K-pop star found dead

K-pop star Wheesung has been found dead at the age of 43. The South Korean R’n’B artist’s agency Tajoy Entertainment confirmed the singer’s tragic passing on Monday (10.03.25).

Wheesung – whose real name was Choi Whee-sung – was found at his home in Seoul’s Gwangjin District in cardiac arrest and later pronounced dead. No cause of death has been determined at this time and police reported no signs of foul play.

A spokesperson for the agency confirmed: “The artist Wheesung has left us. He was found in cardiac arrest at his residence and was later pronounced dead.” The Korea Times reports that police entered his home at 6.30pm, after his mother raised a call to the emergency services.

Wheesung – who also went by the stage name Realslow – shot to prominence in the early 2000s and was known for his raw, soulful ballads, including ‘Even Thought of Marriage’ and ‘Luv Shine’. He also had a hit in Korea with his cover of Craig David’s ‘Insomnia’.

The award-winning star also contributed to fellow K-pop acts TWICE’s track ‘Dance the Night Away’ and Ailee’s ‘Heaven’. Despite his success and influence, Wheesung faced personal struggles and found himself facing the wrath of the law for drug use.

In 2013, he was accused of using the sedative propofol – which is used for general anesthesia – and claimed he took the drug to treat a herniated disk and hair loss. He was later cleared of the allegations. (Contactmusic)