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Who was Wheesung? Korean singer found dead at 43
Wheesung, a gifted artist, left us far too early. In honor of his impact on the South Korean music scene, let's take a moment to reflect on his memorable career.
Trigger Warning: This article contains mention of death.
South Korean R&B singer Choi Whee Sung, mononymously known as Wheesung, was tragically found dead on Monday, March 10. At the time of his passing, Wheesung was 43 years old, having succumbed to cardiac arrest. According to reports by K-media outlet JoongAng Ilbo, the singer's untimely demise occurred at his residence in the Gwangjin District of eastern Seoul. To honour Wheesung, here's a look back at his remarkable musical career.
Wheesung, popularly known by his stage name Realslow, dedicated more than two decades of his life to the South Korean music industry, making significant contributions. He started his career in 1999 as a member of the boy group A4, formed by DR Music. It was a quartet, consisting of Korean-Americans members Jay, Steve, Austin and Weeseung. The band was short-lived as they disbanded in 2001, following Weeseung's departure.
Weeseung then made his debut as a soloist in 2002, by signing with M Boat, a former sister company to YG Entertainment. His first solo album Like A Movie was well-received by fans. It was also appreciated by many well-known artists back then, including Seo Taiji and Shin Seung Hun. Wheesung's second album, It's Real, released in 2003, replicated the success of his debut, making him the best-selling artist of 2003 in Korea.
Notably, It's Real showcased Wheesung's musical versatility, expanding beyond R&B to incorporate diverse genres such as pop and hip-hop. He then went on to deliver several hit tracks like With Me, I even thought about getting married and Can't I? He collaborated with popular artists like Lee Hyori and also took up MC roles like in Mnet's TV show, Pre Star-1 Show. Besides being a singer, he was also a record producer and a musical theatre actor.
Wheesung's fans are heartbroken, not only by his passing but also by the missed opportunity to meet him at his upcoming events. One such event was a scheduled concert on March 15 at the EXCO Auditorium in Daegu, where he was set to celebrate White Day. Unfortunately, this and all other upcoming commitments will now remain unfulfilled.
Korean singer Wheesung found dead at 43 in Seoul home
