K-Pop Industry Mourns: IU, BTS, TWICE, and More Honor Late Hweesung with Funeral Wreaths

On March 13, the memorial hall for Hweesung was officially set up, allowing fans and colleagues to pay their respects.

Hweesung’s agency announced, “The funeral hall will be open to mourners from 11 AM on March 14.” The statement also included a request for privacy, urging media and visitors to refrain from filming or conducting interviews outside the venue to allow the family to grieve in peace.

The Korean music industry is mourning the sudden passing of Hweesung, as IU, BTS, TWICE, Lee Hyun-do, and BABY VOX sent condolence wreaths to his funeral, honoring his contributions to K-pop.

On March 14, Hweesung’s memorial was set up at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, with the funeral hall filled with floral tributes from industry colleagues, including Park Jung-hyun, Zico, Jung Joon-il, and Defconn. His agency, Tajo Entertainment, also displayed a heartfelt banner:

"Hweesung, the artist, will forever shine like a star in our hearts."

Fellow artists personally attended to pay their respects. Boy group ICHILLIN’, signed under Hweesung’s agency, arrived early for the wake, followed by singer KCM and g.o.d’s Kim Tae-woo, who had worked with Hweesung on past collaborations.

Investigation into Hweesung’s Passing

According to the Seoul Gwangjin Police, Hweesung was found unconscious in his apartment on March 10 at 6:29 PM. His family immediately alerted emergency services, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The exact cause of death is still under investigation.

His agency confirmed the tragic news:

"Hweesung has left us. He was found in cardiac arrest at his Seoul residence and was pronounced deceased."

A forensic autopsy was conducted on March 12 at the request of his family. After the examination, his funeral service was officially arranged for March 14 at Samsung Medical Center, with the wake open for mourners.

The family originally planned for a private ceremony, but ultimately decided to hold a public memorial so fans and colleagues could say their final goodbyes.

Funeral Details

Memorial Service: March 14 at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul

Farewell Ceremony: March 16, 6 AM

Burial Site: Gwangneung Memorial Park

Remembering Hweesung’s Legacy

Born in February 1982, Hweesung debuted in 2002 with his first studio album, Like A Movie. He gained widespread acclaim with hits like "With Me," "Even If," "A Heartbreaking Story," and "Love… That’s Enough." His powerful vocals and emotional ballads made him one of Korea’s most beloved R&B singers.

Despite past controversies surrounding propofol abuse charges in 2019, Hweesung had been actively performing and engaging with fans. His sudden passing has left the industry in shock, with tributes pouring in from fans and fellow artists alike.

As the Korean music world mourns his loss, Hweesung’s legacy as a soulful vocalist and influential artist will continue to live on.