Known for his soulful voice, struggles, R&B pioneer Wheesung dies at 43

Known For His Soulful Voice, Struggles, R&b Pioneer Wheesung Dies At 43

Singer Wheesung was found unresponsive at his home in Seoul’s Gwangjin District, Monday, according to authorities. He was later pronounced dead. Captured from Wheesung's Instagram

Singer Wheesung was discovered unresponsive at his residence in Seoul’s Gwangjin District, Monday, in accordance with authorities. He was later pronounced useless. Captured from Wheesung’s Instagram

Music trade mourns late singer in outpouring of tributes
By Pyo Kyung-min

Wheesung, an R&B singer recognized for his soulful vocals and affect on the style’s reputation within the 2000s, died Monday. He was 43.

Authorities stated Wheesung, whose actual title was Choi Whee-sung and in addition carried out beneath the stage title Realslow, was discovered unresponsive Monday night at an residence in Gwangjin District, Seoul. Emergency responders had been reportedly dispatched after his mom found the scene.

His company, Tajoy Leisure, confirmed his loss of life in a press release launched late Monday.

„Wheesung has left us. He was present in cardiac arrest at his residence in Seoul and was pronounced deceased,“ the company stated, expressing condolences and confirming the circumstances surrounding his passing.

The company issued one other assertion Tuesday that the funeral preparations could be made as soon as the household is prepared. The service might be non-public, attended solely by household and acquaintances, in accordance with the household’s needs.

Police stated they’d request an post-mortem from the Nationwide Forensic Service to find out the reason for loss of life. Authorities added that there have been no indicators of compelled entry or foul play on the scene.

Singer Wheesung left an impact on the Korean music scene with his soulful R&B ballads, known for their powerful vocals and heartfelt portrayals of love. Captured from Wheesung's Instagram

Singer Wheesung left an impression on the Korean music scene together with his soulful R&B ballads, recognized for his or her highly effective vocals and heartfelt portrayals of affection. Captured from Wheesung’s Instagram

Wheesung made his debut in 1999 as a member of the four-member group A4. He launched his solo profession in 2002 together with his first full-length album, „Like a Film,“ rising as a defining voice within the R&B and ballad music scene.

His emotive vocals and highly effective strategies, a rarity amongst male singers in Korea on the time, rapidly set him aside. The title monitor from his debut album, „Cannot You,“ catapulted him to immediate stardom, incomes him high rankings on native music charts and tv music applications.

Wheesung went on to launch quite a few hits, together with „With Me“ (2003), „Insomnia“ (2009) and „Even Considered Marriage“ (2010), cementing his status as one in every of Korea’s most influential R&B artists.

He was a prolific songwriter. Past his personal music, he wrote lyrics for a number of hit Okay-pop songs, together with singer Younha’s „Password 486“ (2007), G.NA’s „I am going to Get Misplaced, You Go Your Method“ (2010), T-ara’s „You Drive Me Loopy“ (2010), Orange Caramel’s „Magic Woman“ (2012) and TWICE’s „Dance the Evening Away“ (2018).

He was additionally an achieved producer. Singer Ailee made her 2012 debut with the digital single „Heaven,“ produced by Wheesung himself, and has since continued a profitable profession.

Singer Wheesung performs at Gumi University in North Gyeongsang Province in 2016. Newsis

Singer Wheesung performs at Gumi College in North Gyeongsang Province in 2016. Newsis

Wheesung’s profession was additionally marked by authorized troubles and private struggles.

In 2013, whereas serving within the navy, he was investigated for allegedly utilizing propofol, a prescription anesthetic categorized as a managed substance in Korea. He was later cleared of the fees.

Nevertheless in 2019, he was indicted for ordinary propofol use over a three-month interval. In a 2021 enchantment, he obtained a one-year jail sentence, suspended for 2 years, together with a wonderful of 60.5 million received ($41,500). In 2020, he was discovered collapsed after reportedly injecting etomidate, one other anesthetic, on two separate events.

Wheesung had beforehand spoken about his struggles with despair, panic dysfunction and insomnia. He was identified with power despair in 2005 and his battles with psychological well being points and substance use have since drawn public concern.

The singer’s passing has despatched shockwaves by way of Korea’s leisure trade, as he remained lively in music till his loss of life. He had been scheduled to carry out in a joint ballad live performance with fellow singer KCM at EXCO Auditorium in Daegu on Saturday. The occasion has been canceled following his loss of life.

Tributes from fellow artists have poured in.

Rapper Changmo took to his Instagram story to pay his condolences, writing, „Thanks to your unimaginable music, which had a huge effect on my life. Relaxation in peace.”

One other rapper, Hangzoo, left a touch upon Wheesung’s Instagram web page, „My coronary heart aches a lot. Relaxation peacefully in heaven.”

Singer Harisu additionally paid tribute on social media, writing, „My deepest condolences,“ whereas rapper San E additionally posted, „Relaxation in peace, hyeong (Korean time period for older brother)…”

Fellow R&B artist Yoon Min-soo additionally paid tribute on social media, writing, „Wheesung, sing and create music freely up there. I am going to always remember your sort and pure coronary heart. Let’s meet once more sooner or later and sing collectively as soon as extra.“

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