It has been two years since singer Choi Sung-bong ended his life at the age of 33. Known as 'Korea's Paul Potts', Choi Sung-bong touched many lives and offered comfort, but his true self was revealed after the infamous incident of faking cancer, leading him to leave us as an unclaimed deceased.

Choi Sung-bong was found dead at his home in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on June 20, 2023. He was 33.

A day before he was found dead, Choi Sung-bong expressed through a community post, "I sincerely apologize for my foolish mistakes and to those who have been harmed. I have returned the sponsorship money to everyone who inquired during the past two years. Now, I intend to pay for my sins with my life." This message was made public on the day of his death, and the police were dispatched upon receiving a report, but he had already passed away.

Choi Sung-bong finished as the runner-up in tvN's 'Korea's Got Talent' in 2011. Despite his unfortunate background as an orphan, he shared an inspiring story of his dream to be a singer, and after the contest, he released the album 'Slow Poke' in 2014, and published a book titled 'You Must Live, Because It's a One-Time Life' in 2016.

In 2017, Choi Sung-bong continued his touching narrative by receiving the Minister of Interior's commendation in the government's '2016 National Recommended Rewards'. In May 2020, he disclosed that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, prostate cancer, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer, which sparked further sympathy. Nonetheless, he made various television appearances, providing moving performances while sharing updates on his battle and continued to pursue his dream as a singer through crowdfunding.

However, his 'false' touching narrative was exposed within a year. In 2021, doubts arose regarding Choi Sung-bong's cancer battle being fabricated. The authenticity of the diagnosis he initially presented was questioned, along with his spending of more than 30 million won solely on entertainment, revealing that 'Korea's Paul Potts' was actually a significant financial backer in entertainment venues.

As allegations mounted that he squandered funds raised for his cancer battle, Choi Sung-bong repeatedly tried to refute the facts. Eventually, he apologized, saying, "I am sorry for causing controversy. I will, of course, return the precious sponsorship money to those who request it. I will somehow gather the funds to return the sponsorship and leave." He was reported to have worked serving in restaurants and doing part-time jobs to return the funds.

After returning all the sponsorship money and pledging to repay with his life, Choi Sung-bong took his own life. The police found no signs of foul play based on the scene and autopsy results. They attempted to transfer the body, but as no family members appeared, his body was placed in a morgue at a hospital in Seoul, and his former manager and close associate decided to cover the funeral expenses privately, which was held for two days.

Choi Sung-bong, who did not lose his dreams despite growing up in unfortunate circumstances and provided inspiration and comfort to many, had to end his life sadly as his true self surfaced due to 'false cancer battle'. Also, the impactful narrative he left behind has lost its significance.

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