K-pop fans are mourning a tragic loss.
Wheesung—a singer and songwriter whose real name was Choi Whee-sung—was found dead in his home in Seoul, South Korea, March 10, per his agency Tajoy Entertainment. He was 43.
“The artist Wheesung has left us,” the agency shared in a statement, per The Hollywood Reporter. “He was found in cardiac arrest at his residence and was later pronounced dead.”
The statement added that the company’s artists and staff are “in deep sorrow.”
According to The New York Times, fire department officials confirmed the musician was found in a state of cardiac arrest. Additionally, the outlet reports there was no evidence of foul play or a break-in, and authorities are investigating the possibility of a drug overdose, per an officer at Seoul Gwangjin Police Station.
Wheesung entered the music scene in 2002 with his album Like a Movie, which won several awards in South Korea at the time of its release. In the years since, Wheesung released a dozen albums, helped write music for K-pop bands such as Twice and Super Junior, and performed in musical theater with roles like Zorro and Elvis Presley.
In 2021, the artist was found guilty, per The New York Times, of purchasing and using propofol, a sedative that is a controlled substance in South Korea. Following the verdict, Wheesung received a suspended sentence of one year in prison, which he didn’t serve under condition that he didn’t reoffend. Additionally, he was required to pay a fine equivalent to $41,000, perform community service and undergo drug treatment.
According to Variety, Wheesung previously shared his diagnoses with chronic depression, panic disorder and insomnia.
The 43-year-old had remained active in the music industry and was scheduled to perform on March 15 in a concert that has since been cancelled.
Following Wheesung’s passing, a number of artists shared their sadness over the news, including Yoon Min Soo.
“Wheesung, let’s sing and make music freely in that place,” the South Korean singer wrote on Instagram, per The BBC. “I won’t forget your pure and clear heart. Let’s meet again someday and sing together.”
Similarly, per the outlet, rapper Verbal Jint wrote on social media, “Every moment we shared was an honor, and I’m grateful. You’ve worked so hard, rest in peace, Wheesung.”
