[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]The South Korean music industry stands in mourning today as news spreads of beloved R&B vocalist Wheesung‘s untimely death at just 43 years old. The iconic singer, whose soulful voice helped shape the landscape of Korean R&B for over two decades, was found unresponsive in a Seoul apartment on Monday evening, leaving fans worldwide grappling with the sudden loss of a generational talent. Initial reports have indicated what could be Wheesung’s cause of death.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Reports Explore Wheesung’s Cause of Death
On March 10, as dusk settled over Seoul, emergency responders rushed to an apartment building following a distress call at approximately 6:29 p.m. KST. Inside, they discovered Wheesung collapsed and unresponsive. Initial K-media reports indicate the possibility of an overdose or self-harm as Wheesung’s cause of death.
Police reports say, “No evidence of external intrusion or other criminal suspicions has been found.” The report noted, “We are investigating whether there was a suicide note and the specific circumstances of death.”
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Wheesung’s Final Social Media Post and Unfulfilled Plans
In a haunting twist that has left fans reeling, Wheesung’s final communication with his audience came just days before his death. On March 6, the singer posted a candid photo on social media alongside a message tinged with optimism: “See you on March 15th when I’m done with my diet.” The post, now serving as an unintended farewell, has transformed into a digital memorial where thousands of stunned fans leave messages of disbelief and remembrance.
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Wheesung’s Agency Confirms the News of His Death
Tajoy Entertainment has confirmed the news of Wheesung’s death. The official statement said, “We are deeply sorry to share such heartbreaking and tragic news. On March 10, our beloved artist Wheesung passed away. He was found in a state of cardiac arrest at his home in Seoul and was subsequently pronounced deceased.
The sudden loss has left his family, fellow artists at Tajoy Entertainment, and our entire staff in profound grief. It pains us deeply to deliver this devastating news to the fans who have always supported and loved Wheesung. We ask that you keep him in your thoughts and prayers so that he may rest peacefully.
Details regarding funeral arrangements will be announced separately. During this difficult time, we sincerely ask for restraint from unverified rumors or speculative reports out of respect for his bereaved family.”
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Wheesung’s History with Propofol; A Documented Struggle with Substances
For those who followed Wheesung’s career closely, his battle with substance dependency was no secret. The talented vocalist had previously faced legal consequences for his use of propofol, a powerful sedative with high potential for misuse. In 2017, he was indicted on charges related to the psychotropic sleeping pill, ultimately receiving a one-year prison sentence with two years’ probation following an appeal trial in 2021.
Court documents revealed the extent of his dependency—purchasing 3,910 milliliters of propofol for 6.5 million won (approximately $5,800) across 12 separate occasions between September and November 2019. Medical records confirmed he had self-administered the substance 11 times, using 3,690 milliliters in total.
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A Pattern of Substance-Related Incidents
More concerning incidents followed. In March and April 2020, Wheesung was found unconscious on two separate occasions—once in Seoul’s Songpa district and again in Gwangjin—after injecting himself with etomidate, another anesthetic drug known for inducing sleep. While etomidate produces effects similar to propofol, it remained unclassified as a controlled substance at that time, creating a dangerous loophole for those with substance dependencies.
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Beyond Performance: Wheesung as a Musical Architect
Wheesung’s influence extended far beyond his own performances. His talents as a songwriter and lyricist helped shape the sound of contemporary K-pop, with his compositions becoming hits for numerous other artists. His melodic sensibilities and poetic lyrics proved versatile across genres and generations of performers.
Among his most notable contributions as a lyricist were Younha’s enigmatic “Password 486,” Lee Hyori’s energetic “HEY MR.BIG (Boys in Girl),” T-ara’s emotional “Crazy Because of You,” and Orange Caramel’s playful “Magic Girl.” He even penned TWICE’s summery hit “Dance The Night Away,” demonstrating his remarkable ability to craft lyrics that resonated across different musical styles and artist personas.
Perhaps most significantly, Wheesung wrote Ailee‘s breakthrough ballad “Heaven,” helping to launch the career of one of Korea’s most powerful vocalists. The song, with its soaring melody and poignant lyrics, remains a cornerstone of Korean ballad music and a testament to Wheesung’s exceptional talent as a songwriter.
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