(2nd LD) singer-death

▲ The late singer Wheesung is shown in this undated file photo. (Yonhap)

▲ The late singer Wheesung is shown in this undated photo provided by RealSlow Company. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, March 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korean singer Wheesung was found dead at his Seoul residence, police said Monday. He was 43.

The cause of death has not yet been determined, but police said there were no signs of foul play.

"Artist Wheesung has left us. He was found in cardiac arrest at his residence and was later pronounced dead," Tajoy Entertainment said, adding agency staff and colleagues were "in deep sorrow."

He was found unconscious in his apartment at 6:29 p.m. by emergency responders after his mother called for help, according to police and his management agency.

He was scheduled to meet his manager earlier in the day, but couldn't be reached. His mother, who lives in the same apartment building, went to check on him and discovered him unresponsive.

Since his singing debut in 2002, he rose to prominence with numerous hit songs, including "With Me" and a remake of Craig David's "Insomnia," as well as his notable lyrics.

Music critic Lee Dae-hwa said the singer "played a key role in popularizing R&B music" in Korea during the 2000s.

Im Hee-yoon, another critic, also said the artist "pioneered R&B that resonates in the country's mainstream music industry," adding Wheesung was not only a talented singer but also "excelled in writing lyrics and composing music. He had a great sense for creating hit songs."

But his music career was tarnished in 2021 when he was convicted of habitual propofol use. He received a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.

The artist had been set to perform alongside singer KCM in the southeastern city of Daegu on Saturday.

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