Orphan boy becomes sensation around globe

By 조정은

Published : July 21, 2011 - 11:43

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A 22-year-old amateur Korean singer has become a worldwide sensation since appearing on “Korea’s Got Talent,” where he not only impressed with his singing but told the story of his arduous childhood.

A part of CNN's report on Choi Sung-bong, one of contestants for 'Korea's Got Talent' (CNN)

Nearly 10 million YouTube viewers have already watched the video of him singing “Nella Fantasia.”

Choi Sung-bong was left in an orphanage at age 3. About two years later, he ran away from the center to escape from the physical abuse he suffered there.

Though homeless, he managed to make a living for 10 years by selling chewing gum and energy drinks, and sleeping at public toilets. Choi started dreaming of becoming a singer when he saw performances at night clubs while working.

A turning point in his life arrived when a warm-hearted woman persuaded him to continue studying and gave him the name “Ji-sung.” At the time he could not remember his real name.

With the help of a social welfare worker, Choi was able to find his original name, and he eventually entered Daejeon Arts high school.

“When I sing, I feel like I’m becoming a different person. I just want to be a man of music,” he said while on stage. “It is such an honor for me just to stand here.”

Despite his ordinary appearance, his voice brought both the audience and judges to tears.

Choi’s touching story quickly spread around the globe, as he was introduced in major media such as CNN, who described his performance by saying, “Move over Susan Boyle.”

“I hope teenagers or other people in desperate circumstances can find new hope through my story,” he said to local reporters. “I am glad that I could find the purpose of my life.”

By Kang Yoon-seung
(koreacolin@gmail.com)
Intern reporter
Edited by Rob York

<한글 요약>

CNN, '한국판 수전 보일' 감동스토리 보도

케이블 오디션 프로그램에서 뛰어난 가창력을 자랑한 최성봉씨의 감동적인 인생 이야기가 인터넷을 비롯하여 CNN 등 외신에서 소개가 되면서 전 세계의 이목을 집중 받고 있다.

지금까지 유명 인터넷 사이트 YouTube에 올라온 영상의 조회수만 해도 천 만에 육박한다.

올해 22세인 최성봉씨는 만 세 살 때 고아원에 맡겨진 뒤, 폭력을 못 이겨 다섯 살 때 길거리로 나와 오늘 이 자리까지 역경을 이기고 와서 감동을 더하고 있다.

껌과 박카스 등을 판매하고 화장실 등에서 잠을 청하던 최성봉씨는 나이트 클럽에서 가수들을 보며 꿈을 키워 왔다고 말했다.

자신의 이름도 잊어버린 채 10년을 노숙생활 한 그는, 주변의 권유로 검정고시를 보고 사회복지사의 도움으로 이름도 찾아 대전예술고등학교에 입학하기도 하였다.

노래를 부를 때 만큼은 다른 사람이 된 것 같다고 밝힌 그는, “제가 살아가는 이유가 생긴 것 같아서 너무 감사하다”고 소감을 전했다.

Orphan boy becomes sensation around globe

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