Biography
Wheesung is a South Korean R&B singer, record producer, and musical theater actor. He began his career in 1999 with the short-lived boy group A4 but left after their first album due to musical differences. In 2002, he launched his solo career with the album “Like a Movie,” which received praise from prominent artists and gained him significant popularity. His follow-up album, “It’s Real” (2003), solidified his status as a leading artist in Korea. Over the years, Wheesung has released several albums, including “For the Moment” (2004), “Love… Love…? Love…!” (2005), “Eternal Essence of Music” (2007), and “Vocolate” (2009). He has also collaborated with numerous artists and participated in musical theater productions, showcasing his versatility as a performer. In 2017, he established his own label, Realslow Company, and adopted the stage name Realslow to reflect his passion for R&B music.
On March 10, singer Wheesung was found deceased at his home in Seoul. His agency, Tajoy Entertainment, confirmed the news, expressing deep sorrow and asking fans to keep him in their prayers. Emergency responders reported that he had already passed away before their arrival.
Profile
- Name: Choi Whee-sung (Wheesung)
- Birth name: Choi Whee-sung
- Birthday: February 5, 1982
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Height: 172 cm
- Instagram: @realslowwhee
- Twitter: realslow1982 (deleted)
Career
Vocal/Rap Career
Wheesung made his debut in 2002 with Like a Movie, gaining attention for his song “Can’t It Be….” His subsequent albums, It’s Real and For the Moment, solidified his place in the music industry. Over the years, he switched agencies several times before eventually establishing RealSlow Company, where he continues his career.
Renowned for his intricate vocal techniques, Wheesung initially focused on complex R&B songs before incorporating more performance-driven elements. However, chronic throat issues and vocal nodules affected his singing, leading to surgery and a refined vocal style. Despite this, his talent earned recognition worldwide, he collaborated with Craig David and even impressed Ne-Yo and Rodney Jerkins.
His singing is characterized by powerful high notes and an extensive range, though his intense vocal approach led to strain over time. Later, he adjusted his techniques, significantly improving his vocal health. In addition to singing, he is also a skilled rapper and a respected vocal coach, having trained artists from BIGBANG, BEAST, 2AM, Girls’ Generation, and SHINee.
One of his most well-known moments was a voice crack during a 2007 performance at the Busan International Film Festival, which became a viral clip. Although initially embarrassed, he later laughed about it, and his legacy remains centered on his vocal mastery rather than that single incident.
Compose/Produce Career
Wheesung has had a long career as a composer and producer, discovering artists like Younha, Taegoon, and Ailee. He is known for his strict approach in the recording studio, often coaching singers in real-time to refine their vocals. However, he denies being intimidating, joking that such rumors hurt his chances of getting married.
As a lyricist, he has written for many artists, including Younha (Password 486), Lee Hyori (HEY MR. BIG), T-ara (I Go Crazy Because of You), and TWICE (Dance The Night Away). His lyrics often gain attention for being bold and catchy, which he once admitted was intentional to help shape a singer’s public image. However, after facing criticism, he decided to shift away from provocative themes.
Despite mixed reactions to his idol group lyrics, his self-written songs are praised for their poetic depth. His works often feature natural Korean expressions, rich vocabulary, and dramatic storytelling. Wheesung was especially prolific as a lyricist in 2010–2011, earning more from songwriting than singing at one point. His ability to create emotionally charged lyrics has led to both admiration and the occasional criticism of being overly sentimental, a label he dislikes.
Personal Life
Early Life
Wheesung grew up in a poor household and faced financial struggles during his childhood. His entertainment career began in middle school as a backup dancer for SM Entertainment artists. He later debuted in the group A4 under DR Music, but the group failed to gain popularity, leading him to a period of personal struggle.
Determined to improve, he joined Ahyeon Vocational School’s music program, training alongside artists like Park Hyo-shin. He practiced tirelessly, even in unusual places like a sewer facility. He later joined the online Black music community SNP, connecting with artists like Verbal Jint and Defconn.
His talent was recognized at a music competition, leading to training under producer Lee Sang-woo and eventually signing with M-Boat, which collaborated with YG Entertainment. Before his solo debut, he featured on Jang Nara’s songs and worked as a lyricist. Academically, he pursued journalism but later earned a business degree and pursued a master’s at Kyung Hee University.
Health
Wheesung is known in the entertainment industry for his relentless dedication. Growing up with a deep sense of inferiority and competitiveness, he constantly pushed himself to improve. During his vocal training, he practiced tirelessly to overcome his naturally weak voice, surrounded by talented peers like Kim Bum-soo and Lee Young-hyun.
He has battled severe depression and insomnia, struggling even to face cameras early in his career. Diagnosed with chronic depression in 2005, his test results showed an alarmingly high level, leading to medication use. At one point, he attempted suicide by overdosing on sleeping pills but survived. Over time, he worked hard to adopt a more positive mindset and successfully completed his military service.
Despite his struggles, Wheesung displayed strong comedic timing on variety shows like Radio Star, where his reactions to jokes became legendary. He is also known for his extreme weight loss efforts. Having once weighed 88 kg, he shed 30 kg in just three months through intense exercise. Over the years, he has repeatedly lost and regained weight, following strict diets and intermittent fasting.
Even in recent years, he has continued to struggle with weight management, expressing frustration over the difficulty of losing fat. His dedication to both his physical and mental health remains a significant part of his journey.
Controversies
2007 Ivy Scandal
In 2007, Wheesung was embroiled in a scandal involving singer Ivy. Rumors spread that Ivy was in a two-timing relationship between Wheesung and her boyfriend. The speculation was fueled by online posts, including screenshots from Ivy’s boyfriend’s mini homepage, Wheesung’s Cyworld mini homepage, and leaked radio recordings. A distinctive thumb ring was considered a key piece of evidence. Due to this controversy, Wheesung was frequently misunderstood as a “pathetic man” who wrote song lyrics, especially breakup-themed ones, based on his personal past.
Propofol Illegal Use Allegations
Wheesung faced repeated allegations of illegally using Propofol, with claims that he used gang members to silence accusers. He denied wrongdoing, stating the drug was for medical treatment and provided police with evidence. The case initially settled, but he was later punished with three days of military detention for unrelated reasons.
In March 2020, new investigations emerged. On March 31, he was found unconscious in a restroom after injecting a sedative, later identified as Etomidate, a drug similar to Propofol. Days later, CCTV footage showed him purchasing drugs, and he was found unconscious again in a hotel restroom.
Authorities arrested a supplier and found Wheesung had been investigated for drug use since 2019. In August 2020, he was indicted for multiple Propofol purchases. At his January 2021 trial, he admitted to most charges and received a one-year suspended sentence with community service and drug treatment. The prosecution’s appeal for a harsher sentence was denied.
As a result, KBS banned Wheesung from appearing on its programs in November 2021.
Fun Facts
- When he was young, he had a lot of thoughts but rarely spoke, which often led to him being ostracized by his friends.
- During his high school years, he was so poor that he only had enough money for transportation.
- Despite being an R&B vocalist who can sing pop songs well, his English proficiency is poor.
- A characteristic of Wheesung’s singing is that he opens his mouth wide during climactic parts of a song.
- At the end of 2008, he mentioned on Radio Star that one of his goals was to write a fantasy novel by his mid-30s.
- His double eyelids formed naturally: one appeared while preparing for an album, and the other during his military service.
- At one point, he smoked cigarettes in an attempt to alter his voice to his preference.
- In the early days of his career, people often remarked that he resembled Kim Yuna.
