Korean Choi Sung-bong, who rose to worldwide fame in 2011 for his powerful rendition of “Nella Fantasia” on the TV show “Korea’s Got Talent,” was found dead at his home on June 20. He was 33.
The police said Choi Sung-bong was found dead at his home in Gangnam, Seoul at about 9:41 a.m.
Choi Sung-bong on "Korea's Got Talent" in 2011 (Screenshot from tvN video)
Choi Sung-bong in 2021 (Facebook)
They believed that he committed suicide based on the situation at his home and a suicide note dated June 17 that was posted on his YouTube account on June 20.
Choi Sung-bong became popular when he appeared as a contestant on “Korea’s Got Talent” and sang “Nella Fantasia.” He was hailed by world media as the next Susan Boyle.
He appeared in the first episode of the show on June 4, 2011, sporting a bowl haircut and flannel long sleeve shirt.
Some of the audience laughed when he revealed that his job was a manual worker. The judges, including actress Song Yoon-ah, were touched when he revealed his sad life growing up.
Song Yoon-ah was curious why Choi didn’t put anything on the “family” part of his application. Choi said was left in an orphanage when he was three years old but he ran away when he was five because he experienced beatings from the people in the institution.
Choi said he lived by selling gums and energy drinks on the street, which went on for 10 years. He said he would sleep in public toilets or stairs like a fly.
Inspired by a singer he saw perform at a night club while he was selling gum, Choi said this started his dream to become a singer.
As he started singing, everyone was in awe. His operatic voice left judges Song and Park and the audience in tears.
“I want to give you a hug,” Song Yoon-ah told Choi Sung-bong, who passed the audition.
But in the finals held on Aug. 20, 2011, female dancer Joo Min-jung emerged as the grand prize winner, beating Choi Sung-bong, who wound up in second place.
In 2020, he said he was suffering from stage 3 colon cancer, prostate cancer, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer. He received donations from overseas fans.
However, in October 2021, a YouTuber uncovered that his cancer diagnosis was not true. He admitted that he had no cancer at all.
In his June 20 letter, Choi Sung-bong said, “The reason I'm writing this is because I'm writing to my fans at the end of my life, and if you see this, I'd already be dead.”
“From 2011 to the present, I have been receiving attention and love from so many people. I sincerely thank you and express my gratitude,” he added.
“I am sincerely sorry for my foolish mistakes and those who have suffered damage, and I have repeatedly made mistakes. For the past two years, we have returned all those who have asked for a return of donations. Now I want to pay for my sins with my life,” he said.
He said, “Looking back, since I was young, I tried my best to enjoy a normal life, like every day for 10 years, but in the end, I'm sorry.”
“I have no regrets on the journey of a brilliant life. I have lived to the best of my ability and tried to have happiness every day. To the many people who have suffered because of me, I am sincerely sorry and I will pay for my sins with my life. To the many people who helped me, I'm sorry. I hope you forget me. And in your own life, I wish you happiness. I wish you all the best. Goodbye,” he said.