The South Korean singer and producer of R&B and K-Pop, Wheesung, whose real name was Choi Hwee Sung, was found lifeless in his home in the Gwangjin-Gu neighbor’s neighborhood, in Seoul, on Monday night, the authorities reported. The emergency service went to his apartment after receiving a call from his mother and found him unconscious in cardiac arrest. Police indicated that no raid signs or indications of a crime were found, but they have requested an autopsy to determine the exact cause of the death.
The news adds to a series of recent tragedies in the South Korean entertainment industry. Last month, actress Kim Sae-Ron was found lifeless in her home. In addition, Moonbin (Astro) and Goo Hara took their lives in recent years.
Wheesung began his musical career in 1999 with the A4 band, although he left the group after launching his first album due to musical differences. Subsequently, he signed with the company M BAAT, a YG Entertainment subsidiary, and after an intense vocal training, debuted as a soloist in 2002 with the album Like a Moviewho received praise from artists such as Seo Taiji and Shin Seung Hun.
In 2003, he released his second album, It’s Realwhich incorporated pop and hip hop elements into R&B. After the expiration of his contract with YG Entertainment in 2006, he signed with Orange Shock Agency for almost a million euros. In the following years, he collaborated with artists such as Lee Hyori and participated in musical projects in the United States, including Hollywood Bowl presentations and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles in 2009.
In 2011, Wheesung got ready in mandatory military service, serving 21 months as a soldier. In 2014, he returned with the miniálbum The Best Manmixture of K-Pop and R&B and produced by himself, with the single Night and Day.
Legal problems and controversies
In 2021, his career suffered a hard blow when he was convicted of buying and consuming propofol, a controlled medical use sedative. He was sentenced to a year in prison with suspended sentence, received a fine of 38,000 euros and was ordered to perform community services and receive treatment for addiction.
This scandal generated a wave of criticism in social networks, since in South Korea the public image of artists is essential for their success. However, Wheesung tried to continue his career and had a concert on March 15 in the city of Daegu with KCM.
After knowing the news of his death, multiple figures of the entertainment world expressed their pain. The verbal rapper Jint published: “Every moment we share was an honor. Rest in peace, Wheesung. ” For his part, Paloalto wrote on Instagram: “He is shocking and sad. I am grateful for the music that accompanied me in my best memories. ”
His agency, Tajoy Entertainment, confirmed the news and expressed his deep regret, while the police continue to investigate the circumstances of his death.