Pioneering R&B Artist Hwisung Passes Away at 43 at His Seoul Home

Hwisung, the iconic figure of Korean R&B music whose real name is Choi Hwisung, was found unconscious due to cardiac arrest at his home in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the evening of March 10, and died at the age of 43. His agency, Tajo Entertainment, announced on the 11th, “Hwisung has left us. He was discovered unconscious at his Seoul home due to cardiac arrest and ultimately passed away.” He was found unconscious in his apartment around 6:29 p.m. on Monday by emergency responders called by his mother. Although the police found no signs of intrusion or foul play, the National Police Agency requested an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The police mentioned the possibility that a considerable amount of time had passed since his body was discovered. Hwisung entered the music industry in 2002 with his debut album *Like a Movie*, and achieved major success in 2003 when his second studio album *It’s Real* topped Korean music charts. His smooth, soulful voice and deep emotional expression were highly regarded in the industry as extremely rare traits among Korean male singers at that time. His major hit songs include “With Me” (2003), “Those Days” (2011), and a cover version of Craig David’s “Insomnia” (2009), all of which ranked high on Korean music charts. As an outstanding music producer and songwriter, he composed and produced songs for various K-POP idol artists such as TWICE’s “Dance The Night Away” (2018) and T-ara’s “You Drive Me Crazy” (2010). He also produced Ailee’s debut song “Heaven” (2012), helping to launch her successful music career. Hwisung’s career was accompanied by personal struggles. In 2021, he was prosecuted for illegally using propofol, a medical anesthetic, and sentenced to one year of suspended imprisonment. Propofol is known as the drug that caused Michael Jackson’s death and is classified as a controlled substance in Korea. Additionally, he went through difficult times undergoing psychiatric treatment for depression and panic disorder. After completing his military service in 2011, Hwisung worked not only as a musician but also as a musical actor. His last scheduled event was a concert titled *The Story* to be held in Daegu on March 15 alongside singer KCM, but it was canceled. Since he had posted on social media recently saying, “Weight loss completed. See you on March 15,” his sudden death caused a huge shock to the music industry and his fans. Waves of tributes have poured in from fellow musicians and fans. Rapper Verbal Jint wrote on Instagram, “Every moment we spent together was an honor, and I am grateful. You did your best. Farewell, Hwisung.” Rapper Palto Alto shared, “It’s shocking and sad. I am thankful for the music that made wonderful memories of my youth,” recalling his experience attending Hwisung’s first concert. Members Jo Kwon and Changmin of 2AM also posted tributes on social media. Changmin wrote, “He was an artist I truly admired. I will always remember him. Farewell,” while Jo Kwon shared Hwisung’s songs to express his sorrow. Fans are also sharing memories on social media of how Hwisung’s music has been part of their lives as a way to honor him. In accordance with the wishes of his family, Hwisung’s funeral will be a private event attended only by close relatives and acquaintances. His death is part of a series of recent tragedies in Korea’s entertainment industry. Last month, actress Kim Sae-ron (24) took her own life at her home, and in 2023, ASTRO member Moonbin (then 25) was found in an apartment in Gangnam-gu. Other celebrities such as Song Jae-rim (39) have also ended their lives in the same manner.