Korean singer-songwriter Wheesung, who popularized domestic R&B music but documented the struggle against substance abuse, was found dead in his Seoul home on Monday evening, police said. He was 43 years old.
Fire station officials found a singer whose birth name was Choi Wie Seung in his apartment at around 6:30pm on Monday. Officers at Seoul Gwangjin Police Station said there was no evidence of break-in or foul play, and authorities are investigating possible drug overdose.
The death is the latest in a series of tragedy to strike the country's booming entertainment industry. Several Korean celebrities have passed away, including Kim Saelong, a young actress who was found dead in her home a few weeks ago. Police committed suicide in Kim's death.
Also, Choi, who went on Realslow, began his career in 2002 with the album Like A Movie, quickly gained critical and popular acclaim, and won several Korean Music Awards that same year. `
He released about 12 albums, starred in musicals, and performed iconic roles such as Zorro and Elvis Presley. Choi also helped write music for some of Korea's most successful K-Pop bands, including twice and Super Junior.
His career was set several times after being found guilty in 2021 for purchasing and using propofol, a powerful sedative agent, a South Korean controlled substance. He was sentenced to a one year prison sentence and avoided prison time on the condition that he did not re-encivilize. He was also fined 60.5 million won (about $41,000), ordered to provide community service and receive drug treatment.
Drug accusations have led Choi to be scrutinized by the media, facing harsh public criticism, with some people posting hateful comments online. In Korea, the social status of celebrities usually depends on having a trauma-free reputation and a denunciational personality.
The Korean singer paid tribute to Wheesung on her social media accounts. “His music was a big part of my 20s,” rapper Palo Alto wrote on Instagram along with a photo of Choi's first album cover. “Thank you for being with me.”
Wheesung was scheduled to perform on March 15th with singer KCM from Daegu, a southern city.
Tajoy Entertainment, the company that manages Wheesung, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
If you have a suicide idea, call 988, text 988 to reach the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, or visit speakingofsuide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.
In Korea, call 109 for the Ministry of Health's suicide prevention hotline or visit the Korean language site 129.go.kr/109.
