Korean singer Choi Sung-bong, known for his appearance on “Korea’s Got Talent,” tragically died by suicide at the age of 33. According to Seoul police, Choi was found dead in his home in the Yeoksam-dong district on Tuesday morning. The news was first reported by the South Korea wire service Yonthap.
Choi had a challenging upbringing and had to drop out of music school due to financial difficulties. He worked as a day laborer to support himself before getting the opportunity of a lifetime in 2011. Choi auditioned for “Korea’s Got Talent,” a show broadcast by tvN. His operatic performance of Ennio Morricone’s “Nella Fantasia” impressed the judges and audience, propelling him to the finals where he finished in second place by a narrow margin of 280 votes. The YouTube clip of his performance went viral, accumulating over 21 million views. K-pop stars like BoA and Jung-Hwa Um even shared the video on social media, creating further buzz. International media outlets likened Choi’s story to that of Susan Boyle.
As a result of his newfound fame, Choi signed a record deal with Korean label Bong Bong Company and published a bestselling memoir chronicling his journey from poverty to internet stardom. However, in 2021, his career took a negative turn when he staged a public fundraising campaign claiming to be battling multiple forms of cancer and asking for financial assistance. It was later revealed to be a hoax.
Seoul police determined that Choi took his own life based on the circumstances at his home and a note he uploaded to his YouTube channel. In the note, Choi expressed sincere apologies for his foolish mistake and admitted to returning all the donations received under false pretenses.
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This tragic event once again sheds light on the mental health challenges faced by artists in South Korea’s entertainment industry. In recent years, the industry has witnessed a series of deaths among young performers, raising concerns about the psychological pressures they endure. Cyberbullying was a contributing factor in the suicides of K-pop stars Sulli and Goo Hara, both of whom passed away in 2019. K-drama actresses Jung Chae-yull and Song Yoo-jung also died unexpectedly, though the causes of their deaths were not disclosed by their agencies.
In an effort to address this growing problem, the South Korean government introduced a plan in October 2021 to improve mental health support for celebrities. However, the high-profile deaths have continued, including the recent suicide of 29-year-old K-pop singer Haesoo.
It is imperative to prioritize mental health and provide adequate support to individuals in the entertainment industry. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the U.S. at 1-800-273-8255 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources. For other countries, please seek help from your local suicide hotline.
The loss of Choi Sung-bong is a tragic reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, real people are facing untold struggles. Let us strive to create a more compassionate and supportive environment for all artists, where their mental well-being is valued and protected.
