K-pop singer Wheesung, 43, found dead at home 3 years after using same drug that killed Michael Jackson

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: Renowned K-pop star Wheesung, born Choi Whee-sung, has been found dead in his apartment, leaving his devoted fans and fellow rappers in shock.

The tragic discovery was made "a significant amount of time" after his death. It is important to note that the Korean singer has been involved in a series of controversies over the years.

In 2021, he received a two-year suspended sentence for abusing the potent anesthetic propofol, the same drug that contributed to the death of Michael Jackson. While the cause of his death is still under investigation, this history adds complexity to the tragic news.

What did police report about Wheesung’s death?

According to police reports obtained by Radar Online, Korean singer Wheesung was found unconscious due to cardiac arrest, as confirmed by authorities in Seoul. Police noted that there were no signs of foul play surrounding his death. 

His body was discovered in his apartment in the northern Gwangjin-gu district of Seoul after emergency responders were called by his mother. 

The alarm was raised when Wheesung missed a scheduled meeting with his manager earlier that day. His agency, TAJOYENT, issued a statement expressing their deep sorrow, describing his death as a "heartbreaking and tragic message." 

They added, "On this day, our artist Wheesung has left us. He was found in a state of cardiac arrest at his home in Seoul and was pronounced dead."

Notably, Wheesung was scheduled to perform at a concert with ballad singer KCM in Daegu this weekend. Wheesung, who was born in 1982, rose to fame in 2002 in South Korea, captivating audiences with his soulful vocals, and became a key figure in popularizing R&B music in the country throughout the 2000s.

Beyond his successful music career, he also took on the role of mentor and vocal coach, shaping the careers of numerous K-pop stars.

Tributes pour in after Wheesung's death

In the hours after Wheesung’s death, many fellow artists have shared heartfelt tributes to honor the singer.

Artist Yoon Min-soo took to social media, writing, "Wheesung, let's sing and make music freely in that place. I won't forget your pure and clear heart. Let's meet again someday and sing together." He also shared an emotional video of the two performing a duet.

Rapper Verbal Jint expressed his grief, saying, "Every moment we shared was an honour, and I'm grateful. You've worked so hard, rest in peace, Wheesung."

 Rapper Changmo also paid his respects, posting, "Thank you for your amazing music that had a great impact on my life. May you rest in peace."

Musician and friend Paloalto shared his memories, recalling, "I have so many memories of him from my 20s. I even attended his first concert after releasing my debut album. This is so shocking and heartbreaking. Thank you for being part of my youth with your music," as per Indy100.

Wheesung's fans in shock after singer's sudden death

Along with the tributes from rappers, Wheesung's fans have also been pouring out their sorrow, expressing their heartbreak over the loss of the beloved artist.

One user wrote, "My heart hurts so bad.. Rest in peace in the sky May the deceased rest in peace."

A second person shared, "You were my idol when I was in high school, I never wrote but you were always like a brother who taught me songs, I hope you are happy there."

An Instagram user said, "May his soul rest in peace Sing at ease there."

A fan said, "Can't hear your voice anymore... A precious voice. A precious person. If only I had known.... Rest in peace.."

Another commented, "No way… this is so sudden…"

A fan shared, "I still don't want to believe that this happened. It breaks my heart... ㅠㅠ."

One individual wrote, "Rest in peace, Wheesung. This is heartbreaking! 💔You are loved!😢❤️"

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