South Korean singer Wheesung found dead at 43

South Korean singer Wheesung was found dead at his home in Seoul on Monday. According to local media reports, paramedics responded to a call from Wheesung's mother and found the 43-year-old singer unresponsive. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation by authorities.

Police stated that an autopsy has been requested, but no signs of foul play were discovered. Wheesung, whose real name is Choi Whee-sung, debuted in 2002 and quickly rose to fame with his soulful voice. He was incredibly popular in the 2000s and is considered a popularizer of Korean R&B music. His contribution to the Korean music scene is significant.

Over the years, Wheesung established himself as a mentor and vocal coach to K-pop stars, even writing songs for them. He collaborated with numerous artists and performed at K-pop concerts around the world, including in Hollywood. He was scheduled to hold a concert with ballad singer KCM in Daegu, South Korea, this weekend, leaving fans deeply saddened by the news.

Wheesung's R&B ballads earned him praise from veteran Korean singers such as Shin Seung-hun and Seo Taiji. However, Wheesung was not without controversy. In 2021, he received a two-year suspended sentence for abusing propofol, a powerful anesthetic that also contributed to Michael Jackson's death. On separate occasions in March and April 2020, Wheesung was found unconscious with syringes and vials containing etomidate, a hypnotic drug similar to propofol, near him.

Following the news of Wheesung's death, fellow artists have expressed their condolences. Singer Yoon Min-soo posted a video of him and Wheesung singing a duet on social media, with the caption, "Wheesung, let's sing and make music freely there. I will not forget your pure and clear heart." Yoon Min-soo wrote, "Let's meet again one day and sing together." Rapper Verbal Jint posted a black square on Instagram with the caption, "Every moment we shared was an honor, and I am grateful. You worked hard, rest in peace, Wheesung." The outpouring of grief highlights the impact he had on the Korean music industry.