‘Korea’s got Talent’ singer is the next global sensation

A young Korean with untamed hair and plain-spoken manner has mesmerized millions of music lovers after appearing on a Korean television talent show. Sung-bong Choi, 22, has become one of the world's hottest celebrities after his rendition of Sarah Brightman's "Nella Fantasia" on "Korea's Got Talent" drew tears among the judges and the audience. Choi's performance bears similarities to that of Susan Magdalene Boyle’s, a Scottish singer who appeared on "Britain's Got Talent" in 2009 and confounded expectations with her rendition of Les Miserables' "I Dreamed a Dream." Apart from his powerful baritone voice, Choi's life story has inspired millions around the world. As of this posting, the clip of his song has already been viewed nearly 10 million times on YouTube. Much of Choi's incredible past has been revealed on the show. "I was left by my parents in the orphanage at the age of 3. When I reached 5, I left the place after I was beaten by people there," he narrated on "Korea's Got Talent." Since then, Choi said, he sold gums and energy drinks in the streets of Daejeon, 167 kms south of Seoul. "I had that life for about 10 years," he added. The turning point of his life came at 14 when he entered night school and his teacher discovered he’s got talent. At the time, he started to realize singing was his passion. "I have had many bad experiences in the past... And with singing, everything about life becomes exciting and fascinating," Choi said. Judges in tears Choi's operatic voice has turned the talent show's judges emotional. Teary-eyed, musical director Park Young Mi told Choi: "I think you do have a good instrument in you... Thanks for the awesome performance." Park later said, "Regardless of his hard life, he passionately runs toward what he really wants... Even talented ones rarely have that passion." Jang Jin, a theater director in Korea, praised the newest online sensation's talent. He told Choi: "I think you can tell what a great performance you've given us through audiences' reaction." He pointed out Choi's baritone voice "magically attracts" listeners' minds. Korean model and singer Song Yun-ah said she's glad to see how Choi would rise to fame. "I was very happy to meet him. I just want him to be happy... from now on." According to a report on Reuters, Choi is included in the finals of "Korea's Got Talent," which will be televised on August 28. — With Jesse Edep/VS, GMA News