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South Korean Singer Wheesung Found Dead At 43

South Korean singer Wheesung was found dead at his residence, his management said Tuesday, with police reportedly planning to conduct an autopsy to determine the 43-year-old’s exact cause of death.

Wheesung, who had a string of hits in South Korea including a popular cover of British star Craig David’s “Insomnia”, was found unconscious in his apartment at 6: 29 pm Monday &nbsp, by emergency responders after his mother called for help, local media reported.

Police told local media they had found no signs of foul play but warned that “a significant amount of time” had elapsed since he died, with an autopsy requested.

“Artist Wheesung has left us”, his management agency Tajoy Entertainment said, adding agency staff and colleagues were “in deep sorrow”.

He was scheduled to perform alongside singer KCM in the southeastern city of Daegu this coming Saturday.

In his final message on social media, Wheesung announced the upcoming concert and wrote: “Weight loss completed. See you on March 15”.

Since his singing debut in 2002, Wheesung had been popular in the South with numerous hit songs, including chart-topping “With Me”, and was well-regarded for his soulful performances.

But his music career took a hit in 2021 when he was convicted and handed a suspended jail sentence for use of propofol — a surgical anaesthetic that is sometimes abused recreationally.

An overdose of the drug was cited as the cause of pop star Michael Jackson’s death in 2009.

South Korean singers and fans mourned Wheesung’s sudden death.

Rapper Verbal Jint paid tribute on Instagram, saying: “Every moment we spent together was an honour and I’m thankful. You’ve worked so hard. Rest in peace, Wheesung”.

Another rapper, Paltoalto, thanked the veteran singer for fond memories, mentioning he went to see his first concert.

“It’s shocking and sad. I’m thankful for the music that accompanied me through the good memories of my youth”, he wrote on Instagram.

In a heartfelt comment on the artist’s last social media post, a fan said: “At your concert on December 23 last year, you told us to expect a lot from you, singing until you’re 60. I never thought that would be the last time I hear your voice… Goodbye, my idol, Wheesung”.

Last month, another South Korean actor, Kim Sae-ron, was found dead at her home aged 24.

I’m lucky to have learned from unbelievable Murray – Gibson-Park

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Jamison Gibson-Park says he is “really lucky” to have learnt from legendary scrum-half Conor Murray, who will play his final game for Ireland on Saturday.

The 35-year-old will call time on his international career after Ireland’s final game of the Six Nations in Rome.

Alongside Peter O’Mahony and Cian Healy, who will also retire from Test rugby after the tournament, Murray played his final Ireland game in Dublin in Saturday’s defeat by France.

Gibson-Park said Murray, who has won five Six Nations titles, was “unbelievable and a great guy”.

“He was one of the best in the world for the guts of 10 years”, said Gibson-Park, who moved to Ireland from his native New Zealand to join Leinster in 2016.

“I used to watch on and when I first arrived in Ireland I was kind of amazed at how good he was really, he was unbelievably consistent and I suppose in many ways I felt at that time I was probably a little inconsistent.

” So I looked up to guys like him for sure, and then getting into camp with him, it’s been awesome to rub shoulders with him. He’s such a great guy and he’s certainly helped my career. “

Gibson-Park says Ireland will be motivated for Murray, O’Mahony and Healy to end their time in green on a high.

” I feel privileged to have played with all three of them, “he said.

” It would be nice to finish off in a good way for the lads that are done, obviously it was their last game in the Aviva, but we have another game]on Saturday] to look forward to.

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Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers lose to Brooklyn Nets

With an injured LeBron James sidelined for Los Angeles, Cameron Johnson scored 18 points, including a clutch foul-line jumper over Luka Doncic with 59.6 seconds remaining as the Brooklyn Nets snapped a seven-game losing streak by holding on for a 111-108 victory over the Lakers in New York.

Johnson made 6 of 14 shots on Monday, none bigger than the 14-footer he hit over Doncic to put the Nets ahead 106-100.

Johnson’s shot gave Brooklyn some breathing room when Doncic sank an open 35-foot 3-pointer off an inbounds play with 11.5 seconds left to bring Los Angeles within 108-106.

Following a three-point play by the Nets ‘ Noah Clowney, the Lakers ‘ Austin Reaves hit a layup with 3.2 seconds remaining, cutting the gap to three. Johnson then missed two free throws with 2.3 seconds left. The game ended when Doncic was well short on a 77-foot desperation 3-point heave.

Doncic recorded his second triple-double as a Laker by totalling 22 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists but shot 8-for-26.

Los Angeles struggled most of the final three quarters in the first game since James injured his left groin. Three other Lakers starters – Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith and Rui Hachimura – did not play against the Nets due to injury.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) watches from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center]Brad Penner/Imagn Images via Reuters]

Gabe Vincent scored a season-high 24 for the Lakers, who shot 43.5 percent as a team while taking their second loss in a row. Rookie Dalton Knecht added 19, but Reaves made only 3 of 14 from the field and finished with 17 points and 10 assists.

Clowney led the Nets with 19 points and Keon Johnson finished with 18. Tyrese Martin contributed 14 and Nic Claxton chipped in 12 as the Nets shot 41.1 percent and overcame an early 15-point deficit.

Vincent scored 13 points while Doncic missed six of nine shots as the Lakers held a 28-16 lead through the opening quarter. The Nets outscored the Lakers 32-19 in the second and took a 48-47 lead into halftime after Cameron Johnson hit a 3-pointer with 66 seconds left.

Brooklyn took a pair of eight-point leads in the opening four minutes of the third. Following 12 lead changes, the Nets held an 81-79 lead into the fourth when Martin sank a 3-pointer with 24 seconds left.

The Nets took a 92-85 lead when Cameron Johnson easily went by Doncic for a dunk with seven minutes left. Three free throws by Reaves cut the lead to 97-95 with 3: 51 but D’Angelo Russell hit a 3 with 91 seconds left to push Brooklyn’s lead to 104-98 before Johnson’s clutch hoop.

Cameron Johnson in action.
Cameron Johnson, left, of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball against Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers during their game on March 10, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, United States]Nathaniel S Butler/NBAE/Getty Images via AFP]

Pro-Fubara Group Condemns Call For Gov’s Resignation, Impeachment

The Supreme Council for Sim, a political group supporting Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has strongly criticised calls for his resignation or impeachment.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Tony Okocha had demanded that Fubara step down or face impeachment, accusing him of mismanaging the state, violating the law, and disrespecting President Bola Tinubu, who previously intervened in the state’s political crisis with an eight-point agenda.

However, at a media briefing in Port Harcourt, two leaders of the pro-Fubara group described Okocha’s remarks as provocative.

The group’s convener, Joshua Fubara, cautioned Okocha and others pushing for the governor’s removal against mistaking his humility for weakness.

READ ALSO: Court Adjourns Natasha’s Suit Against Senate To March 25

He argued that if Governor Fubara had adopted the confrontational approach of some political figures, the state would have been thrown into chaos.

He further asserted that based on the governor’s performance, Rivers people should be considering a second term for Fubara, a cause the group is already advocating.

Another leader of the group, Esezi Obilor-Rukani, dismissed the impeachment threats, stating that Fubara had not committed any impeachable offense.

He commended the governor for governing with integrity and a humane approach, citing key achievements such as the long-overdue promotion of civil servants after eight years and the adoption of an ₦85, 000 minimum wage.

According to Obilor-Rukani, the governor has also prudently managed state resources, leading to significant investments in road construction, healthcare, and education infrastructure.

The group emphasised that, in line with the Supreme Court ruling, all political factions should close ranks to move the state forward.

Lions watch: Kinghorn & Chessum star but Lawrence injury blow

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The selection dilemmas facing British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell rumble on after an entertaining penultimate round of the Six Nations.

Ireland were beaten by France in Dublin, while Scotland withstood a Wales fightback to claim victory and recover from defeat by England, who cruised past Italy.

Locks

Before France arrived in Dublin, Ireland were on course for the Grand Slam and a record third consecutive title after wins over England, Scotland and Wales.

Eighty minutes later, the hosts ‘ crown had started to slip.

Les Bleus ended Ireland’s Slam chances and moved to the top of the standings in a blow to the hosts ‘ collective and individual targets.

The Ireland engine room has been largely untarnished in the opening three rounds, and while Tadhg Beirne remained solid, Joe McCarthy fell foul of some costly ill-discipline.

The 23-year-old was shown an early yellow card for a needless pull on Thomas Ramos, which led to Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s opening try for France.

Ireland’s defeat had handed England an opportunity to leapfrog them in the table with victory over Italy at Allianz Stadium.

The hosts were comfortable winners with captain Maro Itoje continuing his fine form, while his lock partner Ollie Chessum was a standout performer in the set-piece and from open play.

Chessum’s tireless display, including some hard carrying with ball in hand, resulted in a player-of-the-match performance – just days after the Leicester forward had been unable to train because of illness.

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Centres

Ollie Lawrence’s Achilles injury in the early stages of England’s win was a blow to club, country and potentially the Lions.

Apart from England’s Six Nations finale in Cardiff, it is likely to rule the centre out of Bath’s Premiership run-in and consideration for this summer’s tour.

Lawrence has been one of England’s leading lights in both attack and defence, while midfield partner Henry Slade was dropped for Fraser Dingwall against the Azzurri.

Former England wing Chris Ashton said he was “absolutely gutted” for Lawrence.

“He was almost nailed on after the way the Irish centres were handled by France on Saturday, which made his case stronger”, Ashton told BBC Rugby Union Weekly.

“There is still a lot to be discussed in the centre with Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu]injured] to come back too but it looks like Lawrence will be unavailable now”.

As Ashton alluded to, Ireland’s Bundee Aki, a Lions tourist to South Africa in 2021, had a quiet afternoon in the defeat by France before being replaced by Jack Crowley in the 55th minute.

Scotland’s Tom Jordan, meanwhile, produced an impressive display at inside centre in victory over Wales.

The New Zealand-born 26-year-old, who can also operate at fly-half, was on hand to support midfield partner Huw Jones for his opening try and also dotted down twice himself.

Back three

Former Ireland and Lions wing Simon Zebo says “hot competition” remains across the back-three positions.

Wing Duhan van der Merwe had some nice touches but did not score any of Scotland’s five tries against Wales, and Ireland’s James Lowe injured his back in the warm-up in Dublin and had to withdraw.

England wing Tommy Freeman added his fourth try of the campaign with a powerful finish from Elliot Daly’s clever kick through, while his Northampton club-mate Ollie Sleightholme scored twice out wide.

Zebo says Freeman, who has the second-most tries in the tournament alongside Jones, is a strong contender for the Lions.

“He has been fantastic for Northampton for some time and is a fantastic finisher”, Zebo told BBC’s Six Nations Rugby Special.

“He is definitely in with a shout. It is hot competition in the back three but he is probably the form player at the moment”.

Scotland full-back Blair Kinghorn, meanwhile, also strengthened his claim for a place in the Test team.

The Toulouse flier showed his athleticism and power to finish two tries in victory over Wales, but his unavailability in the early stages of the tour with the Top 14 season still ongoing may concern Farrell.

Elsewhere, Hugo Keenan had a quiet game for Ireland and England’s Marcus Smith was dropped for Daly, before producing an impressive try-scoring performance from the bench at Allianz Stadium.

Lawrence’s early injury saw Smith, who usually operates at fly-half, enter the fray at full-back with 32-year-old Daly moving into midfield.

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Lions watch week four: Locks, centres and back three

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The selection dilemmas facing British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell rumble on after an entertaining penultimate round of the Six Nations.

Ireland were beaten by France in Dublin, while Scotland withstood a Wales fightback to claim victory and recover from defeat by England, who cruised past Italy.

Locks

Before France arrived in Dublin, Ireland were on course for the Grand Slam and a record third consecutive title after wins over England, Scotland and Wales.

Eighty minutes later, the hosts ‘ crown had started to slip.

Les Bleus ended Ireland’s Slam chances and moved to the top of the standings in a blow to the hosts ‘ collective and individual targets.

The Ireland engine room has been largely untarnished in the opening three rounds, and while Tadhg Beirne remained solid, Joe McCarthy fell foul of some costly ill-discipline.

The 23-year-old was shown an early yellow card for a needless pull on Thomas Ramos, which led to Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s opening try for France.

Ireland’s defeat had handed England an opportunity to leapfrog them in the table with victory over Italy at Allianz Stadium.

The hosts were comfortable winners with captain Maro Itoje continuing his fine form, while his lock partner Ollie Chessum was a standout performer in the set-piece and from open play.

Chessum’s tireless display, including some hard carrying with ball in hand, resulted in a player-of-the-match performance – just days after the Leicester forward had been unable to train because of illness.

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Centres

Ollie Lawrence’s Achilles injury in the early stages of England’s win was a blow to club, country and potentially the Lions.

Apart from England’s Six Nations finale in Cardiff, it is likely to rule the centre out of Bath’s Premiership run-in and consideration for this summer’s tour.

Lawrence has been one of England’s leading lights in both attack and defence, while midfield partner Henry Slade was dropped for Fraser Dingwall against the Azzurri.

Former England wing Chris Ashton said he was “absolutely gutted” for Lawrence.

“He was almost nailed on after the way the Irish centres were handled by France on Saturday, which made his case stronger”, Ashton told BBC Rugby Union Weekly.

“There is still a lot to be discussed in the centre with Scotland’s Sione Tuipulotu]injured] to come back too but it looks like Lawrence will be unavailable now”.

As Ashton alluded to, Ireland’s Bundee Aki, a Lions tourist to South Africa in 2021, had a quiet afternoon in the defeat by France before being replaced by Jack Crowley in the 55th minute.

Scotland’s Tom Jordan, meanwhile, produced an impressive display at inside centre in victory over Wales.

The New Zealand-born 26-year-old, who can also operate at fly-half, was on hand to support midfield partner Huw Jones for his opening try and also dotted down twice himself.

Back three

Former Ireland and Lions wing Simon Zebo says “hot competition” remains across the back-three positions.

Wing Duhan van der Merwe had some nice touches but did not score any of Scotland’s five tries against Wales, and Ireland’s James Lowe injured his back in the warm-up in Dublin and had to withdraw.

England wing Tommy Freeman added his fourth try of the campaign with a powerful finish from Elliot Daly’s clever kick through, while his Northampton club-mate Ollie Sleightholme scored twice out wide.

Zebo says Freeman, who has the second-most tries in the tournament alongside Jones, is a strong contender for the Lions.

“He has been fantastic for Northampton for some time and is a fantastic finisher”, Zebo told BBC’s Six Nations Rugby Special.

“He is definitely in with a shout. It is hot competition in the back three but he is probably the form player at the moment”.

Scotland full-back Blair Kinghorn, meanwhile, also strengthened his claim for a place on the plane.

The Toulouse flier showed his athleticism and power to finish two tries in victory over Wales, but his unavailability in the early stages of the tour with the Top 14 season still ongoing may concern Farrell.

Elsewhere, Hugo Keenan had a quiet game for Ireland and England’s Marcus Smith was dropped for Daly, before producing an impressive try-scoring performance from the bench at Allianz Stadium.

Lawrence’s early injury saw Smith, who usually operates at fly-half, enter the fray at full-back with 32-year-old Daly moving into midfield.

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