Sometimes with a lot of hard work and determination-and a little luck-fairy tales do come true.
An orphan from the age of three who traded abuse at the orphanage for the dangers of life on the street at five years old, Sungbong Choi refused to be bound by the circumstance of his youth.
During his ten years on the streets of one of South Korea's largest cities, Choi falls victim to gangs, drugs, and was abused by adults for their own survival. Instead of succumbing to negative influences, he takes every small opportunity and act of kindness provided to him, to turn his life around.
After a chance encounter with an opera singer, Choi finds a vocal teacher willing to give him free lessons. His natural talent and determination pay off when he competes on the television program Korea's Got Talent...and shows both his country and the world how gifted he truly is.
This captivating true story is sure to inspire readers of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
About the Author: Sungbong Choi was born on February 18, 1990. Left at an orphanage when he was three years old, he ran away at the age of five, fending for himself by selling chewing gum and energy drinks in the red-light district of Daejeon, South Korea. Child Fund Korea finally offered him a home when he was seventeen years old.
Choi participated in Korea's Got Talent in 2011 and his heartwarming performance of "Nella Fantasia" changed his life. A CNN report, "Meet South Korea's answer to Susan Boyle, Sungbong Choi", which featured Choi's debut audition on Korea's Got Talent, was named "The Week's Best Viral Video" on CNN on July 20, 2011. Choi received the grand prize in the vocalist category from The Korean Culture and Arts Awards Committee, the Republic of Korea Contribution Foundation in 2014.
Choi now gives performances and speeches to a wide range of audiences including businesses, students, and hospital patients. He works hard to make a positive contribution to orphanages and to help the impoverished.
