Wheesung | Source: Getty Images
South Korean R&B singer Wheesung, born Choi Whee-sung, has died at the age of 43. Emergency responders discovered the star unconscious in his apartment on Monday night, March 10, 2025, following a distress call from his mother, according to local reports.
Authorities have confirmed that an autopsy has been requested to determine Wheesung’s cause of death, as significant time had reportedly passed since he died. Law enforcement has also stated that no signs of foul play were found.
The singer’s management agency, Tajoy Entertainment, issued a statement on Tuesday, expressing profound grief over the loss. “Artist Wheesung has left us,” the agency announced, adding that the company’s colleagues and staff members are mourning him deeply.
His death comes just days before he was set to take the stage for a scheduled performance alongside fellow singer KCM in Daegu, a city in southeastern South Korea.
The upcoming event, which was expected to bring together fans eager to see the R&B icon perform, now stands as a heartbreaking reminder of his untimely passing.
Wheesung performing on stage, posted on October 10, 2024. | Source: Instagram/whee_sungz
In the days leading up to his passing, Wheesung took to Instagram to share what would become his final post, unknowingly leaving his followers with a poignant reminder of his upcoming plans.
The post featured two photos—one of a promotional poster for his upcoming concert and another of a candid selfie. As reports stipulated, Wheesung’s promotional poster confirmed the ballad concert, called “The Story,” he had scheduled with KCM for March 15. This was set to be part of the VOICE a LIVE: White Day Night Story event.
KCM and Wheesung in the promotional poster for their concert, posted on March 6, 2025. | Source: Instagram/whee_sungz
Wheesung’s cover image of the post was a close-up selfie where he appeared relaxed, dressed in a casual white hoodie and black cap.
His eyes, partially obscured by his bangs, gazed into the camera with a subtle expression. Overlaid in Korean text was a short yet now-haunting message that loosely translates to, “Diet’s over, see you on March 15.”
Though widely celebrated for his musical career, the singer had endured difficult times, including a highly publicized health scare in 2020 that deeply concerned his fans.
At the time, the then-38-year-old was found unconscious on two separate occasions within days of each other after allegedly injecting the anesthetic drug etomidate, often referred to as the “second Propofol.”
The first incident took place on March 31 when he was discovered unresponsive in a bathroom in Seoul’s Songpa District. Just two days later, on April 2, he was found in a similar condition in the first-floor lobby bathroom of a hotel.
Following these alarming incidents, Wheesung’s agency, Realslow Company, addressed the situation in a public statement. The company began by acknowledging and apologizing for the concern these incidents had caused among the public.
The statement then divulged that the singer had been struggling due to multiple personal losses, including the then-recent death of his father and the passing of several close colleagues.
“On the day he was discovered passed out in a public bathroom, Wheesung left his home, cut off contact with his family, and was found in the bathroom,” penned the company. A subsequent police investigation confirmed that he tested negative for illegal substances.
However, upon returning home, he exhibited extreme distress and symptoms of both depression and panic disorder. As a result, Wheesung was admitted to a hospital. “He’s currently receiving psychiatric therapy, and he is also earnestly taking part in the police investigation,” added Realslow Company.
They continued, “He will continue to actively take part in the investigation, and it’s planned that after the investigation ends, he’ll also continue to receive treatment with his family.”
According to the statement, the singer himself expressed deep remorse over his actions, with the company expressing, “Wheesung is very regretful and sorry that he is showing a poor image of himself. No matter the reason for it.”
Despite the personal struggles he faced, Wheesung’s legacy as an artist remains one of immense talent and influence in the South Korean music industry.
Born on February 5, 1982, he first stepped into the spotlight as a member of the K-pop boy band A4, debuting in 1999. However, his time with the group was brief, and by 2000, he had embarked on a solo career that would solidify his place as one of Korea’s most celebrated R&B artists.
Wheesung performing at the premiere of "The Restless" during the 1th Pusan International Film Festival in Pusan, South Korea in 2006. | Source: Getty Images
His solo journey began with the emotional R&B ballad “Can’t We?” released in 2002. That same year, he introduced his debut album, “Like a Movie,” a project that showcased his signature blend of R&B and soul influences.
Wheesung’s artistry quickly garnered attention, earning him the prestigious Best New Artist award at the 2002 Golden Disc Awards.
Wheesung at the JTBC "Hidden Singer 2" Final in Seoul, South Korea on January 25, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
Building on this success, Wheesung expanded his sound with his sophomore album, “It’s Real,” in 2003, incorporating elements of hip-hop and pop while continuing to dominate the R&B scene.
Over the years, he released several more albums, including “For the Moment” (2004), “Love… Love… ? Love… !” (2005), and “Eternal Essence of Music” (2007). His most recent project was an EP called “In Space,” which was released in 2018.
With a career spanning decades, Wheesung leaves behind a lasting impact on the Korean music industry. His powerful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and genre-blending sound shaped the landscape of K-R&B, and his contributions will continue to be celebrated by fans and fellow artists alike.
At this time, we wish to extend our most sincere condolences to Wheesung’s family, all his loved ones, and friends as they mourn a significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their grief. RIP, dear Wheesung.
