Following the sudden news of the passing of the late Wheesung, Na Jong-ho, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Yale University in the United States, expressed strong sorrow during his appearance on ‘You Quiz’.
On the 10th, Professor Na posted on social media, “I really liked Wheesung’s songs. I listened to his albums countless times. Losing artists who lived in the same era seems to be an unavoidable process as we age, but it feels even more painful when someone leaves this world too early. I pray for the soul of the deceased,” paying tribute to him.
He continued, “Although the exact cause of death has not been clearly established, the issue of drug overdose is a research area I am most concerned about, which makes it even more heartbreaking. I have been persistently advocating for more budget allocation for addiction rehabilitation facilities for several years. I even mentioned it to the head of the Food and Drug Administration. But since nothing has been done, I wonder what we need to do to bring about change,” expressing his frustration.
Previously, Wheesung was indicted on charges of habitual use of the sleep anesthetic propofol and was sentenced to one year in prison with a two-year probation in the appellate court in October 2021. In March and April 2020, he was found unconscious in a bathroom in Seoul after receiving the sleep-inducing anesthetic etomidate, and in July 2018, he was also subject to a suspended indictment for the use of zolpidem.
On the 11th, Professor Na stated, “The end of addiction is not death. Drug and alcohol addiction are indeed terrifying diseases, but as an addiction psychiatrist, I meet patients every day who have regained their daily lives and happiness.” He pointed out, “The problem is that there are ridiculously few hospitals and rehabilitation facilities where addiction patients can receive treatment.”
He emphasized, “A drug policy focused solely on punishment cannot prevent the drug problem that has already permeated our daily lives. Only when punishment and treatment/rehabilitation go hand in hand will we see meaningful change.”
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