Stars Pay Respects at Late Singer Wheesung's Funeral
On March 14, 2025, a funeral was held for the late singer Wheesung (휘성) at the Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, where numerous prominent figures from the music industry came to pay their respects. Among those who attended were Kim Tae-woo from g.o.d (지오디), Lee Hyori (이효리), Baby V.O.X (베이비복스), KCM, and IU (아이유).
Wheesung's funeral was attended by fellow artists and colleagues who wanted to honor his memory. KCM, who had been preparing for a concert with Wheesung, and his close friend Kim Tae-woo were among the first to arrive. Other notable attendees included Lee Ji-young and Lee Young-hyun from Big Mama, as well as Song Baek-kyung from One Time, who had previously worked with Wheesung at YG Entertainment.
The girl group ICHILLIN' (아이칠린), also under the same agency as Wheesung, visited to pay their respects. Lee Hyori, along with Baby V.O.X members Shim Eun-jin and Lee Hee-jin, also made sure to say their goodbyes. Additionally, singers Ha Dong-kyun and Lee Roo, along with IU, who has been busy with her recent activities on 'Poksak Sogassuda', were present at the funeral.
Wheesung's long-standing career in the entertainment industry attracted not only music stars but also celebrities from various fields. Comedians Yoo Se-yoon and Jo Se-ho were seen at the funeral, with Jo Se-ho having a close relationship with Wheesung, often impersonating him on various shows. Prior to the news of Wheesung's passing, Jo Se-ho's appearance on MBC's 'Good Day' had teased an impersonation of Wheesung, but the production team decided to edit out the segment to avoid any insensitivity.
Even those who could not attend in person sent their condolences. BTS (방탄소년단) and TWICE (트와이스) sent wreaths, along with Naul from Brown Eyed Soul (브라운아이드소울), Lee Hyun from Duo Deuce (듀스), and singer Jung Joon-il, who also contributed wreaths to the memorial.
Wheesung was found in a state of cardiac arrest on March 10, 2025, in an apartment in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Emergency responders attempted CPR but were unable to revive him. An autopsy conducted by the National Forensic Service has so far yielded an initial finding of 'cause of death unknown'.
The family initially planned a quiet funeral with only close friends and family, but ultimately decided to hold a public memorial to honor Wheesung's legacy as a singer. His brother expressed, "If anyone has fond memories of my brother's songs and music, please feel free to visit the funeral home and accompany him on his final journey."
The farewell ceremony is scheduled for 6 AM on March 16, 2025, followed by the burial on the same day at the Gwangneung Memorial Park (광릉추모공원).
