South Korean singer Wheesung dies at 43; police investigating possibility of drug overdose
Korean singer Wheesung was found deceased in his Seoul home on March 10 at 6:29 pm KST. Wheesung's passing has sent shockwaves through the K-pop community, with fans and fellow artists mourning his loss.

Korean R&B singer Choi Whee-sung, also known as Wheesung or Realslow, was found dead at his home in the Gwangjin District of eastern Seoul on Monday. He was 43 years old. His agency has since confirmed his passing. Wheesung was known for his collaborations with numerous K-pop groups, including TWICE, BTOB, Ailee, B1A4, and Super Junior, among others.
Singer Choi Whee-sung, also known as Wheesung or Realslow has tragically passed away.
¡ª Genius Korea (@Genius_kor) March 10, 2025
Wheesung was a renowned singer-songwriter in the Korean music industry having released several successful songs and contributed to discographies of several artists, including TWICE, BTOB,¡ pic.twitter.com/GRn8HxdFcT
South Korean singer Wheesung passes away at 43
According to a report from the Korean media outlet The Joongang, Wheesung was found deceased at his home in Seoul at 6:29 PM KST on March 10. His family reported his death, prompting authorities to respond to the scene. The police are currently investigating the circumstances of his passing, though they noted that it appears he had been deceased for some time before being discovered. Authorities have stated that both suicide and overdose are potential causes of death. However, there is no evidence of a break-in or foul play. They are also looking into whether a note was left behind.
Wheesung's agency confirms his death
TAJOY Entertainment, Wheesung's agency, confirmed the passing away of the singer after the reports of his tragic demise began circulating online. According to the agency, Wheesung was found unresponsive at his home in Seoul and was pronounced dead. "The deceased was found in cardiac arrest at his home in Seoul and was pronounced dead,' the statement said.
The agency expressed their deepest condolences, stating that the family, fellow artists, and staff are all in mourning.
"It is heartbreaking to share this sad news with his fans who have shown him so much support and love. Please pray for the deceased so that he can rest comfortably," it added.
Furthermore, they kindly requested that fans refrain from spreading unverified rumors and speculative reports and assured to share details about the funeral separately.
"We send our deepest condolences to the deceased. May he rest in peace," the statement concluded.
More about Wheesung's career
Wheesung debuted in 2002 with his album Like A Movie and was known for his soulful voice and hit songs like Insomnia and Heartsore Story. He had a successful music career spanning over two decades and was also a record producer and musical theater actor.
He penned the lyrics for TWICE's Dance the Night Away, the lead single from their fifth extended play Summer Nights. He also wrote Irresistible Lips for the boy group BTOB. Wheesung is also credited for writing the lyrics for writing Ailee's Heaven.
He was scheduled to hold a concert on March 15 with fellow soloist KCM.