Choi Whee-sung(Korean:최휘성;born February 5, 1982), known professionally asWheesungor by thestage nameRealslow,is a South KoreanR&Bsinger, record producer, and musical theatre actor.
Wheesung | |
|---|---|
 Wheesung in Beyond The Dream Concert | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Choi Whee-sung |
| Also known as | Realslow |
| Born | February 5, 1982 South Korea |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
|
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Labels | |
| Formerly of |
|
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 최휘성 |
| Hanja | Thôi huy thịnh |
| Revised Romanization | Choe Hwiseong |
| McCune–Reischauer | Ch'oe Hwisŏng |
Career
edit1982: Early life and education
editWheesung was born on February 5, 1982.[1]He was an avid dancer in high school, where he was part of a rock band. He began singing in his senior year.[2][full citation needed]
He initially attended theSun Moon University,under the journalism major but dropped out. Wheesung subsequently attended theGukje Digital UniversityandKyung Hee University's Graduate School of Communication.[3]
1997–1999: Dance Team and Group Debut
editHe started his career in 1997 as a member of a back dancing team ING.[4][unreliable source?]Wheesung began his career in 1999 with the short lived Korean boy group, A4. He left after the band's first album debut, citing musical differences between himself and the other members of the band. After that, He joined a rock band, MAME, as vocalist for a short while. And, he participated the MBC College Music Festival (MBC 강변가요제) in 2000.[5]
2000–2006: Solo Debut and YG Entertainment
editIn 2000, he signed onto M Boat, a former sister company toYG Entertainment.He underwent a few years of vocal training under the label and released his first solo albumLike A Moviein 2002.[2]The album became very popular after receiving praise from many well-known artists, includingSeo TaijiandShin Seung Hun.In 2003, he released his second album,It's Real.It proved to be as popular as his first, making him the best selling artist of 2003 in Korea. Unlike his debut album, It's Real wasn't restricted to R&B and it included different musical elements like pop and hip-hop.
2006–2009: Orange Shock Agency
editWheesung leftYG Entertainmentafter his contract expired in March 2006. He signed a new contract that is reportedly worth 1.5 billion won with his new company Orange Shock Agency.[citation needed]
Wheesung has collaborated with many artists. In late 2008, Wheesung has collaborated once again withLee Hyoriwho featured as his girlfriend in his music video of "별이 지다.." (Fading Star) in the "With All My Heart and Soul" album. In 2009, Wheesung seeks help from producer Lee Hyun-do, they will collaborate to produce the new album which the release date has been set in August 2009.[citation needed]
2009–2011: POP/UP Entertainment
editIn April 2009, Wheesung is the MC/host of a new Mnet TV show called "Pre Star-1 Show. This show gives opportunities for new talented singers to introduce themselves, a platform for them to reach out to more fans. Every month about nine or ten teams will be introduced on Mnet and the team which receives most response from the netizens will be chosen onto the show. The chosen team/singer will also be given the chance to perform with popular stars.[6]Wheesung's 'Pre-Show 1 Show' started airing on April 24 on Mnet Cable Channel.
Wheesung had participated in several Kpop concerts in Los Angeles, California, which include the Hollywood Bowl, and the Victory Concert. On June 19, 2009, Wheesung andLena Parkheld a concert in Los AngelesDisney Concert Hall.[citation needed]After the concert, Wheesung planned to stay in Los Angeles for a month to work on his new album with producer Lee Hyun-do. The new album will go back to the r&b/hiphop style similar to "With Me" and "Incurable Disease". The new album is set to be released in August 2009. Wheesung also claimed in an interview that he wants to visitPink's Hot Dogswhile in LA. On June 27 and July 4, Wheesung performed at "Insomnia Concert" and club Le Cercle in LA. On July 11, he performed at the HALOnightclubin Hollywood.
In June 2009, Wheesung changed his label again from Orange Shock to POP/UP Entertainment, which houses stars like JK Kim Dong Wook and group M to M.[7][full citation needed]Wheesung has decided to change his label because former producer, Park Gun Tae, concentrated more on producing and working by himself. Wheesung gave thanks to Park Gun Tae for his growth as an artist and hopes to learn from him as a little brother, no longer as an artist under a producer.
2011–2016: YMC Entertainment
editIn 2011, he transferred toTae Jin Ah'sYMC Entertainment.[8]Soon after joining YMC Entertainment, he recruited female singerAilee.
2017–present: Realslow Company and new stage name
editIn 2017, Wheesung parted ways with YMC Entertainment after his contract with the agency came to an end. He set up an independent label called Realslow Company, and he will now be promoting under the stage name Realslow.[9][unreliable source?]
Realslow is a stage name used by Wheesung when he was an underground singer. Wheesung gained attention in the early 2000s as an underground musician before he debuted in 2002. The name references his love and passion for R&B music, which still struggles to have much popularity in Korea. Through this new name and label, Wheesung aims to return to his roots and produce some soulful R&B music.[10][11]
Personal life
editOn November 7, 2011, he enlisted formandatory military service.He served 21 months of active service after completing five-week of basic training course at a boot camp inNonsan,South Chungcheong Province.[12]
On July 11, 2012, Wheesung was granted a 9 nights, 10 days temporary leave from the army to undergo surgery for a herniated disc as well as other medical conditions such as bilateral shoulders dislocation,psoriasisandalopecia.[13]
In August 9, 2013, Wheesung was discharged from the military.[14][unreliable source?]
Drug use
editIn 2013, the singer was accused of usingpropofolfrom 2011 to early 2013 in various places including dermatology clinics in Gangnam, Seoul. Wheesung claimed he used it to treat a herniated disk and hair loss. The court later cleared him of the allegations.[15]
On March 31, 2020, Wheesung was found passed out in a bathroom of a shopping mall in Seoul after usingEtomidate.A black bag lying containing four syringes and five white vials were found next to him. Not being classified as a narcotic in South Korea, police released him but confiscated the items of the black bag.[16]On the same day, the man who sold drugs to Wheesung without a doctor's prescription was arrested after a CCTV analysis of Wheesung's trail prior to his discovery unconscious in the bathroom.[17][full citation needed]
On April 2, 2020, Wheesung was found again collapsed in a bathroom of a hotel in Gwangjin District, Seoul, with a syringe and a glass bottle containing Etomidate. Although released, a hair and urine test analysis was performed.[16]
In April 2020, ex-TV personality Amy revealed she and a celebrity friend, later confirmed to be Wheesung, partook in recreational propofol use.[18]While investigating a tip, the police had come to suspect Wheesung of purchasing propofol and sent his case to the prosecution with a recommendation of indictment. Later, Wheesung was charged for propofol use several times in December 2019.[18]
At the first trial on January 19, 2021, prosecutors at the Daegu District Court sought a three years in prison sentence. Wheesung pleaded guilty and received a sentence of one year in prison, probation for two years, 40 hours of community service, and 40 hours of drug treatment lectures.[19][full citation needed]
Discography
editStudio albums
edit- Like a Movie(2002)
- It's Real(2003)
- For the Moment(2004)
- Love... Love...? Love...!(2005)
- Eternal Essence of Music(2007)
- Vocolate(2009)
Mini albums
edit- With All My Heart and Soul(2008)
- They Are Coming(2011)
- The Best Man(2014)
- Transformation(2016)
- In Space(2018)
Lyrics and compositions
editFilmography
editMusical
edit- 2014:Zorroas Zorro
- 2016:All Shook Upas Elvis
- 2017–2018:All Shook Upas Elvis
Variety shows
edit- 2009: Mnet & tvN, Wheesung's Pre Star 1Show, MC
- 2017–2018: tvN, My English Puberty, (나의영어 사춘기), E1-E8
- 2018: Channel A, Galaxy, (우주를줄게), E1-10
- 2018: Mnet & tvN,The Call,E1-5, 8
- 2018: tvN,A Battle of One Voice: 300,(하나의 목소리 전쟁: 300), E3, 5
- 2018: MBC plus, New Music God (창작의신)
- 2018: TV Chosun, Neighbour Album (동네앨범)
Concert
edit| Year | Name | [20][21][22][23] |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Wheesung It's Real Movement | |
| 2004 | Wheesung It's Real Movement II | |
| Wheesung Theater Concert Like his Diary | ||
| 솔트레인 2004 Concert | GummySE7ENBIGMAMA | |
| 2004 JTN Live Concert 4th Wheesung & Gummy | Gummy | |
| 2005 | Good Friends Concert | GummySE7ENBIGMAMA |
| 2005 4Color Story Concert | Kim Jang-hoonFly to the SkyM To M | |
| 2006 | Wheesung Concert Poison | |
| Love Love Love Wheesung Birthday | ||
| BIG4 Concert | FT IslandM To MSG Wannabe | |
| 2007 | 2007 Whee Show Welcome to Realslow World | |
| 26th Happy Whee's day | ||
| BIG4 Concert | SG WannabeVibeSeeYa | |
| 2008 | 2008 Whee Show | |
| Happy Whee's Day Birthday Party | ||
| 2008 JTN Live Concert 9th Wheesung & MC THE MAX | MC THE MAX | |
| 2008 The Soul Concert | GummyPark Hyo ShinJung Yup | |
| 2009 | 2009 Wheesung Concert The Man | |
| 2009 The Soul The Vocalist Concert | Bobby KimKim Bum Soo | |
| 2009 Dream Concert | ||
| 2010 | Wheesung Real Slow is Back Concert | |
| 2010 The Soul The Vocalist Concert | Bobby KimGummy[24][unreliable source?] | |
| The Great Moment Season 1 | LeessangJeong InGummyLee Young Hyun | |
| 2010 JTN Live Concert 7 | ||
| 2011 | Wheesung & Kim Tae Woo 2011 Two Men Show Soul Twins & Encore | Kim Tae Woo[25][26] |
| Wheesung & Kim Tae Woo 2011 Two Men Show Soul Twins Encore | Kim Tae Woo | |
| 2013 | Wheesung & Gummy Do It Live Tour Concert | Gummy |
| 2014 | Wheesung Live Tour Concert 2014 Whee Show | [27] |
| 2014 JTN Live Concert 3 nguyệt | ||
| 2014 Valentine's Day Kiss Concert | Gummy | |
| 2014 Someday Concert 3rd | Ailee | |
| 2014 Someday Concert 4th | Shin Yong Jae | |
| The Voice Concert | AileeKim Bum SooShin Yong JaeYoon Jong Shin | |
| JTBC Hidden Singer Concert | ||
| 2015 | Wheesung Live Tour Concert 2015 Whee Show | [28] |
| 2015 Wheesung & Ailee Concert Back to School | Ailee[29] | |
| Wheesung & Gummy US Soulmate Concert | Gummy | |
| Legend Concert Wheesung | ||
| 2015 The Plaza Countdown Party | ||
| Someday Festival 2015 | ||
| 2016 | 2016 Wheesung Live Concert On Air | |
| WHEESUNG CONCERT in TOKYO 2016 | ||
| Seong Nam Concert with Wheesung | ||
| Wheesung & K.Will Bromance Show | K.Will[30] | |
| Wheesung & Yoon Min-soo Concert | Yoon Min-soo | |
| Wheesung & Zion.T Voice II Men Concert | Zion.T | |
| Wheesung & Bada Peoplegate The Best Emotion of Concert | Bada | |
| Wheesung x Gummy x Kim Kyung-ho Summer Dream Concert | GummyKim Kyung-ho | |
| Wheesung & ALi Concert Cantare Festa | ALi | |
| 2016 JTN Live Concert Wheesung & Lucky J | Lucky J | |
| 젊은외침 통일 콘서트 | BadaSan.E Verbal.J Sool J | |
| 신사들의 품격 | Yoon Hyung-RyulLee Chang-minHan Ji-sang | |
| 2017 | 2017 Wheesung Live Concert On Air | |
| 2017 Wheesung National Tour Concert Get Sexxy | ||
| Insomnia with Wheesung Concert | ||
| Wheesung & Kim Tae-woo Voice II Men Concert | Kim Tae-woo | |
| 2018 | Wheesung Concert Get Sexxy Encore | |
| Wheesung Concert | ||
| Wheesung & Gummy Concert | Gummy | |
| Star Pack Concert 5 | K.WillAilee | |
| 2018 Dream Concert | ||
| Wheesung Real Healing Concert | ||
| Wheesung & Lyn Summer Concert | Lyn | |
| 2018 DMC Festival Super Concert | ||
| Wheesung & Jung in Forest Live (TV Chosun) | Jung In | |
| Wheesung & Fany Concert | Fany | |
| 2018 Realslow Wheesung Fan Meeting | ||
| Mini K-Pop Concert by WheeSung | National Theater, Abu Dhabi | |
| 2018 Wheesung Realslow Concert Get Sexxy Season 2 & 2019 Encore | ||
| 2022 | Wheesung Fanmeeting | [31] |
Awards and nominations
editThis section of abiography of a living personneeds additionalcitationsforverification.(January 2023) |
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Golden Disc Awards | Best New Artist | "Can't I" (안되나요) | Won | [32] |
| MBC Ten Singers Song Festival | Best New Artist | Won | [33] | ||
| Mnet Music Video Festival | Best New Male Artist | "Can't I" (안되나요) | Nominated | ||
| Best R&B Performance | Nominated | ||||
| SBS Gayo Daejeon | R&B Award | Won | |||
| Seoul Music Awards | Best New Artist | Won | |||
| 2003 | Golden Disc Awards | Main Prize (Bonsang) | "With Me" | Won | [34] |
| MBC Ten Singers Song Festival | Top Ten Singer (Bonsang) | Won | |||
| Mnet Music Video Festival | Best Male Artist | "With Me" | Won | ||
| Best R&B Performance | Nominated | ||||
| SBS Gayo Daejeon | Main Prize (Bonsang) | Won | |||
| Seoul Music Awards | Main Prize (Bonsang) | Won | |||
| 2004 | Golden Disc Awards | Main Prize (Bonsang) | "Incurable Disease" (불치병) | Won | [35] |
| KBS Music Awards | Best Singer (Bonsang) | Won | |||
| Korean Music Awards | Musician of the Year | It's Real | Won | ||
| MBC Ten Singers Song Festival | Top Ten Singer (Bonsang) | Won | [36] | ||
| Mnet Km Music Video Festival | Best Male Video | "Incurable Disease" (불치병) | Nominated | ||
| Best R&B Video | Won | ||||
| 2005 | Golden Disc Awards | Main Prize (Bonsang) | "Goodbye Luv" | Won | |
| KBS Music Awards | Best Singer (Bonsang) | Won | |||
| Korean Music Awards | Best R&B and Soul Album | For the Moment | Nominated | [37] | |
| Mnet Km Music Video Festival | Best Male Artist | "Goodbye Luv" | Nominated | ||
| Best R&B Performance | Won | ||||
| SBS Gayo Daejeon | Main Prize (Bonsang) | Won | |||
| 2007 | Golden Disc Awards | Main Prize (Bonsang) | "Delicious Love" (사랑은 맛있다) | Won | |
| Mnet Km Music Festival | Best R&B Performance | Nominated | |||
| 2009 | Korean Music Awards | Best R&B and Soul Album | With All My Heart and Soul | Nominated | [38] |
| Male Musician of the Year | Nominated | [38] | |||
| 2010 | Mnet Asian Music Awards | Best Male Solo Artist | "Even Thought of Marriage" (결혼까지 생각했어) | Nominated | |
| Best Vocal Performance (Solo) | Nominated | ||||
| 2011 | Mnet Asian Music Awards | Best Male Solo Artist | "Heartsore Story" (가슴 시린 이야기) | Nominated | |
| 2014 | Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards | K-Pop Top Ten Singer Award | Won | ||
| Mnet Asian Music Awards | Best Vocal Performance (Male) | "Night and Day" | Nominated | [39] | |
| SBS MTVBest of the Best | Best Male Solo | Won | |||
| Seoul Success Awards | Singer Grand Prize | Won | [40] | ||
| 2018 | Soribada Best K-Music Awards | Voice Award | Won | [41] | |
| 2019 | Korean Arts and Culture Awards | Music Producer Award | Won | [42] |
References
edit- ^Kim, I-seul (June 21, 2016).[인터뷰] '올슉업' 휘성 "두 번째 도전, 이제는 상대배우가 눈에 보이네요".NewsCulture(in Korean).Herald Corporation.RetrievedOctober 13,2016.
- ^abKim, Krista (October 29, 2003).[번역]This R&B is for 'real' 휘성, R&B 가수로 변신.The Korea Herald(in Korean).Naver.RetrievedOctober 13,2016.
- ^휘성(최휘성) 가수.Naver 인물검색(in Korean). March 14, 2011.Archivedfrom the original on October 6, 2023.RetrievedAugust 3,2011.
- ^"Artist of the week – Wheesung".soompi.September 22, 2010. Archived fromthe originalon June 29, 2018.RetrievedMarch 13,2018.
- ^하늘에서..♬ 휘성, 담담하게 말하는 데뷔 전 가수의 꿈.Channel A.May 16, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on December 13, 2021.
- ^김윤희.[휘성의 가요클리닉] "내 경험 살려 될성부른 신인 발굴하겠다".heraldbiz.Archived fromthe originalon October 23, 2009.RetrievedJune 24,2009.
- ^휘성, JK 김동욱·엠투엠과 한솥밥.Archivedfrom the original on December 8, 2024.RetrievedDecember 4,2024.
- ^"Tae Jin Ah establishes YMC Entertainment to broaden musical genres"Naver News.September 14, 2011. Retrieved April 1, 2012(in Korean)
- ^"Wheesung Sets Up Independent Label And Changes His Stage Name".Soompi.Soompi.August 8, 2013.RetrievedAugust 28,2017.
- ^"R&B singer Wheesung sets up new music label 'Realslow'".ajudaily. April 12, 2018.RetrievedAugust 28,2017.
- ^"Sensitive singer Wheesung steps out of his shell".Korea JoongAng Daily.April 12, 2018.Archivedfrom the original on June 9, 2019.RetrievedAugust 28,2017.
- ^Kim, JiYeon"Wheesung Joins the Army"Mnet News.November 7, 2011. Retrieved April 1, 2012
- ^Ho, Stewart (July 12, 2012)."Wheesung Receives Temporary Leave From Army to Receive Surgery for Herniated Disc".enewsWorld.CJ E&M.RetrievedOctober 6,2012.
- ^"Wheesung Is Discharged from Military Service and Apologizes to His Family and Friends".Soompi.Soompi.August 8, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on March 28, 2018.RetrievedOctober 6,2017.
- ^"Wheesung being probed for propofol use: reports".Korea JoongAng Daily.March 26, 2020.Archivedfrom the original on May 28, 2024.RetrievedMay 28,2024.
- ^ab"Korean singer Wheesung admits using narcotic drug in trial, 3-year jail sentence sought".Manila Bulletin.Archivedfrom the original on May 28, 2024.RetrievedMay 28,2024.
- ^안, 희재.[단독] 가수 휘성, 이틀 만에 또 투약 후 실신.Naver News(in Korean).Archivedfrom the original on May 28, 2024.RetrievedMay 28,2024.
- ^ab"Ex-TV personality Amy reveals celebrity friend took drugs with her".The Korea Times.April 17, 2019.Archivedfrom the original on May 28, 2024.RetrievedMay 28,2024.
- ^손, 대성.수면마취제 프로포폴 투약…가수 휘성 1년형 집행유예.Naver News(in Korean).RetrievedMay 28,2024.
- ^"playdb Wheesung Concert Record 공연의 모든 것 플레이DB".Archivedfrom the original on February 27, 2021.RetrievedMarch 29,2018.
- ^"Official Wheesung Concert Record".Archived fromthe originalon January 16, 2021.RetrievedMarch 29,2018.
- ^"Naver Wheesung Concert Record".Archivedfrom the original on August 20, 2020.RetrievedApril 4,2018.
- ^"Interpark Wheesung Concert Record".Archivedfrom the original on June 8, 2019.RetrievedApril 4,2018.
- ^"《The Vocalist》 chế tác cuộc họp báo Bobby Kim-GUMMY- huy tinh tham dự".koreastardaily. December 6, 2010.Archivedfrom the original on November 28, 2020.RetrievedMarch 29,2018.
- ^"Kim thái vũ - huy tinh 11 nguyệt an nhưng công diễn".Kpopn. October 1, 2011.Archivedfrom the original on June 13, 2019.RetrievedMarch 29,2018.
- ^"Kim thái vũ - huy tinh 11 nguyệt an nhưng công diễn".Kpopn. November 2, 2011.Archivedfrom the original on June 29, 2019.RetrievedMarch 29,2018.
- ^"Chúng tinh đảm nhiệm huy tinh buổi biểu diễn khách quý".allthatstar. November 1, 2014.Archivedfrom the original on June 16, 2019.RetrievedMarch 29,2018.
- ^"Huy tinh chuẩn bị Lễ Tình Nhân buổi biểu diễn 14~15 ngày “Whee show” long trọng triệu khai ".allthatstar. February 9, 2015. Archived fromthe originalon June 3, 2019.
- ^"Ailee huy tinh nắm tay khai xướng cộng đồng buổi biểu diễn 12 nguyệt xuất phát chạy".allthatstar. November 2, 2015. Archived fromthe originalon June 1, 2019.
- ^"K.will huy tinh tổ chức cả nước tuần diễn ngày 30 tháng 4 Seoul khai xướng".allthatstar. March 3, 2016. Archived fromthe originalon June 2, 2019.
- ^Yoo Jeong-min (November 24, 2022)."프로포폴 논란' 휘성, 2022년 마지막 날은 팬들과 함께"['Propopol Controversy' Wheesung, last day of 2022 with fans] (in Korean). Ten Asia.Archivedfrom the original on November 24, 2022.RetrievedNovember 24,2022– via Naver.
- ^제17회 골든디스크상 대상에 그룹 쿨.The Korea Economic Daily(in Korean). December 13, 2002.RetrievedSeptember 11,2020.
- ^[콘서트 인 부산] 컬러 오브 소울 트레인.Busan Ilbo(in Korean). September 9, 2004.Archivedfrom the original on October 6, 2023.RetrievedSeptember 11,2020.
- ^조성모 '2003 골든디스크' 대상.JoongAng Ilbo(in Korean). December 5, 2003.Archivedfrom the original on March 30, 2019.RetrievedSeptember 11,2020.
- ^제19회 골든디스크 대상에 이수영.The Hankyoreh(in Korean). December 3, 2004.RetrievedSeptember 11,2020.
- ^한지혜-한예슬, MBC 10대가수 가요제 MC.The Chosun Ilbo(in Korean). August 12, 2020.RetrievedSeptember 11,2020.
- ^2회 수상식 수상후보.Korean Music Awards(in Korean).RetrievedSeptember 11,2020.
- ^ab6회 수상식 수상후보.Korean Music Awards(in Korean). Archived fromthe originalon February 27, 2017.RetrievedSeptember 11,2020.
- ^"'2014 MAMA' 태양 에일리, nam nữ 보컬퍼포먼스상 수상 영예 ".Newsen(in Korean). December 3, 2014.Archivedfrom the original on October 21, 2021.RetrievedSeptember 11,2020.
- ^서울 석세스 어워드.STV(in Korean).RetrievedSeptember 11,2020.
- ^Herman, Tamar (August 30, 2018)."BTS, TWICE Win Big at 2018 Soribada Best K-Music Awards".Billboard.RetrievedSeptember 11,2020.
- ^휘성, '에이미 논란' 후 예술문화인대상 참석 (대한민국 예술문화인대상).The Seoul Economic Daily(in Korean). May 7, 2019.Archivedfrom the original on October 6, 2023.RetrievedSeptember 11,2020.