Known for his soulful voice, struggles, R&B pioneer Wheesung dies at 43

Music industry mourns late singer in outpouring of tributes

By Pyo Kyung-min

Wheesung, an R&B singer known for his soulful vocals and influence on the genre's popularity in the 2000s, died Monday. He was 43.

Authorities said Wheesung, whose real name was Choi Whee-sung and also performed under the stage name Realslow, was found unresponsive Monday evening at an apartment in Gwangjin District, Seoul. Emergency responders were reportedly dispatched after his mother discovered the scene.

His agency, Tajoy Entertainment, confirmed his death in a statement released late Monday.

"Wheesung has left us. He was found in cardiac arrest at his home in Seoul and was pronounced deceased," the agency said, expressing condolences and confirming the circumstances surrounding his passing.

The agency issued another statement Tuesday that the funeral arrangements would be made once the family is ready. The service will be private, attended only by family and acquaintances, according to the family's wishes.

Police said they would request an autopsy from the National Forensic Service to determine the cause of death. Authorities added that there were no signs of forced entry or foul play at the scene.

Wheesung made his debut in 1999 as a member of the four-member group A4. He launched his solo career in 2002 with his first full-length album, "Like a Movie," emerging as a defining voice in the R&B and ballad music scene.

His emotive vocals and powerful techniques, a rarity among male singers in Korea at the time, quickly set him apart. The title track from his debut album, "Can't You," catapulted him to instant stardom, earning him top rankings on local music charts and television music programs.

Wheesung went on to release numerous hits, including "With Me" (2003), "Insomnia" (2009) and "Even Thought of Marriage" (2010), cementing his reputation as one of Korea's most influential R&B artists.

He was a prolific songwriter. Beyond his own music, he wrote lyrics for several hit K-pop songs, including singer 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 was also an accomplished producer. Singer Ailee made her 2012 debut with the digital single "Heaven," produced by Wheesung himself, and has since continued a successful career.

Wheesung's career was also marked by legal troubles and personal struggles.

In 2013, while serving in the military, he was investigated for allegedly using propofol, a prescription anesthetic classified as a controlled substance in Korea. He was later cleared of the charges.

However in 2019, he was indicted for habitual propofol use over a three-month period. In a 2021 appeal, he received a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a fine of 60.5 million won ($41,500). In 2020, he was found collapsed after reportedly injecting etomidate, another anesthetic, on two separate occasions.

Wheesung had previously spoken about his struggles with depression, panic disorder and insomnia. He was diagnosed with chronic depression in 2005 and his battles with mental health issues and substance use have since drawn public concern.

The singer's passing has sent shockwaves through Korea's entertainment industry, as he remained active in music until his death. He had been scheduled to perform in a joint ballad concert with fellow singer KCM at EXCO Auditorium in Daegu on Saturday. The event has been canceled following his death.

Tributes from fellow artists have poured in.

Rapper Changmo took to his Instagram story to pay his condolences, writing, "Thank you for your incredible music, which had a huge impact on my life. Rest in peace.”

Another rapper, Hangzoo, left a comment on Wheesung's Instagram page, "My heart aches so much. Rest peacefully in heaven.”

Singer Harisu also paid tribute on social media, writing, "My deepest condolences," while rapper San E also posted, "Rest in peace, hyeong (Korean term for older brother)…”

Fellow R&B artist Yoon Min-soo also paid tribute on social media, writing, "Wheesung, sing and create music freely up there. I'll never forget your kind and pure heart. Let's meet again one day and sing together once more."