According to YTN, a CNN affiliate, South Korean singer Wheesung was discovered dead at his Seoul residence on Monday.
Police have asked the National Forensic Service to do an autopsy while they continue to look into the cause of the 43-year-old’s death, according to YTN.
Wheesung, whose real name is Choi Whee-sung, made his first album in 2002 and became well-known after his breakthrough single, “Can’t I.” He gained popularity for his strong voice and ability to merge genres.
According to his agency, who confirmed his passing, his grieving family is too shocked and distraught to attend the funeral at this time, YTN reported.
Wheesung and fellow South Korean singer KCM were scheduled to perform together on Saturday, but the event has been cancelled.
Credit: The Guardian
Following the announcement, KCM shared a picture of a white flower on Instagram, one of several tributes to Wheesung that went viral on social media.
Rapper and musician Verbal Jint stated that his time with the “One Year” singer “was an honour,” while singer Yoon Min-soo stated that he and Wheesung will “meet again and sing together again,” according to YTN.
Concerns regarding mental health and stress in South Korea’s entertainment business have been brought to light by the recent deaths of young K-pop idols and K-drama actors.
Wheesung’s passing occurs one month after 24-year-old South Korean actor Kim Sae-ron was discovered dead at her residence.
A former model who became well-known in K-dramas, Song Jae-lim, was discovered dead in his flat last November at the age of 39. Moon Bin, a member of the boy band ASTRO, passed away last year at the age of 25. Sulli, a K-pop singer and actress, passed away in 2019 at the age of 25.
Additionally, Kim Jong-hyun, a member of the boyband SHINee, was discovered dead at his house two years prior, at the age of 27.
Although entertainment companies have put in place a number of mental health support programmes, such as counselling and more flexible scheduling, observers claim that K-entertainment’s fierce competition, intense public scrutiny, and demands for flawless behaviour and appearance are having an impact on stars.
