
Korean singer Choi Sung-bong, who rose to fame in 2011 after his first runner-up finish in Korea's Got Talent, died at the age of 33.
According to Korean news agency Yonthap, Choi was found dead at his home in Yeoksam-dong district in Seoul Tuesday morning. The police confirmed that the singer, whose performance on Korea's Got Talent went viral, died by suicide.
In his last post on YouTube, Choi wrote a lengthy message where he apologized and thanked everyone who supported him throughout the years.
He wrote, "Since this is the last post, I want to let you know of this resentment, but the love I've received over the years has grown so much that I decided to ask it in my heart."
Choi was previously involved in a controversy after he launched a fundraising campaign for his cancer treatment which was later revealed to be a hoax.
"I am sincerely sorry for my foolish mistakes and those who have suffered damage, and I have repeatedly made mistakes. For the past two years, we have returned all those who have asked for a return of donations," the message read.
Choi wrote a best-selling memoir titled Singing is My Life - Memoir of My Journey from Homelessness to Fame, which is about his journey from being an orphaned to a successful celebrity.
Justin Bieber and Perez Hilton both praised Choi during his stint on Korea's Got Talent because of his inspirational life story.
Rest in peace, Choi Sung-bong.
MEANWHILE, HERE ARE OTHER K-POP STARS WHO HAVE GONE TOO SOON:
Individuals who are in need of mental health support and assistance can call the following National Center for Mental Health crisis hotline numbers:
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