International K-pop fans recently took to social media to call out racist and hateful comments directed at Halle Bailey, who was pictured with Julia Garner and Hanni in a post uploaded by NewJeans' official Instagram account on March 22.

The photo was meant to celebrate the meeting of three rising artists in their respective fields, but it was marred by hateful and racist comments from some netizens.

Comments such as "What is that monster mermaid?" and "Ew, it's the Kraken" were directed at Halle Bailey, who is known for her talent and recently made history as the first black woman to play Ariel in Disney's upcoming live-action movie, The Little Mermaid.

However, international K-pop fans did not remain silent and quickly came to Halle Bailey's defense, rebuking the hateful comments directed at her.

Here are some of the reactions from netizens:

"It's disappointing to see people resorting to racism and hate when we should be celebrating talented artists like Halle Bailey."

"I don't understand why some people feel the need to tear others down with hurtful comments. Let's spread love and positivity instead."

"Halle Bailey is an amazing artist and deserves nothing but respect and admiration for her talent and achievements."

What are your thoughts?

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The entertainment industry is in deep sorrow as singer Wheesung has passed away at the age of 43.

On March 10, Wheesung was found collapsed at his home in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, around 6:29 PM. He had returned from China just a day earlier and was supposed to meet his manager that day.

However, after failing to reach him, his mother, who lives in the same building, went to check on him and discovered him unconscious.

She immediately called for help, but despite emergency responders’ efforts, he was pronounced dead.

Authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of death. While they are checking for a possible suicide note, police stated there were no signs of forced entry or foul play.

His agency, Tajo Entertainment, released an official statement expressing deep grief:

"We are devastated by this sudden, heartbreaking news. His family, agency colleagues, and staff are mourning his loss. We know this will also be a huge shock to the fans who have always supported and loved Wheesung. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers so that he may rest in peace."

The news of Wheesung’s passing has left the industry in shock, especially as he was preparing for an upcoming concert.

He was scheduled to perform alongside KCM in a joint concert titled The Story on March 15 at the EXCO Auditorium in Daegu. Just days before, on March 6, he shared on social media, "Diet is over. See you on March 15," showing his excitement for the event. Sadly, this became his final message to fans, and the concert was ultimately canceled.

Celebrities and fellow artists are mourning Wheesung’s passing, remembering his incredible talent and kind heart.

Rapper Changmo shared, "Thank you for changing my life with your amazing music. Rest in peace."
Paloalto recalled memories of Wheesung, saying, "He was a singer I admired in my 20s. I even attended his first concert after my debut. This is truly shocking and heartbreaking. Thank you for being part of my youth with your music."

Yoon Min Soo posted a video of himself and Wheesung performing Toy’s "I Lived by Your Side for a While" together and wrote, "I hope you can sing freely wherever you are. I will never forget your pure and kind heart. Let’s meet again someday and sing together."

Jo Kwon of 2AM shared Wheesung’s hit song "A Story That Can’t Be Delivered" as a tribute, while Verbal Jint wrote, "Every moment we shared was an honor. Thank you." Other artists, including Harisu and San E, also expressed their condolences.

Wheesung debuted in 2002 with his first album Like a Movie and quickly rose to fame with the hit song "Can't We?" He became one of Korea’s top R&B singers, releasing numerous hit tracks like "Incurable Disease" and "Even Thought of Marriage."

Beyond being a singer, he was also a gifted songwriter and producer. He wrote hit songs like Younha’s "Password 486," T-ara’s "I Go Crazy Because of You," and Lee Hyori’s "Hey Mr. Big," showcasing his incredible musical talent.

While his career was full of achievements, Wheesung also battled deep personal struggles.

In 2021, he was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for illegally using propofol 12 times in 2019. In 2020, he was found unconscious in public restrooms after self-administering etomidate, a sleep-inducing anesthetic.

He also openly shared his struggles with depression. In 2023, he wrote, "If someone says my depression is fake, that I’m just pretending, then that person is the worst murderer of this era. Thanks to them, I feel even more like dying." He also revealed, "I have been hiding at home for a long time due to extreme mental pain."

Wheesung’s passing is a heartbreaking loss to the music industry, and fans will forever remember his beautiful voice and powerful songs. May he rest in peace.

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