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August 22, 2011

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Korea's 'Susan Boyle' dream run ends in No. 2

SUNG-BONG Choi, South Korea's manual worker-turned-international singing sensation, ended his months-long reality show journey yesterday with a second-place finish to a female dancing competitor in the final round of the "Korea's Got Talent" TV audition show.

Dubbed Korea's "Susan Boyle," who shot to fame on a British TV talent show, Choi's episode has hit the headlines of news media at home and abroad, pulling at the heart strings of millions around the world.

Choi, 22, who ascended to the top-two position with his powerful baritone, was defeated by a 17-year-old high school girl student, Ju Min-jeong, who has already been branded "Poppin' Dance Empress" among her fan groups here.

The Top 10 final qualifiers, comprising singers, dancers, harmonica players and magicians, competed on the stage of the finals show, the Korean equivalent of "Britain's Got Talent."

The show, which lasted for two-and-a-half hours, was aired live on the host cable TV channel and YouTube and began at 11pm in an apparent bid to attract more attention from overseas viewers.

"I am grateful to all who have helped me make it into this position. I will show you a better me by trying far harder," Choi said of the final outcome, which was determined by public vote through mobile telephone messages.

Choi became an international singing sensation after he first performed "Nella Fantasia (in My Fantasy)," an Italian classical crossover song composed by Ennio Morricone, which was reprised for the final.

His inspirational life story has also impressed many.

Choi has said he was left in an orphanage at age of three but ran away two years later after he was abused by people there.

He then lived on the streets in a provincial city, selling gum and energy drinks to survive.



 

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