Content warning: Death and suicide
Tragedy has struck the Korean entertainment industry with the death of singer Choi Sung Bong. The operatic pop singer—best known for his inspiring run in Korea’s Got Talent—was found dead in his home on June 20. Previously, Sung Bong had posted what was deemed as his final letter on his personal YouTube channel, which expressed his love for his fans over the years.
To honor his life, here are five things to know about the celebrated Korean performer.
1. Choi Sung Bong was only 33 years old.
Sung Bong was born on February 18, 1990 in Seoul, South Korea.
2. Choi Sung Bong was a first-runner-up in “Korea’s Got Talent.”
In a 2011 season of the competition Korea’s Got Talent, Sung Bong roused the jury and audience when the popera singer performed a tear-inducing rendition of Ennio Morricone's Nella Fantasia.
Judges Kolleen Park, Jang Jin, and Song Yun Ah were all stirred by his performance. Soon after, Sung Bong advanced in the competition, where he cinched the second spot in the finals by only 280 votes.
3. Choi Sung Bong lived in an orphanage as a child.
During his introduction in Korea’s Got Talent, the singer detailed his tumultuous childhood. According to Sung Bong, he was abandoned at an orphanage at the age of three, and ran away due to the physical abuse he had experienced inside. The singer reportedly made ends meet by selling energy drinks and gum at five years old, and delivering milk and newspapers by eight years old.
In his memoir Singing is My Life: A Memoir of My Journey from Homelessness to Fame, Sung Bong recalled falling victim to gangs and drugs, but soon turned his life around. After an encounter with an opera singer at a nightclub, Sung Bong found then-college student Park Jung So, who was willing to offer him free lessons that opened up his talent.
4. Choi Sung Bong previously faced controversies.
In recent years, the singer was the subject of controversy when he was found to have falsified a cancer diagnosis that spread throughout his organs. Sung Bong had reportedly accepted donations to fund his album, but then received backlash when a reporter accused him of faking his illness. After the malicious reception, the singer attempted to end his life on a live stream, but was quickly rescued by paramedics.
In October 2021, Sung Bong confessed that his cancer diagnosis was false, and instead shared that he had “major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.” In the same message, the singer also promised to return the donations he received. His final letter revealed that all donations have been paid back to those who requested them.
5. Choi Sung Bong’s talent was well-loved by the world.
His powerful baritone transcended beyond his home country and onto the globe. Sung Bong’s performance was praised by the likes of Justin Bieber, BoA, and Uhm Jung-Hwa, as well as former South Korea president Lee Myung Park.
Rest in peace, Sung Bong.
If you feel that you need help and advice for yourself or anyone else, please contact The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline, a 24/7 confidential services hotline for psychiatric emergencies, suicidal thoughts, depression, and other issues at (02) 7989-8727 or (0917) 899-8727 (or 0917 899-USAP). You can also reach out to Hopeline, a 24/7 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention hotline in the Philippines, by calling (02) 8804-4673, (0917) 558-4673 (Globe), or (0918) 873-4673 (Smart). Here is a more complete list of hotlines you can reach out to for further assistance.
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