Latest news with #Wheesung
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)
Jordan Times
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Jordan Times
South Korean singer Wheesung found dead at 43
The 43-year-old's body was discovered at his home in Seoul (AFP photo) SEOUL — South Korean singer Wheesung was found dead at his residence, his management said on Tuesday, with police reportedly planning to conduct an autopsy to determine the 43-year-old's exact cause of death. Wheesung, who had a string of hits in South Korea including a popular cover of British star Craig David's "Insomnia", was found unconscious in his apartment at 6:29 pm Monday by emergency responders after his mother called for help, local media reported. Police told local media they had found no signs of foul play but warned that "a significant amount of time" had elapsed since he died, with an autopsy requested. "Artist Wheesung has left us," his management agency Tajoy Entertainment said, adding agency staff and colleagues were "in deep sorrow". He was scheduled to perform alongside singer KCM in the southeastern city of Daegu this coming Saturday. In his final message on social media, Wheesung announced the upcoming concert and wrote: "Weight loss completed. See you on March 15". Since his singing debut in 2002, Wheesung had been popular in the South with numerous hit songs, including chart-topping "With Me", and was well-regarded for his soulful performances. But his music career took a hit in 2021 when he was convicted and handed a suspended jail sentence for use of propofol -- a surgical anaesthetic that is sometimes abused recreationally. An overdose of the drug was cited as the cause of pop star Michael Jackson's death in 2009. South Korean singers and fans mourned Wheesung's sudden death. Rapper Verbal Jint paid tribute on Instagram, saying: "Every moment we spent together was an honour and I'm thankful. You've worked so hard. Rest in peace, Wheesung." Another rapper, Paltoalto, thanked the veteran singer for fond memories, mentioning he went to see his first concert. "It's shocking and sad. I'm thankful for the music that accompanied me through the good memories of my youth," he wrote on Instagram. In a heartfelt comment on the artist's last social media post, a fan said: "At your concert on December 23 last year, you told us to expect a lot from you, singing until you're 60. I never thought that would be the last time I hear your voice... Goodbye, my idol, Wheesung." Last month, another South Korean actor, Kim Sae-ron, was found dead at her home aged 24. A former child star, her career came to a sudden halt following a drunk-driving accident in 2022, after which she struggled to land new roles.
Korea Herald
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Yale professor says Korean idols face harsher scrutiny than other stars, citing Suga's DUI case
Local and international K-pop academics are urging South Korean society to reassess its approach to the mental health of celebrities who often endure intense scrutiny and harsh judgment. They argue that the unrealistic moral and professional standards imposed on public figures make it difficult for them to seek help without facing severe backlash. This call for change follows the recent deaths of actress Kim Sae-ron in February and R&B singer Wheesung on Monday. Both had faced intense public criticism and ostracization, which reportedly contributed to their distress and struggles with depression. This pattern of tragedy echoes past cases, including K-pop idols Moonbin of Astro in April 2023, as well as Goo Hara of Kara and Sulli of f(x) in 2019, all of whom endured relentless industry pressures and public scrutiny before their untimely deaths. Lee Jong-im, a lecturer at Seoul National University of Science & Technology's Graduate School of Public Policy and Information Technology, said that South Korean society often views celebrities' mistakes as irredeemable. 'There is a prevailing belief that public figures must be perfect in every aspect just because they are famous, which is unrealistic. Celebrities start their careers young and are still learning about the world. The expectation that they must always behave professionally is problematic,' Lee said, Tuesday. 'The inability to openly discuss mental health issues further exacerbates the problem.' Kim, once a rising actress, saw her career unravel after a drunk-driving incident in 2022. Although she faced legal consequences, the relentless online harassment overshadowed her attempts at redemption, reportedly taking a significant toll on her mental health. Similarly, Wheesung, a pioneering figure in Korean R&B, struggled with allegations of drug abuse that led to public disgrace. His past use of propofol, for which he received a suspended sentence in 2021, became a lasting stigma that distanced him from the industry and fans. The singer, whose cause of death has yet to be confirmed, had previously spoken about suffering from depression and panic disorder in 2020, exacerbated by personal hardships, including the loss of his father in 2018. Lee also pointed out that the pressure to maintain an idealized image on social media, coupled with constant public scrutiny, reinforces the perfectionism expected of celebrities. 'Media coverage and hate comments on social media work together in ways that can drive celebrities to the breaking point,' Lee added. 'Since addressing this issue relies on users' media literacy, awareness and ethical responsibility, a clear solution has yet to emerge.' Grace Kao, a sociology professor at Yale University, highlighted the high levels of stress, anxiety and depression experienced by South Korean celebrities compared to their counterparts elsewhere. 'Idols are under additional duress as they are supposed to be perfect not just in terms of their appearance, but also in terms of their behavior,' Kao told The Korea Herald, Wednesday. 'When an idol violates these expectations, the Korean public can be especially harsh. For instance, compare how international versus Korean fans responded to Suga's DUI.' 'It would be great to normalize therapy for all idols whose mental health is at-risk. I also think it would be helpful if online comments were kinder,' Kao added.
Korea Herald
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Academics call for societal shift in attitudes toward K-pop singers' mental health
Yale professor says Korean idols face harsher scrutiny than other stars, citing Suga's DUI case Local and international K-pop academics are urging South Korean society to reassess its approach to the mental health of celebrities who often endure intense scrutiny and harsh judgment. They argue that the unrealistic moral and professional standards imposed on public figures make it difficult for them to seek help without facing severe backlash. This call for change follows the recent deaths of actress Kim Sae-ron in February and R&B singer Wheesung on Monday. Both had faced intense public criticism and ostracization, which reportedly contributed to their distress and struggles with depression. Lee Jong-im, a lecturer at Seoul National University of Science & Technology's Graduate School of Public Policy and Information Technology, said that South Korean society often views celebrities' mistakes as irredeemable. 'There is a prevailing belief that public figures must be perfect in every aspect just because they are famous, which is unrealistic. Celebrities start their careers young and are still learning about the world. The expectation that they must always behave professionally is problematic,' Lee said, Tuesday. 'The inability to openly discuss mental health issues further exacerbates the problem.' Kim, once a rising actress, saw her career unravel after a drunk-driving incident in 2022. Although she faced legal consequences, the relentless online harassment overshadowed her attempts at redemption, reportedly taking a significant toll on her mental health. Similarly, Wheesung, a pioneering figure in Korean R&B, struggled with allegations of drug abuse that led to public disgrace. His past use of propofol, for which he received a suspended sentence in 2021, became a lasting stigma that distanced him from the industry and fans. The singer, whose cause of death has yet to be confirmed, had previously spoken about suffering from depression and panic disorder in 2020, exacerbated by personal hardships, including the loss of his father in 2018. Lee also pointed out that the pressure to maintain an idealized image on social media, coupled with constant public scrutiny, reinforces the perfectionism expected of celebrities. 'Media coverage and hate comments on social media work together in ways that can drive celebrities to the breaking point,' Lee added. 'Since addressing this issue relies on users' media literacy, awareness and ethical responsibility, a clear solution has yet to emerge.' Grace Kao, a sociology professor at Yale University, highlighted the high levels of stress, anxiety and depression experienced by South Korean celebrities compared to their counterparts elsewhere. 'Idols are under additional duress as they are supposed to be perfect not just in terms of their appearance, but also in terms of their behavior,' Kao told The Korea Herald, Wednesday. 'When an idol violates these expectations, the Korean public can be especially harsh. For instance, compare how international versus Korean fans responded to Suga's DUI.'
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.
