Wheesung to Make US Debut Next Year

Wheesung, a South Korean R&B singer, is getting ready to take a step into the world's largest pop market.

Popup Entertainment, the singer's agency, said Wednesday that Wheesung will join forces with Rodney ``Darkchild'' Jerkins, one of America's top producers, to debut in the United States early next year.

Wheesung's debut album in the U.S. ― a digital single ― will contain two to three songs, the agency said. The singer's American debut is drawing special attention because he signed a distribution and investment contract with Universal Music, the world's largest record label.

Rodney ``Darkchild'' Jerkins is a Grammy Award-winning songwriter, record producer and musician who produced such hit songs as ``You Rock My World'' by Michael Jackson, ``Say My Name'' by Destiny's Child and ``Dejavu'' by Beyonce.

Wheesung's U.S. entry has been made possible as Kim Hyung-seok, a famous local songwriter, recommended him to an acquaintance of Jerkins.

Popup Entertainment said, ``Wheesung had already completed recording two songs in the U.S. Jerkins praised him for being a good singer.''

Wheesung, 27, was quoted as saying, ``I am glad to have a good chance. I will do my best to reap fruitful results.''

He plans to release his sixth album in South Korea early next month.