'Korea's Susan Boyle' brings dream on stage
By Jung Jee-seob
Choi Sung-bong, a 22-year-old construction worker, has achieved something many famous pop stars haven’t done before -- bringing a nation to tears.
At Korea’s Got Talent event on July 4, Choi belted out the first verses of Sarah Brightman’s “Nella Fantasia” and immediately the judges’ eyes began to water, according to CNN.
The audience cheered him on throughout his whole performance. Their sight blurred by tears. His opera-worthy baritone voice was so unexpectedly touching coming from a young man of his age that none of the critics had anything to criticize about.
Abandoned at an orphanage at the age of three, Choi didn’t exactly have a luxurious life. Beaten at the home and sold to several people, he ran away at five and spent nearly 10 years selling gum and power drinks on the streets. “I’ve lived in very difficult circumstances … I still feel uncomfortable competing today,” Choi said before his performance.
He discovered singing at a night club where he was selling chewing gum, and he changed completely. “I don't sing a lot, but when I do I feel like I become a different person,” Choi told the program’s crew.
After the episode was aired by television channel tvN, he went to a fine arts high school in Seoul, his first time receiving education. The program edited out the scene to make it have a better flow.
During his appearance, judge Kolleen Park was so impressed that she offered vocal lessons no matter what happened to his rank during the competition. The finals will take place on Aug. 20.
The writer is a Korea Times intern. jeeseob@gmail.com