The South Korean singer-songwriter Wheesung, who popularized R&B music within the nation however had documented struggles with drug abuse, was discovered lifeless in his dwelling in Seoul on Monday night, police stated. He was 43.
Fireplace division officers discovered the singer, whose start title was Choi Whee-sung, in a state of cardiac arrest in his condo round 6:30 p.m. on Monday. An officer at Seoul Gwangjin Police Station stated there was no proof of a break-in or foul play, and that the authorities have been investigating the potential for a drug overdose.
The loss of life is the newest in a string of tragedies to strike the nation’s booming leisure trade. A number of South Korean celebrities have died together with Kim Sae-ron, a younger actress who was discovered lifeless at her dwelling a number of weeks in the past. Police dominated Ms. Kim’s loss of life a suicide.
Mr. Choi, who additionally glided by Realslow, started his profession in 2002 with the album “Like a Film” and rapidly gained essential and widespread acclaim, successful a number of South Korean music awards in the identical 12 months. `
He launched round a dozen albums and in addition starred in musicals, enjoying iconic roles together with Zorro and Elvis Presley. Mr. Choi additionally helped write music for a few of South Korea’s most profitable Okay-pop bands, together with Twice and Tremendous Junior.
His profession suffered a setback in 2021, after he was discovered responsible of buying and utilizing propofol, a strong sedative that could be a managed substance in South Korea, on a number of events. He obtained a suspended sentence of 1 12 months in jail, avoiding jail time on the situation that he didn’t reoffend. He was additionally fined 60.5 million gained (round $41,000), ordered to carry out neighborhood service, and endure drug remedy.
With the drug cost, Mr. Choi got here below scrutiny from the media and confronted harsh public criticism, with some individuals posting hateful feedback on-line. In South Korea, the social standing of celebrities often hinges on having a blemish-free repute and innocent character.
Singers in South Korea posted tributes in honor of Wheesung on their social media accounts. “His music was an enormous a part of my 20s,” the rapper Paloalto wrote on Instagram together with an image of Mr. Choi’s first album cowl. “Thanks for being there with me.”
Wheesung had been scheduled to carry out on March 15 with the singer KCM in Daegu, a metropolis within the nation’s south.
Tajoy Leisure, the corporate that managed Wheesung, didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
If you’re having ideas of suicide, name or textual content 988 to achieve the 988 Suicide and Disaster Lifeline or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for an inventory of further assets.
In South Korea, name 109 for the well being ministry’s suicide prevention hotline, or go to the Korean-language web site 129.go.kr/109.
