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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."
USA Today
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Wheesung, South Korean R&B singer also known as Realslow, dead at 43: Reports
Wheesung, South Korean R&B singer also known as Realslow, dead at 43: Reports South Korean R&B singer Wheesung has been found dead, according to reports. He was 43. The body of the singer, born Choi Whee-sung, was discovered at his home in Seoul on Monday, local police confirmed to The New York Times and South Korea's Yonhap News. Authorities told the outlets there were no signs of foul play. A cause of death has not been determined, but a Seoul Gwangjin Police officer told the Times they were investigating the potential of a drug overdose. USA TODAY has reached out to South Korean police for comment. Wheesung, who also went by the stage name Realslow, released his first solo album, "Like A Movie," in 2002, and his second album, "It's Real," was released the following year. He released nearly a dozen studio albums and EPs during his career and starred in musicals, including stints as Zorro in "Zorro" and as Elvis in "All Shook Up." "Artist Wheesung has left us. He was found in cardiac arrest at his residence and was later pronounced dead," his agency, Tajoy Entertainment, told Yonhap News in a statement, adding staff were "in deep sorrow." His death follows that of the South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron, who was reportedly found dead at her home by a friend and presumed to have died by suicide. She was 24. The friend, who was going to meet the actress, discovered her and called police, Yonhap News Agency and The Korea Times reported. Police found no foul play or note left by Kim, according to the outlets. The South Korean star was known for her roles in movies like "A Brand New Life" and "The Man from Nowhere." She most recently appeared in the Netflix series "Bloodhounds," which debuted in 2023. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental and/or substance use disorders, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's free and confidential treatment referral and information service at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). It's available 24/7 in English and Spanish (TTY: 1-800-487-4889). Contributing: Brendan Morrow
Gulf News
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
South Korean singer Wheesung, 43, found dead at home
Singer Wheesung has tragically passed away on March 10 at the age of 43. On March 10, his agency released an official statement confirming the heartbreaking news. According to the police and fire authorities, Wheesung was found collapsed in an apartment in Seoul at approximately 6:29 pm, KST. Emergency responders were dispatched following a report from his family, but he was ultimately pronounced deceased. The police are currently investigating the exact cause of death. Below is the official statement from Wheesung's agency, according to Soompi. This is Tajoy Entertainment, the agency of singer Wheesung. We are deeply sorry to share such heartbreaking and tragic news. On March 10, our beloved artist Wheesung passed away. He was found in a state of cardiac arrest at his home in Seoul and was subsequently pronounced deceased. The sudden loss has left his family, fellow artists at Tajoy Entertainment, and our entire staff in profound grief. It pains us deeply to deliver this devastating news to the fans who have always supported and loved Wheesung. We ask that you keep him in your thoughts and prayers so that he may rest peacefully. Details regarding funeral arrangements will be announced separately. During this difficult time, we sincerely ask for restraint from unverified rumors or speculative reports out of respect for his bereaved family. Once again, we extend our deepest condolences as we bid a final farewell to Wheesung. We offer our deepest condolences to Wheesung's family and loved ones during this painful time. May he rest in peace. Wheesung, born Choi Whee-sung on February 5, 1982, was a South Korean singer, songwriter, and music producer. He debuted in 2002 with full-length album Like A Movie . He is known for songs such as Insomnia (2009) and Heartsore Story (2011). On November 7, 2011, Wheesung enlisted for mandatory military service and completed 21 months of active duty after finishing a five-week basic training course at a boot camp in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province. On July 11, 2012, he was granted a 9-night, 10-day temporary leave from the military to undergo surgery for a herniated disc, along with treatment for other medical conditions, including bilateral shoulder dislocation, psoriasis, and alopecia. Wheesung was officially discharged from the military on August 9, 2013.
