Local media reported that Wheesung, who had a string of hits in South Korea including a popular cover of British star Craig David’s “Insomnia”, was found unconscious in his apartment at 6.29pm yesterday by emergency responders after his mother called for help.

Police told local media they had found no signs of foul play but warned that “a significant amount of time” had elapsed since he died, and an autopsy had been requested.

“Artist Wheesung has left us,” his management agency Tajoy Entertainment said, adding that agency staff and colleagues were “in deep sorrow”. He had been scheduled to perform alongside singer KCM in the southeastern city of Daegu on Saturday.

In his final message on social media, Wheesung announced the upcoming concert and wrote: “Weight loss completed. See you on March 15.”

Since his singing debut in 2002, Wheesung had been popular in Seoul with numerous hit songs, including chart-topping “With Me”, and was well-regarded for his soulful performances.

But his music career took a hit in 2021 when he was convicted and handed a suspended jail sentence for use of propofol, a surgical anaesthetic that is sometimes abused recreationally. An overdose of the drug was cited as the cause of pop star Michael Jackson’s death in 2009.

South Korean singers and fans mourned Wheesung’s sudden death. Rapper Verbal Jint paid tribute on Instagram, saying: “Every moment we spent together was an honour and I’m thankful. You’ve worked so hard. Rest in peace, Wheesung.”

Another rapper, Paltoalto, thanked the singer for fond memories, mentioning he went to see his first concert. “It’s shocking and sad. I’m thankful for the music that accompanied me through the good memories of my youth,” Paltoalto wrote on Instagram.

In a heartfelt comment on the artiste’s last social media post, a fan wrote: “At your concert on Dec 23 last year, you told us to expect a lot from you, singing until you’re 60. I never thought that would be the last time I hear your voice… Goodbye, my idol, Wheesung.”