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.

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