South Korean singer Wheesung found dead at Seoul home aged 43

South Korean singer Wheesung has been found dead at his home in Seoul.

Police confirmed the 43-year-old’s death on Monday and are still investigating the cause, requesting an autopsy from the National Forensic Service, according to CNN affiliate YTN.

Wheesung’s mother, who lived in the same apartment, found him unresponsive in his room and called for help after her son couldn’t be reached for a scheduled meeting with his manager earlier that day, according to the Korea Times.

His agency confirmed his death and said that his bereaved family are currently unable to hold the funeral due to their shock and sadness, YTN reported.

Wheesung was due to perform at a joint concert with fellow South Korean singer KCM on Saturday; the event has now been canceled.

Wheesung, born Choi Whee-sung, released his debut album in 2002 and shot to fame with his breakout hit, Can’t I, becoming popular for his powerful vocals and genre-blending style.

His career took a hit in 2021 when he was convicted of using propofol — an intravenous anaesthetic that is sometimes recreationally abused, and which was linked to the death of Michael Jackson — and given a suspended jail sentence, according to the Korea Times.

Singer KCM posted a photo of a white flower on his Instagram once the news of Wheesung’s death broke, one of several tributes to Wheesung that flooded social media.

Singer Yoon Min-soo said that he and Wheesung will “meet again and sing together again,” while musician and rapper Verbal Jint said the moments he spent with the One Year singer “were an honour,” YTN reported.

Recent deaths of young K-pop idols and K-drama stars have highlighted ongoing concerns about mental health and pressures in South Korea’s entertainment industry.

Wheesung’s death comes a month after South Korean actor Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home at the age of 24.

Meanwhile, Song Jae-lim, a former model who rose to prominence in K-dramas, was found dead in his apartment last November at age 39.

ASTRO boy band member Moon bin died last year at age 25. K-pop singer and actress Sulli was also 25 when she died in 2019. And two years earlier, boyband SHINee’s Kim Jong-hyun was found dead at his home at age 27.

Entertainment agencies have implemented various mental health support systems, including counseling services and more flexible schedules, but observers say the highly competitive nature of K-entertainment, combined with intense public scrutiny, and expectations of perfection in appearance and behavior, are affecting stars.

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.