Choi Sung-bong
Choi Sung-Bong | |
|---|---|
| Choi Sung-Bong at the Korea's Got Talent in South Korea. Choi Sung-Bong at the Korea's Got Talent in South Korea. | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Choi Sungbong |
| Born | February 18, 1990 South Korea |
| Origin | South Korea |
| Genres | Opera |
| Occupation(s) | Classical Vocalist |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Years active | 2011–present |
Template:Contains Korean text Template:Korean name
Choi Sungbong (최성봉; Hanja: 崔聖奉, born 18 February 1990) is a South Korean vocalist who became famous after his appearance on Korea's Got Talent was picked up by the worldwide news media. He finished second in the competition. Controversy has sparked that Sung-bong Choi was a publicity stunt pulled by the network.
Background
Childhood
Abandoned in an orphanage at three years old, Choi ran away from the abusive institution when he was five years old, because he was beaten. Choi sold chewing gum and energy drinks from five years of age. He delivered milk and newspapers in addition to working as a laborer to survive, beginning at age eight. Choi later met a woman who ran the food cart outside of night clubs, who gave him the name Ji-Sung. Choi did not have a name prior to their encounter. She also encouraged Choi to take the Korean equivalent of a GED to complete his elementary and junior high curricula in order to enter high school. Choi tracked his official record with the name Sungbong Choi at the orphanage; however, this was not his given name by his parents. Instead, it was the name given to him at the orphanage; as a result, Choi preferred the name Ji-Sung over Sungbong.
He graduated from Daejeon Arts High School. Choi stated during the audition that he attended the high school. Choi also mentioned that there were not any teachers to give him vocal training at the school since he did not usually have the financial resources to pay for master classes.
He also had to work at a delivery service to earn tuition and lessons, but it resulted in a traumatic fall during his 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. shift. Choi subsequently received medical treatment at Kun Yang University Hospital. Prior to the fall, Choi also had two car accidents as a child without proper medical treatment for many years. When Choi got admitted at Kun Yang University Hospital due to other medical issues related to the earlier car accidents, he voluntarily performed a recital for four students who needed the financial aid for schools during his in-patient stay. Choi initially considered dropping out of high school, but he later found master classes and practiced on his own. Nonetheless, his high school music teacher noted that Choi was often absent from classes due to his difficult situation. Choi could not continue with post-secondary education then due to his limited financial resources.[1] Instead, he worked as a construction worker with the type of work similar to that of a day laborer. Due to his immense TV exposure and popularity, Choi's background has been intensely searched and verified by Netizens and South Korean media.
Musical background
Choi was inspired to pursue a career in music when he was 14 years old, after listening to a classical vocalist at the nightclub where he sold chewing gum. Choi mentioned during the Korea's Got Talent audition that he was particularly fascinated by the sincerity of the vocalist. He became a musical autodidact and later pursued classical vocal training at the musical department of Daejeon Arts High School.[2][3] Choi stated that his favorite vocalist is Andrea Bocelli.
Korea's Got Talent
Appearance and Performance
On 6 June 2011, Choi's performance of "Nella Fantasia" moved judges and audience members to tears. He introduced himself as a manual laborer who had made a living selling gum and energy drinks for ten years.[1]
All the judges, including Kolleen Park, were impressed with his vocal talent. Choi advanced to the finals of the competition, finishing second by 280 votes.[4]
During his first appearance in replying to a judge's question on whether he had vocal training, Choi said he studied on his own, but took master classes whenever he had opportunities..[5]
YouTube sensation
Choi's performance clip made it to YouTube and triggered a worldwide Internet sensation. One version[6] with English subtitles has triggered international press interest and a worldwide view that Choi was "the next Susan Boyle".[7] The video itself has more than 46 million views.[8][9]
See also
- List of YouTube personalities
- List of South Korean television series
- List of South Korean musicians
- Television in South Korea
References
- ^ a b "The Next Susan Boyle? South Korean Singer is Latest Internet Sensation". ABC News. June 7, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
- ^ "'Korea's Got Talent': orphan, Sungbong Choi makes judges cry". International Business Times. 2011-05-31. Retrieved 2011-06-08.
- ^ "Choi Sungbong's moving rendition on Korea's Got Talent induces tears and controversy". Allkpop. June 6, 2011. Retrieved June 9, 2011.
- ^ "Korea's 'Susan Boyle' Choi Sung-Bong's Overcomes Troubled Past". ABC. 2011-08-21. Retrieved 2011-09-16.
- ^ "Korean Susan Boyle: 22-Year-Old Sung-Bong Choi Sings on Korea's Got Talent". TIME. 2011-05-27. Retrieved 2011-06-08.
- ^ "Korea's Got Talent. tvN 코리아 갓 탤런트 Ep.1 Sung-bong Choi!!!.avi". YouTube. 2011-06-04. Retrieved 2011-06-08.
- ^ Usigan, Ysolt (2011-06-07). "The next Susan Boyle? Sung-bong Choi on "Korea's Got Talent"". CBS News. Retrieved 2011-06-08.
- ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ46Ot4_lLo
- ^ Anna Park (June 8, 2011). "Homeless Orphan Becomes Overnight Star of Korea's Got Talent". MTV Korea. Retrieved June 9, 2011.