South Korean singer-songwriter Choi Whee-sung, known as Wheesung or Realslow, was found deceased in his Seoul residence on March 10, 2025, Yonhap News Agency (YNA) reported, citing police.
Emergency responders arrived at the 43-year-old R&B singer’s apartment in Gwangjin District around 6:29 PM KST after his mother, who resides in the same building, called for help, according to local media reports.
Authorities reported that a significant amount of time had passed before his body was discovered. They found no signs of foul play or forced entry. The cause of death is currently under investigation, with overdose and suicide being considered. Officials are also determining whether a will was left.
He was set to perform with singer KCM in Daegu, a southeastern city, this Saturday.
Wheesung debuted in 2002 and rose to prominence with his powerful vocals, emotive performances, and notable lyrics. His hit songs include ‘With Me’ and a remake of British star Craig David’s ‘Insomnia.’
He made his Middle East debut in October 2018 during the Korea Festival, UAE’s annual Korean cultural event, in Abu Dhabi.
His career, however, faced challenges in 2021 when he was convicted of habitual propofol use, resulting in a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.
“Artist Wheesung has left us. He was found in cardiac arrest at his residence and was later pronounced dead,” Tajoy Entertainment said, citing YNA, adding agency staff and colleagues were “in deep sorrow.”
His passing comes less than a month after actress Kim Sae-ron’s death, following a decline in her career due to a drunk-driving incident in 2022. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.