Fans Mourn the Loss of Wheesung Ahead of Scheduled Concert

On March 15, 2025, fans were eagerly anticipating a long-awaited performance by Wheesung (휘성). However, the beloved artist was not present among them. Instead, fans were met with his bright smile in a portrait, unable to hold back their tears in grief.

Wheesung debuted in 2002 with his first album 'Like A Movie' and quickly gained popularity with numerous hits such as '안되나요', '전할 수 없는 이야기', 'With Me', '다시 만난 날', '일년이면', 'I’m Missing You', '결혼까지 생각했어', '가슴 시린 이야기', '너라는 명작', '불치병', '주르륵', and '사랑은 맛있다'. His music resonated with fans of all ages.

In addition to his solo work, Wheesung showcased his songwriting and composing talents on albums for various artists, including Gummy (거미), Ailee (에일리), Ali (알리), Wax (왁스), and TWICE. He was recognized as a leading R&B artist in South Korea and a trusted singer-songwriter, creating many beloved songs. He also demonstrated his versatility by performing in musicals.

However, in 2020, Wheesung was found unconscious after taking a sleep-inducing drug, leading to a police investigation. He was charged with purchasing and habitually using propofol 12 times over three months, resulting in a one-year prison sentence, two years of probation, a fine of 60.5 million won, 40 hours of community service, and 40 hours of drug treatment lectures.

This news shocked his fans deeply. In response, Wheesung held a Christmas concert in December 2021, just two months after his sentencing, and participated in drama OSTs to give back through music. He also organized a fan meeting and concert to celebrate his 20th debut anniversary, showcasing his fight against depression through his art.

In February, he held a birthday fan meeting titled 'HAPPY 휘's DAY', which sold out immediately, proving his enduring popularity. He was scheduled to perform at a joint concert 'The Story' with KCM on March 15 at the Daegu EXCO Auditorium.

Tragically, just five days before the concert, on March 10, Wheesung was discovered in cardiac arrest at his home in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, at the age of 43. An autopsy was conducted on March 12 at the National Forensic Service, with preliminary results indicating 'unknown cause of death'. Further detailed results are expected to take about two weeks.

Initially, Wheesung's family planned a quiet funeral without a public viewing, but they later decided to hold a memorial service due to the encouragement of fellow artists. The memorial was set up on March 14 at the Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, with the funeral scheduled for March 16 at the Gwangneung Memorial Park.

The family expressed, "We believe it is respectful to provide a time and place for many who loved and remembered our brother, the singer Wheesung, and the person Choi Wheesung, to pay their respects. We invite everyone who knew him and those who found happiness in his music to visit the memorial and accompany him on his final journey."

As planned, Wheesung was supposed to take the stage with KCM today, but he is no longer with his fans. Heartbroken fans rushed to the memorial, shedding tears in front of his portrait, where only his radiant smile could offer them solace.