Wheesung, South Korean Singer Who Brought R&B to K-Pop, Dies at 43: Reports

Mar. 15, 2025

Wheesung in May 2014.Photo:Han Myung-Gu/WireImage

Han Myung-Gu/WireImage

Wheesung, a South Korean singer who blended R&B with K-pop, has reportedly died at the age of 43.

The musician — whose real name was Choi Whee-sung — was found in cardiac arrest at his home in Seoul on Monday, March 11, according toThe New York Times.The Korea Heraldwas the first to report the news.

No cause of death has been revealed at this time.

However, police toldThe New York Timesthat while there’s no suspicion of a break-in or foul play, his death remains under investigation as a possible drug overdose.

In the past, Wheesung battled drug abuse and faced criticism after he was convicted for purchasing and using propofol — a controlled substance in South Korea and one that causedMichael Jackson’s death— in 2021.

Tajoy Entertainment, who managed Wheesung, shared a statement with The Guardian on Tuesday, March 11, saying “artist Wheesung has left us. They added that their team was “in deep sorrow."

Tajoy Entertainment has not yet responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Wheesung, who was also known as Realslow, launched his career in 1999 as a member of the K-pop group A4. By 2002, he released his debut solo albumLike a Movie, which saw him fuse R&B and K-pop. The album’s title track, “Can’t You,” found chart success, and his cover of Craig David’s 2008 song “Insomnia” gained popularity. His 2003 follow-up to his debut LP,It’s Real, topped the Korean charts.

Wheesung also wrote and produced K-pop songs for other artists including, Younha’s “Password 486” (2007), G.NA’s “I’ll Get Lost, You Go Your Way” (2010), T-ara’s “You Drive Me Crazy” (2010) and Twice’s “Dance the Night Away” (2018).

Additionally, he produced Ailee’s debut single, “Heaven," in 2012.

According toThe Korea Times, Wheesung was investigated for allegedly using propofol in 2013 but was later cleared of the charges.

Six years later, he was indicted for using propofol habitually over a three-month period. He appealed it in 2021 and was sentenced to a one-year prison sentence, a two-year suspension and a fine of 60.5 million won ($41,500). However, he was able to avoid jail time as long as he didn’t commit the offense again, perThe New York Times.

Wheesung.YONHAP/AFP via Getty

YONHAP/AFP via Getty

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Wheesung had been scheduled to perform with KCM at Daegu’s EXCO Auditorium on Saturday, March 15.

The event is now canceled.

source: people.com