Tragic Passing of K-pop Star Wheesung
Choi Whee-sung, renowned in the music industry by his stage name Wheesung, was discovered deceased in his residence in Seoul, South Korea, on Monday night, as reported by local authorities. The sudden news has sent shockwaves through the K-pop community and his fans around the world.
Current reports indicate that the precise cause of his death remains unascertained. According to the Seoul police, there was a significant delay in the discovery of his body, and no indications of foul play were noted at the scene. This has left many questions surrounding the circumstances of his untimely demise.
Tajoy Entertainment, the agency representing Wheesung, released a heartfelt statement confirming the tragic news, stating, “The artist Wheesung has left us. He was found in cardiac arrest at his residence and was later pronounced dead.” The agency expressed profound grief felt by the fellow artists and staff, underscoring the impact of his loss.
Wheesung made his debut in 2002 with the acclaimed R&B album Like a Movie, showcasing his exceptional vocal talent and emotional delivery that captivated audiences. His versatility allowed him to traverse various genres, combining elements of R&B, pop, and hip-hop. However, his promising career faced a severe setback in 2021 when he was convicted for the unauthorized use of the anesthetic propofol, resulting in a one-year suspended prison sentence. Although he continued to perform after the incident, the energy and enthusiasm surrounding his music had noticeably diminished.
As reported by The Korea Times, Wheesung was found unconscious around 6:29 p.m. in his apartment located in Gwangjin-gu, a northern district of Seoul. Emergency responders were dispatched after his mother made an urgent call, expressing concern for her son’s well-being.
Prior to this tragic event, Wheesung had planned to meet with his manager earlier that day, but he failed to appear or respond to calls. Concerned for his safety, his mother, who resides in the same building, checked on him and unfortunately found him unresponsive.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the intense pressures faced by artists in the entertainment industry, raising questions about mental health and well-being among performers.