Syringe Found Near Late Wheesung… Psychiatrist Says, “Addiction Shouldn’t End in Death”

A psychiatrist has shared his deep sorrow over the passing of singer Wheesung.

On March 10, Professor Na Jong-ho stated, "I truly loved Wheesung’s music. I owned his first, second, and third albums and listened to them on repeat countless times because every song was great. Losing artists who lived in the same era is something inevitable as we age, but when someone passes away too soon and under tragic circumstances, it hurts even more. May he rest in peace."

He continued, "Although the exact cause of his death has not been confirmed, drug overdose is an area of research I deeply focus on, which makes this even more painful. I have been advocating for increased funding for addiction rehabilitation facilities for years, but nothing has changed. What will it take for real change to happen?"

Wheesung had been previously convicted for illegally using propofol, a psychoactive anesthetic. In 2021, he was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, along with 40 hours of community service and 40 hours of drug treatment education.

In March and April 2020, he was found unconscious after injecting Etomidate, another anesthetic, in Seoul’s Songpa and Gwangjin districts.

In March 11, Professor Na made an additional statement, saying, "Addiction does not have to end in death. Substance and alcohol addiction are serious conditions, but as an addiction psychiatrist, I see patients recovering their daily lives and finding happiness every day."

He further emphasized, "The real issue is that Korea severely lacks hospitals and rehabilitation centers for addiction treatment. A punitive-only drug policy will not solve the drug crisis, which has already seeped into everyday life. A meaningful change can only come when punishment is accompanied by treatment and rehabilitation."

Wheesung was found deceased at his home in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, at 6:29 PM on March 10. Police have ruled out foul play, but an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

On March 11, Chosun Ilbo reported that authorities discovered a syringe near Wheesung's body while recovering his remains.