K-Pop star Wheesung has been found dead in his home at the age of 43, with tributes pouring in from fans and fellow celebrities.
The South Korean singer’s body was reportedly found a ‘significant amount of time’ after his death, according to officials.
Police in Seoul, who are investigating his death, say the singer was found in a state of cardiac arrest and that they do not suspect foul play.
His death comes less than a month after South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron, 24, was tragically found dead at her home in Seoul after taking her own life.
Wheesung, whose real name is Choi Whee-sung, launched his career in 2002 and shot to fame in his home country.
He made a name for himself thanks to his abilities as a ballad singer, and was widely credited with popularising R&B in South Korea.
His unique voice and style saw him win praise from veteran Korean singers like Shin Seung-hun and Seo Tae-ji and perform around the world, including in Hollywood.
The singer went on to establish himself as a mentor and vocal coach to other K-Pop stars, working with leading artists for the last decade.
He had been due to perform alongside ballad singer KCM this weekend in the city of Daegu, but the show has now been cancelled following the news.
The South Korean star, whose real name is Choi Whee-sung, launched his career in 2002
The singer established himself as a mentor and vocal coach to other K-Pop stars, working with leading artists for the last decade
The singer found himself at the centre of controversy in 2021 when he was handed a two-year suspended sentence for abusing propofol, a powerful anesthetic which famously caused the death of Michael Jackson.
Wheesung was found dead in his home on Monday. Police said that they plan to request an autopsy on his body to determine the time of his death.
They said there were no signs of foul play at the scene and are checking to see if he had left a note, The Straits Times reports.
The singer’s mother, who lives in the same apartment building, had checked on him after he failed to attend a meeting with his manager earlier in the day, Yonhap News Agency reported.
Wheesung’s agency, TAJOYENT, said they had a ‘heartbreaking and tragic message’ to share as they announced his passing.
‘On this day, our artist Wheesung has left us. He was found in a state of cardiac arrest at his home in Seoul and was pronounced dead.
‘The sudden news has deeply saddened the family, fellow artists from TAJOYENT, and all staff who mourn his passing.’
Fellow artists paid tribute to him after the news broke.
Sharing a video of him and Wheesung performing a duet pm social media, singer Yoon Min-soo said: ‘Wheesung, let’s sing and make music freely in that place. I won’t forget your pure and clear heart.’
‘Let’s meet again someday and sing together,’ Yoon wrote.
South Korean singer Wheesung at his military service discharge ceremony in August 2013
The singer’s unique voice and style saw him win praise from veteran Korean artists and perform around the world, including in Hollywood
Rapper Verbal Jint posted a black square on Instagram, alongside the caption: ‘Every moment we shared was an honor, and I’m grateful. You’ve worked so hard, rest in peace, Wheesung.’
The singer’s death is just the latest tragedy to rock the K-Pop world.
K-drama star Kim Sae-ron, one of the country’s most promising young actors who starred in Netflix show Bloodhounds, tragically died by suicide last month.
The 24-year-old published a haunting Instagram message about a tragic K-pop star before her death, commemorating the birthday of late K-pop star Moonbin.
Moonbin was found dead in his apartment in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, in 2023, with police saying his death was a suspected suicide.
The 25-year-old singer, actor, dancer and model, was best known as a member of boy band Astro and its sub-unit Moonbin and Sanha.
- For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
