K-pop Star Wheesung Found Dead in Seoul at Age 43

SEOUL, South Korea — Choi Whee-sung, the renowned Korean R&B singer known professionally as Wheesung, was found dead in his apartment on Monday at the age of 43.

According to a report by the JoongAng Ilbo, Choi was discovered in a state of cardiac arrest around 6:29 p.m. in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul. Emergency services were summoned after his family reported the incident.

As of late Monday evening, the cause of death had not been confirmed. Police indicated there were possibilities of both suicide and overdose, although they found no signs of forced entry or foul play.

“We are probing the circumstances surrounding his death and are considering whether he left a note,” a police spokesperson stated.

Choi, who debuted in 2002 with the album “Like A Movie,” gained widespread acclaim for hits such as “Insomnia” (2009) and “Heartsore Story” (2011). His recent social media activity showed he was preparing for a joint concert with fellow ballad singer KCM, set for March 15 in Daegu, stating in a post on March 6, “Diet over. See you on March 15.”

In 2021, Choi received a two-year suspended sentence for illegally using propofol, a powerful anesthetic. He was found guilty of procuring 6.5 million won (approximately $4,468) worth of the drug through 12 prescriptions between September and November 2019. Additionally, in early 2020, he was discovered unconscious twice after reportedly overusing etomidate, another sedative.

Choi Whee-sung’s passing marks a tragic moment in the K-pop industry, where he was celebrated for his musical contributions over a career spanning nearly two decades.