The South Korean music industry has been left in shock following the tragic passing of renowned R&B singer Wheesung at the age of 43. His sudden demise was confirmed by his agency, Tajoy Entertainment, on March 10, leaving fans and fellow artists grieving the loss of an artist who shaped the Korean R&B scene.
Who was Wheesung?
Choi Wheesung, popularly known as Wheesung, was born on February 5, 1982. He was a celebrated singer, songwriter, and producer known for his soulful voice and emotionally charged ballads. He emerged as one of the most influential R&B artists in South Korea, gaining a massive following for his ability to convey raw emotions through his music. Despite his immense success, he faced several personal struggles and controversies.
Wheesung's Korean R&B journey
Wheesung made his official debut in 2002 with the album 'Like a Movie,' which instantly established him as a force in the Korean music industry. However, it was his second album, 'It’s Real' (2003), that catapulted him to stardom. The album featured 'With Me,' a song that showcased his powerful vocal range and placed his place as one of Korea’s premier R&B singers.
Over the years, Wheesung continued to dominate the charts with hit songs like Insomnia, Can’t We, and Even Thought of Marriage. His ability to blend R&B with pop and hip-hop influences made him a versatile artist, and his impact extended beyond his own music. As a songwriter and producer, he worked with some of Korea’s biggest names, including Ailee and Gummy, helping to shape the careers of many rising stars.
Struggles with drug addiction, legal troubles, and mental health issues..
Despite his artistic capability, Wheesung’s life was not without controversy. In 2011, he was investigated for illegal use of propofol, a powerful drug, but was not charged. However, in 2020, he faced continued scrutiny when he was found unconscious multiple times after allegedly injecting etomidate, a similar sedative. Reports indicated that he was struggling with dependency issues and using medication to cope with severe depression and insomnia.
Furthermore, Wheesung also struggled with mental health, with reports suggesting he suffered from anxiety and depression. His battle with these issues may have played a role in his dependency on medication. Despite these hardships, he remained deeply passionate about music and continued to create and perform, determined to stay connected with his fans.
