South Korean singer Wheesung was found dead at his home on March 10 at the age of 43. The police and fire departments were called to his apartment in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, at 6:29 p.m. after receiving a report from his mother, who said, “My son has collapsed.” Upon arrival, authorities found Wheesung unresponsive. Police said that there were no signs of forced entry or foul play and added that they are investigating the cause of his death, including whether he left a suicide note.
Wheesung was scheduled to hold a joint concert with singer KCM on March 15 in Daegu. On March 6, he posted on social media, “Diet complete. See you on March 15.” Last year, he also shared that he had lost 17 kg.
Debuting as a singer in 2002, he gained popularity with songs such as “Can’t You,” “Incurable Disease,” “Love Is Delicious,” and “Even Thought of Marriage.” In 2019, he was indicted for illegally using the psychotropic sedative propofol between September and November and was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, in a 2021 appeal ruling.
In 2020, he was found unconscious after administering the anesthetic etomidate, which has effects similar to propofol. Unlike propofol, etomidate was not classified as a narcotic at the time, but the government recently proposed revising the law to designate it as a controlled substance.
His agency Tajoy Entertainment released a statement asking the public to refrain from spreading unverified rumors and speculation out of respect for the grieving family.
