Dr. Na Jong Ho, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine, has shared his sorrow over the passing of singer Wheesung, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger addiction rehabilitation measures.

On March 10th KST, Dr. Na posted on his personal social media, writing, “I truly loved Wheesung’s music. I used to listen to his albums on repeat countless times. Losing artists of our generation is something we cannot avoid as we grow older, but when someone leaves us too soon, it is especially heartbreaking. I pray for his soul.”

He continued, “The exact cause of his passing has not yet been determined, but substance overdose is one of my main areas of research, which makes this even more painful. For years, I have been advocating for increased funding for addiction rehabilitation facilities, even bringing it up directly to the head of the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Yet, nothing has changed. What more must be done to bring about real change?”

The following day, on March 11th, Dr. Na posted again, stressing the importance of proper treatment for addiction. He wrote, “The end of addiction is not death. Drug and alcohol addiction are undoubtedly terrifying diseases, but as an addiction psychiatrist, I see patients every day who recover and regain happiness. The real issue is the severe lack of hospitals and rehabilitation centers for those who need treatment. A drug policy focused solely on punishment will not solve the deeply ingrained issue of drug abuse. There must be a balance between punishment, treatment, and rehabilitation for meaningful progress to be made.”

Wheesung had been entangled in drug-related controversies since 2018. In October 2021, he was convicted of illegally using the anesthetic propofol multiple times, receiving a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with 40 hours of community service and mandatory drug treatment lectures.

In 2019, he was also prosecuted for purchasing approximately 3,910 ml of propofol for 60.5 million KRW (about $45,000) and using it at least ten times. Additionally, in July 2018, he was given a suspended indictment for zolpidem use, and in March and April 2020, he was found unconscious after using the anesthetic etomidate.

Dr. Na’s statements have reignited discussions on the need for a systemic overhaul of South Korea’s approach to drug addiction. While Wheesung’s struggles were well-documented, his case reflects the larger issue of inadequate addiction treatment facilities and the stigma surrounding substance abuse in Korea. His passing serves as a tragic reminder that without proper intervention, addiction can have irreversible consequences.

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