The sudden death of renowned R&B singer Wheesung on Monday has left the K-pop community in mourning. Tributes from fellow musicians and fans have flooded social media as they reflect on the profound impact Wheesung’s music had on their lives.
Rapper Changmo expressed his condolences online, thanking Wheesung for the lasting influence his music had on him. “Thank you for your amazing music that had a great impact on my life. May you rest in peace,” Changmo wrote on social media.
Another rapper, Paloalto, shared his sorrow and recalled his admiration for the late singer. He remembered attending Wheesung’s first concert after his debut, saying, “I have so many memories of him from my 20s. I even attended his first concert after releasing my debut album. This is so shocking and heartbreaking. Thank you for being part of my youth with your music.”
Fans of Wheesung have also flooded his social media accounts with heartfelt messages of sorrow and tributes. Many fans expressed disbelief, with comments such as “I can’t believe this,” “Rest in peace,” and “Your music brought me so much comfort and happiness.” Some fans described him as their idol, offering a final goodbye with words like “Goodbye, my idol.”
Wheesung was found deceased at his home in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, around 6:29 p.m. on Monday. His mother discovered him and immediately called emergency services. Authorities are investigating the cause of death, and an autopsy has been requested by the police. Initial reports have stated there were no signs of foul play or forced entry.
Wheesung, who was scheduled to perform in a joint concert titled “The Story” with ballad singer KCM in Daegu on Saturday, had to have the event canceled following the news of his passing.
A Career of Triumphs and Struggles Wheesung debuted in the music industry in 2002 with the song “Can’t We?” and quickly rose to fame with hits like “With Me,” “The Day We Met Again,” “Insomnia,” and “Even Thought of Marriage.” His immense vocal talent earned him numerous accolades, including the Best New Artist Award at the 2002 Golden Disc Awards in Seoul and the Best Male Artist Award at the 2003 Mnet Music Video Festival (now known as MAMA). Wheesung also took home the Artist of the Year Award at the KBS Music Awards in both 2004 and 2005, solidifying his place as one of Korea’s leading R&B vocalists.
In addition to his successful singing career, Wheesung was also a talented producer, collaborating with artists like Younha and girl groups Orange Caramel, T-ara, and Twice.
However, Wheesung’s career was not without challenges. In 2019, he was indicted for the illegal use of propofol, a sedative, and in 2020, he was found unconscious in a public restroom after reportedly using etomidate, another anesthetic. After the 2020 incident, his agency, Real Slow Company, issued a statement revealing that Wheesung had been going through a particularly difficult period, following the sudden loss of his father and close friends. It was also disclosed that he had been struggling with depression and panic disorder, for which he had been receiving psychiatric treatment.
In 2021, Wheesung was sentenced to one year in prison, which was suspended for two years.
Stay tuned to The Asia Review for further updates on this story.
