On March 10, 2025, the prominent South Korean media outlet JoongAng Ilbo reported the tragic discovery of Choi Whee-sung, an acclaimed R&B artist, unresponsive at his residence in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Emergency responders swiftly acted after being alerted by his family, but sadly, they pronounced him dead at the scene.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is currently underway, with authorities examining the timeline leading up to the discovery of his body. Reports indicate a significant delay before he was found, prompting police to consider the likelihood of an overdose or suicide, particularly given the absence of any evidence of foul play. Additionally, they are on the lookout for notes or other materials that might shed light on his state of mind prior to his death.
The Impact of Choi Whee-sung on the Music Scene
Choi Whee-sung, hailed as one of South Korea’s premier R&B artists, burst onto the music scene with his debut album, Like a Movie, in 2002. His sophomore release, It’s Real (2003), catapulted him to fame, featuring iconic tracks like “Can’t I?”, “With Me,”and “Even Thought of Marriage,”all of which solidified his status as a leading figure in Korean R&B.
The Korean music industry has been left reeling from his sudden passing, especially as Choi was scheduled to perform alongside singer KCM in Daegu on March 15. Just days prior, he had expressed his enthusiasm for the event on social media, making the news of his death even more poignant.
Fan Reactions and Tributes
In the wake of his death, fans took to social media to share heartfelt tributes, expressing their admiration for Choi Whee-sung’s contributions to music. One user on X, @KelMelReviews, reflected:
“Wheesung had a voice, man. I had always hoped he’d make a comeback after his troubles…RIP.”
Fans reminisced about his emotional ballads and how his music marked their introduction to K-pop. One user noted:
“Wow Wheesung and BOA are the reason I got into kpop. I bought his albums off of YesAsia. It’s really sad how hard it is for young people in KR.”
“Wheesung was my first introduction to k-pop ever, back in 2009…this one hurts. rip.”
“RIP Legend. His songs are forever in my favorite playlist and in my heart.”
“Absolutely shocking news to wake up to— RIP Wheesung, a KR&B legend.”
Additionally, many paid tribute to Whee-sung’s collaborations with top artists, such as TWICE and Mamamoo. His song “Insomnia”was frequently mentioned:
“Rest in Peace, Legend! Thank you Wheesung for helping to create MAMAMOO, one of the most iconic K-pop girl groups of all time! We never forget what you did for our girls!”
“Rest in Peace Wheesung. I love his OSTs and ‘Insomnia.’ He also wrote Twice’s ‘Dance The Night Away’ lyrics.”
“I can’t believe Wheesung is gone. This is so sad. I remember watching his version of ‘Insomnia’ back in grade school. Dude was such an amazing vocalist, capturing that Western R&B essence in Korean music.”
Exploring Choi Whee-sung’s Legacy and Challenges
Beyond his musical talents, Whee-sung was a skilled songwriter who wrote hits for various K-pop superstars, including TWICE’s “Dance The Night Away,”Ailee’s “Heaven,”and T-ara’s “Crazy Because of You.”His influence on the Korean pop and R&B landscape spanned more than two decades, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
However, his career was not without significant personal challenges. In 2021, he received a suspended one-year prison sentence for habitual propofol abuse, having purchased and used the drug multiple times in 2019. The situation escalated in 2020 when he was found unconscious on several occasions following the alleged injection of etomidate, a sedative not classified as a narcotic at that time.
Despite these setbacks, Whee-sung established his independent label, Real Slow Company, through which he continued to produce music and express his artistry.
The loss of Choi Whee-sung is felt deeply by fans and the music community. While his struggles have been documented, the emotional impact of his music and his significant contributions will always be cherished and remembered.