a singer and songwriter whose real name was Choi Whee-sung—was found dead in his home in Seoul, South Korea, March 10, per his agency Tajoy Entertainment. He was 43. 'The artist Wheesung has left us,' the agency shared in a statement, per The Hollywood Reporter. 'He was found in cardiac arrest at his residence and was later pronounced dead.' The statement added that the company's artists and staff are 'in deep sorrow.' According to The New York Times, fire department officials confirmed the musician was found in a state of cardiac arrest. Additionally, the outlet reports there was no evidence of foul play or a break-in, and authorities are investigating the possibility of a drug overdose, per an officer at Seoul Gwangjin Police Station. Wheesung entered the music scene in 2002 with his album Like a Movie, which won several awards in South Korea at the time of its release. In the years since, Wheesung released a dozen albums, helped write music for K-pop bands such as Twice and Super Junior, and performed in musical theater with roles like Zorro and Elvis Presley. More from E! Online Gigi Hadid Breaks Silence on Bradley Cooper Relationship Father of Mae Whitman's Baby Revealed 6 Months After Welcoming Son Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Step Out Together for First Time Since Super Bowl In 2021, the artist was found guilty, per The New York Times, of purchasing and using propofol, a sedative that is a controlled substance in South Korea. Following the verdict, Wheesung received a suspended sentence of one year in prison, which he didn't serve under condition that he didn't reoffend. Additionally, he was required to pay a fine equivalent to $41,000, perform community service and undergo drug treatment. According to Variety, Wheesung previously shared his diagnoses with chronic depression, panic disorder and insomnia. The 43-year-old had remained active in the music industry and was scheduled to perform on March 15 in a concert that has since been cancelled. Following Wheesung's passing, a number of artists shared their sadness over the news, including Yoon Min Soo. "Wheesung, let's sing and make music freely in that place,' the South Korean singer wrote on Instagram, per The BBC. 'I won't forget your pure and clear heart. Let's meet again someday and sing together.' Similarly, per the outlet, rapper Verbal Jint wrote on social media, "Every moment we shared was an honor, and I'm grateful. You've worked so hard, rest in peace, Wheesung." For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
The National
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Revisiting Wheesung's 2018 performance in Abu Dhabi
South Korean R&B singer Wheesung, real name Choi Whee-sung, was found dead on Monday at his home in Seoul. He was 43. Authorities confirmed the cause of death as cardiac arrest, noting that a 'significant amount of time' had passed before his body was discovered. 'Artist Wheesung has left us,' his management agency Tajoy Entertainment confirmed on Tuesday, describing their staff and colleagues as 'in deep sorrow'. Wheesung rose to fame in the 2000s and is widely credited with bringing R&B to South Korea. Wheesung began his career as a back-up dancer before joining the boy band A4. However, after the group released their debut album in 2000, he left due to musical differences. 'The result was not very great as I was not fully prepared when I started performing in a boy band,' he told The National in 2018, ahead of his performance in Abu Dhabi. After leaving A4, he struggled with a pivotal career decision. "During that time, I was lost. I made the biggest decision in my life. It was the decision whether to continue the path in music or not, and I chose to continue without expecting any kind of results." Determined to succeed, Wheesung spent two years honing his vocals before debuting as a solo artist in 2002 with Like A Movie. The album was well-received and praised by major K-pop figures, including Seo Taiji of Seo Taiji and the Boys. 'I just poured everything that I could do into that album, and I still work today as I did for my debut album," he reflected. "I could only assume that the timing was right, and my voice and expression worked well with the music industry at that time.' Wheesung became a beloved figure in South Korea's R&B scene, known for his soulful performances and chart-toppers such as With Me and his popular cover of Craig David's Insomnia. In 2018, he made his Middle East debut with a small performance at the National Theatre in Abu Dhabi as part of the Korea Festival. Dressed in all white, he played some of his biggest hits in front of devoted fans. As K-pop's global influence continued to grow, Wheesung also shared his thoughts with The National on the future of the musical genre and advice for new artists. "I would be worried that it will be very difficult to survive in the industry if they don't have an answer to 'How can I be differentiated from others?'" he said. 'K-pop idol groups these days hear a lot of comments saying that it's hard to find out who's who, and I also feel a little sad that so many groups with similar concepts are being introduced." Until his death, Wheesung had released six studio albums, six EPs and nine singles – most in the R&B genre. "Many of my fans love my ballad songs, but I prefer R&B songs that are more rhythmical or moody with slow tempo," he had previously told The National. "I've been trying different genres as I had an aspiration to produce music not only for myself but also for other artists." Rapper Verbal Jint was among those paying respects to the late singer. He uploaded a black box to his Instagram. 'Every moment we shared was an honour, and I'm grateful. You've worked so hard, rest in peace, Wheesung,' he wrote. Singer Yoon Min-soo also paid tribute by sharing a video of the two singing together. He captioned the post: 'Wheesung, let's sing and make music freely in that place. I won't forget your pure and clear heart.' Rapper Paloalto also commented on his passing: 'It's shocking and sad. I'm thankful for the music that accompanied me through the good memories of my youth." 2AM's Lee Chang-min wrote: "He was an artist I really wanted to resemble. I will remember him. Rest in peace."
See - Sada Elbalad
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
K-Pop Star Wheesung Dead at 43
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 on Monday at his apartment in Seoul's Gwangjin District. He was 43. His agency, Tajoy Entertainment, confirmed the tragic news 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. The veteran singer's 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 showed considerable prowess as a songwriter and producer, penning hits for numerous K-pop acts. His writing credits include Younha's 'Password 486' (2007), '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.
