Singer Wheesung Found Dead at Home [Agency Issues Official Statement]

Singer Wheesung (Choi Wheesung) has passed away, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry.

On March 10, the 43-year-old artist was found unresponsive at his home in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. His family discovered him unconscious, and emergency responders arrived at approximately 6:29 PM. Fire officials determined that a significant amount of time had passed before their arrival. Police are currently investigating the exact cause of death, though no signs of forced entry or a suicide note have been found.

His agency, Tajoy Entertainment, released an official statement confirming the news:

“We are deeply heartbroken and devastated to deliver such tragic news. On March 10, our artist Wheesung left us. He was found in cardiac arrest at his home in Seoul and was pronounced dead.”

The agency also urged the public to refrain from speculation. “His sudden passing has left his family, fellow artists, and all of us at Tajoy Entertainment in immense grief. We sincerely ask for your respect and request that speculation and unfounded reports be avoided during this difficult time.” Details regarding his funeral arrangements will be provided separately.

Wheesung’s Final Social Media Post

Just four days before his passing, Wheesung posted a selfie on Instagram with the caption:

“Diet over. See you on March 15.”

He had been scheduled to perform alongside KCM in The Story, a joint concert at the EXCO Auditorium in Daegu on March 15.

Last year, Wheesung addressed concerns over his appearance after posting a photo in which his face appeared swollen. Speculation about plastic surgery and health issues followed, but he clarified that he was simply on a diet. He later revealed that he had lost 17kg in a month and aimed to shed another 10kg. His weight loss regimen reportedly included chicken breast, salad without dressing, and almonds.

A Career Marked by Success and Struggles

Debuting in 2002 with his album Like a Movie, Wheesung rose to fame with numerous hits such as Can’t We?, Insomnia, and Even Thought of Marriage. Known for his emotionally powerful ballads, he established himself as a distinctive voice in the Korean music industry.

He was also a prolific songwriter, penning lyrics for artists such as Younha (Password 486), Lee Hyori (Hey Mr. Big), T-ara (I Go Crazy Because of You), Orange Caramel (Magic Girl), TWICE (Dance The Night Away), Ivy (Sonata of Temptation), and Ailee (Heaven). In 2017, he founded his independent label, Real Slow Company.

However, his career was marred by legal troubles. In 2019, Wheesung was indicted for habitual use of the psychoactive anesthetic propofol. In 2021, he was convicted and received a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years. In March and April 2020, he was also found unconscious in Seoul’s Songpa-gu and Gwangjin-gu after allegedly administering etomidate, a general anesthetic commonly used for sedation in medical settings.

While etomidate was not classified as a controlled substance at the time, South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety recently proposed an amendment to the Narcotics Control Act to include etomidate and six other substances in the list of regulated drugs.