South Korea’s music industry has been dealt a heavy blow following the sudden death of R&B icon Wheesung, who was found lifeless in his Seoul apartment on March 10, 2025.
Born Choi Whee-sung, the 43-year-old singer’s passing has left fans and fellow artists reeling.
According to reports, emergency responders arrived at his residence in the Gwangjin District after his mother raised concerns when he failed to attend a scheduled meeting with his manager.
Authorities have ruled out foul play for now, but an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Wheesung’s legacy in South Korean music is one of undeniable influence. He first stepped into the industry as a member of the group A4 in 1999, but it was his solo career that propelled him to stardom.
His 2002 debut album, Like a Movie, introduced audiences to his signature blend of smooth vocals and emotional storytelling, earning him a place among Korea’s finest R&B talents.
Over the years, he continued to captivate listeners with hits like With Me, Insomnia, and Even Thought of Marriage, songs that cemented his reputation as a master of heartfelt ballads.
Beyond his own music, he was also a prolific songwriter and producer, crafting songs for some of K-pop’s most prominent artists, including Ailee, TWICE, Younha, and T-ara.
His ability to weave raw emotion into his compositions made him a respected figure both on and off the stage.
Despite his musical brilliance, Wheesung’s later years were marked by personal struggles. He faced legal battles surrounding his misuse of propofol, a powerful anesthetic, and in 2021, he received a suspended sentence for habitual abuse of the drug.
The controversy cast a shadow over his career, and though he attempted to rebuild, concerns over his mental health persisted.
His passing has now sparked a broader conversation about the pressures of fame and the toll it takes on even the most talented individuals.
The news of his death has triggered an outpouring of grief, with tributes flooding social media from both fans and fellow artists.
Rapper Changmo credited Wheesung’s music with shaping his own artistic journey, while R&B singer Yoon Min-soo reflected on his kindhearted nature, saying he looked forward to the day they could sing together again.
His upcoming concert in Daegu, where he was set to perform alongside KCM, has been canceled, a stark reminder of the void his absence leaves behind.
