Korea's Got Talent singer stuns judges, audience
Sung-Bong Choi, 22 years old, is Korea's answer to Susan Boyle of Britain - but with more compelling life story.
At age of 3 he was left at an orphanage. He ran away when he was five because he claims he was being beaten by the people there.
In the following years, he lived in the streets selling gums and energy drinks. He tells of having to sleep in stairs and public toilets like dayfly.
High school was the first school he attended after taking a general education test to get his elementary and middle school.
Suddenly, he was thrust into the limelight and fame when he joined Korea's Got Talent to showcase his singing talent.
Asked by a judge early on in the competition what he would feel if he doesn't advance further, Choi replied "I am not supposed to be here so it doesn't matter whether I get through or not."
His rendition of an Italian song reduced the judges to tears. One female judge was speechless for a moment and could only say: "I just wanna give you a hug." The audience was also as stunned.
Choi's answers to the judges' questions were as memorable as his singing performance. Asked if he enjoys singing, he replied "Rather than say I sing because I enjoy it, I say I like singing because it was the first thing I liked after living that dayfly-like life. I am not a good singer but I just like it."
Asked why he want to sing, he said "When I was young, many bad things happened like being sold somewhere. One day while selling gums in a night club, I saw a vocalist singing on the stage. Usually night clubs have exciting music, right? I was fascinated by the singer who sang on the stage so sincerely. Since the I started to like singing."
After his rendition at the semi-final, Sung Bong was asked by the panel and the two side hosts what he feels now that he had become famous not only in Korea but all over the world. He meekly responded: " I am a little scared but I am flattered."
Asked how his life was changed after his appearance at Korea Got Talent, his response heard around the world was: "I found reasons to live and I am grateful for that."
Choi is expected to emerge the eventual winner. But even if he doesn't, some admirers have pledged to help him get voice training lessons and a promising singing career awaits him.