Controversial Korean singer Choi Sung-bong (33) found dead at home
What's the story
South Korean singer Choi Sung-bong, aged 33, was found dead at his home in Seoul. The incident took place on Tuesday (June 20) and is suspected to be a suicide.
Reportedly, he posted a farewell message on YouTube. The police are currently investigating the matter. However, a post-mortem has not been conducted yet.
The singer rose to fame via Korea's Got Talent.
Controversy
Choi's controversial career
Coming from an underprivileged background, Choi became a sensation in 2011 through the singing reality show.
However, he soon turned into a controversial figure.
After the success of his album Slow Boy, he claimed to be suffering from colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, and prostate cancer. Later, it was found to be false. Things spiraled when he disclosed reports which turned out to be forged.
Journey
Choi's journey to stardom
Choi was a prime example of rags to riches in South Korea. In his childhood, he dropped out of music school due to a lack of funds and worked as a day laborer.
His breakthrough stint in the TV reality show is remembered by many. His performance of Ennio Morricone's Nella Fantasia has more than 21M views on YouTube.
Rest in Peace, Choi!
Twitter Post
Twitter Post
SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- Choi Sung-bong 33, a singer renowned for placing second in the audition program "Korea's Got Talent," has died in an apparent suicide, police said Wed., he largely fell from public view in 2021 after he received large sums in sponsorship by falsely😢 pic.twitter.com/EQO1BIeC5e
— Sumner (@renmusb1) June 21, 2023