On March 10, Tajo Entertainment reported the tragic news of the unexpected passing of South Korean singer Wheesung, aged 43. His family discovered him unconscious in his home located in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.
Emergency services responded at 6:29 PM, but unfortunately, significant time had elapsed since Wheesung lost consciousness, leading to his death being pronounced on-site.
The authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, although preliminary findings show no indications of forced entry, homicide, or a suicide note. Tajo Entertainment released a heartfelt statement confirming Wheesung’s death:
“We are deeply heartbroken and devastated to deliver this tragic news. On March 10, our artist Wheesung passed away. He was found in a state of cardiac arrest at his home in Seoul and was pronounced deceased.”
The response from fans and online communities has been profound, with many expressing their grief. Attention has also turned to Wheesung’s final Instagram update posted on March 6, where he shared about completing his diet:
“Diet complete. See you on March 15,”he wrote.
This post likely referred to his scheduled joint concert with singer KCM at the EXCO Auditorium in Daegu, set for March 15.
An Overview of Wheesung’s Musical Journey and Legacy
Wheesung’s career took off in 2002 with the release of his debut album, Like A Movie, which featured the hit track “Can’t I?”that gained immense popularity online. As a notable figure in the South Korean music scene, Wheesung’s influence extended through various successful songs including “With Me,””Incurable Disease,””One Year,”and “The Day We Met Again.”
Beyond his own hits, Wheesung contributed to a range of iconic tracks for other artists. His songwriting and vocal talents have been showcased in collaborations such as Younha’s “Password 486,”Lee Hyori’s “HEY MR. BIG,”T-ara’s “Crazy Because of You,”Orange Caramel’s “Magic Girl,”TWICE’s “Dance The Night Away,”Ivy’s “Sonata of Temptation,”and Ailee’s “Heaven.”
In 2017, Wheesung established his independent label, Real Slow Company, marking a significant milestone in his career. However, this success faced challenges after the devastating loss of his long-time manager. Adding to his struggles, in 2021, Wheesung encountered legal troubles related to the illegal use of propofol, a psychotropic anesthetic.
He was subsequently sentenced to one year in prison with two years of probation after it was revealed he had illegally obtained over 3,900 ml of propofol and had administered the substance multiple times. He also faced complications due to additional drug use, including etomidate, which, while not initially classified as a narcotic, was reclassified in early 2025.
As the investigation continues, the exact details surrounding his untimely death remain unclear.
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