Singer Choi Sung Bong has passed away.
On the morning of the 20th of June, at around 9:41 am, media outlets reported that Choi Sung Bong was discovered dead at his residence in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Based on the scene and a written document believed to be a suicide note, the police are investigating his death as a result of an extreme choice.
Previously, Choi Sung Bong had posted a message on YouTube Community page implying his extreme decision, stating,
If you are reading this post, it means I am already dead, and this is my final message to my fans. From 2011 until now, I have received a lot of interest and love from many people. I sincerely thank you for that. Although this is my final message, I wanted to let you know that the love I have received from all of you is even greater, and I have decided to keep it buried in my heart.
I am sincerely sorry to those who have been affected by my foolish mistakes and harm. I have refunded all the donations from those who requested it in the past two years. Now, I am willing to pay the price with my life. Looking back, I have tried my best to live an ordinary life, giving my all like ten years in a day. But in the end, I failed.”
Although my breath may stop now, I have no regrets about the bright life I have lived. I have strived to be happy every day. At the age of 34, this life may be a tragedy, but I hope to end my life in the next one, filled with happiness. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who has been harmed because of me. Please forget me and be happy in your own lives. May your lives be brilliant. Farewell.”
Upon hearing this news, netizens expressed their concerns, and ultimately, he was found dead shortly after.
This comes after the highly publicized controversy he’s been involved in over a fake cancer diagnosis.
Back in January of 2021, Singer Choi Sung Bong claimed he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, prostate cancer, and thyroid cancer. Since then, the singer updated his fans on his health regularly while vowing to release an album despite his deteriorating health. He had been collecting donations to make his album and support his singing career.
However, since October of 2021, there have been rumors spreading around that accused Choi Sung Bong of faking his cancer. A YouTuber and entertainment reporter named Lee Jin Ho raised these suspicions and claimed that the singer was faking his illness. The reporter claims Choi Sung Bong purchased the hospital gown through an online shop and that the singer was smoking and drinking. Choi Sung Bong then attempted to refute these rumors by releasing his private reports that confirm his diagnosis, however, criticism didn’t die down and netizens started pointing out inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the reports.
Then, on October 12, 2021, the singer started a live broadcast on his YouTube channel and talked about these suspicions. He was rescued mid-broadcast from what appeared to be a suicide attempt at the time. Later that month, he admitted to faking his diagnosis. He said, ‘I admit I am not currently suffering from cancer, and I am not suffering from colon, prostate, thyroid, lungs, brain, and heart cancer other than the recurrent depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.’
Singer Choi Sung Bong became known after appearing on “Korea’s Got Talent” in 2011. His voice took the industry by storm and he came in second place and made his debut as a singer, his difficult childhood story gained much attention as he rose to fame.
May his soul rest in peace.
If you or anyone you know needs help please don’t hesitate to reach out. This Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255 for help. Here is a list with international suicide hotlines
