Kpop Review

THIS Popular Male Singer Drops Scandalous 19+ Album Amid Drug Allegations

On July 3, renowned Korean R&B singer Wheesung took to social media to announce an ambitious new project.

“The REALSLOW 1st album I am currently preparing will be entirely rated 19+,” he shared. With the album currently 40% complete, Wheesung aims for a winter release.

He cautioned fans, “Since the content level is high, I kindly ask listeners who are usually sensitive to provocative media to not expect too much.”

This announcement marks a daring step for the artist, who has previously explored R&B themes but now fully embraces a more mature direction.

Wheesung (Photo : Tenasia)

“Since my debut, I have occasionally released such R&B numbers, so it’s not an unusual path for me, but I wanted to give a heads-up in advance,” Wheesung explained.

Wheesung’s announcement comes after a tumultuous period in his career. In September 2019, he was indicted for purchasing and habitually administering the banned drug propofol 12 times over three months.

He received a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years of probation, along with a fine of 60.5 million won (approximately 43,500 USD). Additionally, he was mandated to complete 40 hours of community service and drug treatment classes.

Despite these setbacks, Wheesung began making a comeback with a 20th-anniversary concert last year. His decision to release a 19+ album signifies a bold re-entry into the music scene, aiming to redefine his artistic persona while acknowledging his past mistakes.

In addition to his legal issues, Wheesung faced public criticism over his pet acquisition choices. In May, he addressed the controversy, saying:

“In fact, I got him from a pet shop. Many people kept asking why I didn’t adopt a rescue dog. I wasn’t very familiar with the adoption process, and it wasn’t until people kept questioning me that I realized the perception (towards pet shops) was like this (negative).”

In other news, R&B singer and producer Wheesung has taken on the role of music video director. He directed the music video for MAMAMOO’s debut album, which is set to release on June 18.

In a behind-the-scenes video, Wheesung is seen actively directing, paying close attention to details, and even demonstrating movements to help the nervous group members. Known for his impressive songwriting, Wheesung’s venture into directing has garnered significant attention.