“The World Lost A Legend” Close Friends Like Jessi and Ailee Pay Tribute to Late Wheesung
On March 10, at approximately 6:29 PM, Wheesung was found collapsed at his residence in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. He had returned from China on March 9 and was scheduled to meet with his manager that day. However, after being unable to reach him, his mother, who lived in the same building, visited his home, discovered him unconscious and called for help. Paramedics arrived and administered emergency treatment, but he was ultimately pronounced dead.
The police, noting the lack of signs of forced entry, do not suspect foul play and are currently investigating the presence of a suicide note and the exact cause of death.
His agency Tajo Entertainment stated, “The sudden news of Wheesung’s passing has left his family, fellow artists and all staff members in deep sorrow. It breaks our hearts to share this devastating news with the fans who have always shown Wheesung their unwavering love and support. We ask for your prayers so that he may rest in peace.“
The entertainment industry has been shaken by the tragic loss of Wheesung.
The joint concert he had planned with KCM has been canceled. Wheesung was scheduled to perform “The Story” alongside KCM at EXCO Auditorium in Daegu on March 15 at 6 PM. Just a few days prior, on March 6, Wheesung had shared on his social media “Diet is over. See you on March 15“, expressing excitement for the event. However, this message has now become his final words to the public, and the concert has been officially canceled.
Tributes continue to pour in. Rapper Changmo expressed, “Thank you for deeply influencing my life with your amazing music. May you rest in peace.” Rapper Paloalto shared, “I have many memories of this singer in my 20s, from the release of his first album to the time I went to his first concert. This is truly shocking and heartbreaking. Thank you for being part of my youth through your music.”
Yoon Min Soo posted a video of him and Wheesung singing Toy’s “That I Was Once By Your Side” together on SBS’s “Fantastic Duo”, writing, “Wheesung, I hope you can sing and make music in peace where you are now. I will never forget your pure heart. Let’s meet again someday and sing together.“
2AM’s Jo Kwon paid tribute by sharing Wheesung’s hit song “The Story That Can’t Be Told”, while Verbal Jint reminisced, “Every moment we spent together was an honor. Thank you.” Harisu, San E and many others also expressed their sorrow.
On March 12, Ailee posted a heartfelt tribute to Wheesung on her channel. She wrote, “I should have performed with you more often. Sometimes you were a strict producer, sometimes you were like an older brother who lived to tease me, and at other times, you were an incredibly inspiring senior. You were one of the most precious people in my life, weren’t you?“
She continued, “The reason I can still sing in Korea is all thanks to you. I’m so grateful and endlessly thankful. You were the best stage partner of my life, and you always will be. Thank you so much. I’m so sorry. And I will miss you deeply. One day, let’s meet again, laugh and sing happily.”
On the same day, Hwanhee from Fly to the Sky also shared a tribute. He posted a video with Wheesung and wrote, “I still can’t believe it. Let’s meet again someday and sing our hearts out. Until then, rest peacefully.“
Jessi also joined in mourning Wheesung, saying, “You were a great inspiration to me and to so many others. You were truly loved and will be dearly missed. The world lost a legend, but your music will live on forever. Rest in peace, oppa. Your influence and kindness will never be forgotten.”
SE7EN expressed his condolences with a simple yet heartfelt message, “I hope you find happiness there.” Meanwhile, KCM, who was scheduled to perform with Wheesung at a joint concert on March 15, shared his sorrow, writing, “You said we’d meet on March 15… Sung, I’m so sorry.”
Wheesung debuted in 2002 with his first album “Like a Movie”, immediately rising to stardom with the hit title track “Can’t I…”. He went on to solidify his status as an R&B icon with numerous hit songs such as “Incurable Disease” and “Even Thought of Marriage”.
Beyond his singing career, he was also recognized for his talent in songwriting and producing. He penned hits like Younha’s “Password 486”, T-ara’s “I Go Crazy Because of You” and Lee Hyori’s “Hey Mr. Big”, showcasing his exceptional skills.
However, Wheesung struggled with drug-related issues and severe mental distress. In 2021, he was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, after being indicted for illegally administering propofol 12 times between September and November 2019. In March and April 2020, he was also found unconscious in a restroom of a building in Songpa-gu and Gwangjin-gu after injecting etomidate, an anesthetic that induces sleep.
In 2023, he made concerning statements “If anyone claims that depressive disorder is fake, an act, a delusion or a mere misunderstanding, they are the worst murderer of this era. Because of them, I want to die even more” and “I’ve been hiding at home for a long time due to extreme mental anguish“, causing worry among fans.