“Endless Rumors Tormented Late Wheesung” Kim Na-woon’s Eulogy At Send Off Ceremony
Kim Na-woon’s Eulogy At Wheesung’s Send Off Ceremony
On the morning of March 16, a send off ceremony was held at Seoul Samsung Medical Center in Gangnam, where Wheesung’s loved ones gathered to say their final goodbyes. His final resting place is Gwangneung Memorial Park.
During the service, Kim Na-woon delivered an emotional eulogy, stating, “Even the sky seems to be mourning Wheesung’s long journey. I had a deep connection with him over the years. In March 2005, he sang the congratulatory song at my wedding, and from that moment on, our bond continued. He was a kind son who saved his mother’s phone number as ‘My Beloved Mother’.“
She continued, “Just recently, for my 20th wedding anniversary, he told me, ‘Senior, I can sing 100 songs for you.’ But now, I believe all the speculation and rumors are once again tormenting him. I earnestly ask everyone here today—please think of him as your own brother, your own family, and refrain from spreading anything unpleasant. I beg you with all my heart.”
Kim Na-woon further pleaded, “If each and every one of you steps up to protect him, I truly believe that Wheesung will forever remain a great artist in our hearts. His beloved mother is watching over this moment, and I ask for your sincere understanding. Please, I beg you—honor him as the beautiful and eternal artist that he truly was.”
Late Wheesung’s Funeral Visitation Opens Tomorrow at 11 AM, Family Requests Privacy
The funeral visitation for the late singer Wheesung has been arranged, with the family announcing that visitors can pay their respects starting at 11 AM on March 14.
On March 13, Wheesung’s agency released an official statement:
“The funeral visitation will be open to mourners starting from 11 AM on March 14. The bereaved family and those close to the deceased wish to mourn quietly. We earnestly request that the media refrain from covering mourners outside the funeral hall. Please respect the family’s wishes and allow them to say their goodbyes in peace.”
Initially, the family considered holding a private funeral due to the immense shock and grief they were experiencing. However, following requests from colleagues and fans, they decided to proceed with an official funeral service.
On March 12, Wheesung’s younger brother issued a statement, sharing their family’s perspective:
“Our family is in deep sorrow, and we initially planned to hold a private funeral to protect our mother’s fragile health. However, we realized it is only right to give those who loved and remembered my brother, both as singer Wheesung and as a person, Choi Wheesung’s chance to bid him farewell. That is why we have decided, albeit belatedly, to set up a visitation space.”
He also spoke about the struggles Wheesung faced during his lifetime:
“My brother lived with a deep loneliness that no one could truly comfort. He channeled those emotions into his music and songs, using them as a way to heal and express himself. To everyone who knew him, and to those who found even a moment of happiness through his music, please do not hesitate to visit and accompany him on his final journey so he does not leave this world alone.”
Funeral Arrangements
Visitation: Samsung Medical Center Funeral Hall, Seoul, from March 14
Funeral Service: March 16
Burial Site: Gwangneung Memorial Park
As news of the funeral spread, fans began preparing white chrysanthemums and heartfelt letters to bid their final farewell. Many took to social media, expressing gratitude for the comfort his music brought and promising to send their thoughts from afar.
Music industry peers also expressed their grief, calling Wheesung “gem of Korean R&B” and vowing that his musical legacy will live on.
Autopsy Conducted on March 12 To Determine Drugs
Previously, on March 11, Chosun Ilbo reported that a syringe was found near the body of singer Wheesung, who was discovered deceased at his home on March 10.
Authorities, including the police and fire department, reportedly came across the syringe while handling Wheesung’s remains. The National Forensic Service is scheduled to conduct an autopsy on March 12 to determine whether Wheesung had administered drugs and whether the substance was illegal. A police spokesperson stated, “We cannot disclose further details as the investigation is ongoing.”
Wheesung’s passing is especially shocking as he was set to perform alongside singer KCM at their joint concert The Story at Daegu EXCO Auditorium on March 15.
His agency, Tajo Entertainment, released an official statement confirming, “Wheesung was found in a state of cardiac arrest at his home in Seoul and was later pronounced dead.” They expressed deep sorrow, stating, “His family, colleagues, and staff at Tajo Entertainment are all mourning this tragic loss. We are heartbroken to share such devastating news with his devoted fans who have always supported him They also requested restraint from spreading unverified rumors, urging, “For the sake of his grieving family, we kindly ask that speculative reports and unfounded rumors be avoided.”
Wheesung debuted in 2002 and gained immense popularity with numerous hit songs such as Can’t We, The Day We Met Again, and Insomnia. However, his career was marred by legal troubles, as he was convicted of habitual propofol use between September and November 2019. He was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years.