'Korea's Got Talent' star Choi Sung-bong dies at 33 in apparent suicide

South Korean singer Choi Sung-bong has died in an apparent suicide. Photo: Bong Bong Company

South Korean singer Choi Sung-bong has died in an apparent suicide, police said Wednesday (June 21). He was 33 years old.

Choi was found dead by police at his home in the Yeoksam-dong district in Southern Seoul at about 9.41am on Tuesday (June 20), Yonhap reported.

The operatic pop singer shot into the limelight in 2011 after coming in second place on Korea’s Got Talent.

He later signed a record deal with Korean label Bong Bong Company and published a memoir detailing his inspiring journey from poverty to fame.

In 2021, however, Choi got embroiled in controversy after falsely claiming that he had cancer and needed money for treatment.

He had since confessed his wrongdoings and promised to return the large sum of donations he received.

According to Yonhap, police believed the singer died in an apparent suicide considering the “circumstances at his home” when his body was found.

Authorities also pointed out that Choi uploaded a note to his YouTube channel the day before he died.

As translated by news portal Allkpop, the note said: “The reason I am writing this is to send a letter to my fans for the last time in my life. If you are able to see this, it means I am already dead.

“I sincerely apologise to all who suffered from my foolish mistake. I (have returned) all the donations that were given to me over the past two years. Now, I want to repay my sins with my life,” he wrote.

Those suffering from problems can reach out to: Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp [phone]); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (WhatsApp [phone]); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929 or www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours).