From Street Kid to Stardom – the Inspiring Story of Choi Sung-Bong

By Mary Jaksch

Here is an inspiring story from Korea. A young man – whose terrible childhood echoes the story of Oliver Twist – rises above his suffering to touch the hearts of many through the power of his voice.

Choi Sung-Bong was left in an orphanage when he was three years old. He was beaten so badly that he finally decided to run away. He was only five years old at the time. He survived by selling gum and cigarettes on the street – a kid trying to stay alive against all odds. For ten years Choi live rough, finding shelter where he could.

Watch this inspiring and emotional video to see what became of Choi. (If you are reading this by email, click here to access the video).

What did you feel when you watched this video? Please share in the comments below.

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1 Shona Smith - The Blithe Effect June 26, 2011 at 6:23 pm

Hi Mary,
I am bawling like a baby, pass the tissues please!
Choi Sung-Bong’s voice is a true embodiment of the ability of the spirit to overcome incredible odds to shine through brilliantly and beautifully. What an amazing human being and what an awesome post. It makes me want to do better and be better.
Thanks!!
Shona.

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2 Annika Thomas June 27, 2011 at 3:16 am

I cried, in awe of the power of the will to live and the incredible beauty in people. And he has no idea how beautiful he is, both as a person and a singer…
Annika Thomas´s last [type] ..I Am Hip

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3 Marian June 27, 2011 at 10:22 am

I suppose each of us has bad and good things happen to us. This young man has had incredibly bad things happen to him, but hopefully all that will change now and miraculously good things will happen to him. I hope he will know how to wisely handle his success and have a very happy life.

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4 Marianne June 27, 2011 at 10:57 am

A very inspiring story, indeed. To think of the awful atrocities thrust upon this young person as he was growing up and now to watch an event that will radically change the course of his life is a miracle. I just hope he is surrounded by truly loving and caring individuals.
Marianne´s last [type] ..The Miracle of Lester Levenson

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5 Tess The Bold Life June 27, 2011 at 12:05 pm

Mary,
This is beyond amazing and inspiring. There really are no words for what we are capable of overcoming. This has been a Monday morning gift. Thank you!
Tess The Bold Life´s last [type] ..How Love Teaches Our Hardest Lessons

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6 Britta June 27, 2011 at 1:26 pm

He is a real Super Talent!!!

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7 Heather June 27, 2011 at 2:23 pm

Wow, this was so moving! What a resilient young man. I do hope only good things happen for him from now on. What a voice!

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8 Dan June 27, 2011 at 4:12 pm

Moved. It’s something to me how anybody overcomes such obstacles. I think of my own children and I’m thankful that I can provide for them. Very powerful story, his humility speaks volumes of his person.
Dan´s last [type] ..Creating Positive Energy

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9 jonathanfigaro June 27, 2011 at 5:07 pm

We can all overcome obstacles if we put our mind to it. It’s up to us to put in the effort.

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10 Doug Armey June 27, 2011 at 7:16 pm

Mary:
Amazing video! Who of us thinks we have difficulties we can’t overcome when we see someone like that. Inspiring.
Thanks
Doug Armey´s last [type] ..It’s Easy to Be a Father–Hard to Be a Dad!

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11 Harriet Cabelly June 27, 2011 at 8:48 pm

Incredible story! Once again it shows the strengths human beings have tucked away that must be brought out and developed. He was lucky enough to be able to bring out his gift of voice on his own and now hopefully others will proceed to tend to him and encourage him along his newly public vocalist persona.
Thank you for sharing this most beautiful story.
Harriet Cabelly´s last [type] ..Services

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12 Lalitha Kadambi June 28, 2011 at 1:09 am

Hi !

Congrats and wishes to Mr.Choi.

Like a diamond, which endures sharp cutting shines brighter , life has chiseled Mr.Choi, into a sparkling beauty , to be appreciated by one and all. Good Luck .

Lalitha

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13 Madeleine Kolb June 28, 2011 at 8:56 am

Wow, I watched the video twice and was so moved by this young man. Like several commenters above, I couldn’t help but think of my daughter and the advantages she’s had and what a horrible childhood and adolescence Choi Sung-Bong has had. Yet he is so gifted and inspiring and seems remarkably free of bitterness.

Thank you for posting this.
Madeleine Kolb´s last [type] ..Changing Aging: Dr. Bill Thomas at TED

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14 julianoswald June 30, 2011 at 11:35 am

Wow! I really admire this guy. Even he experienced a lot of bad things and sad moments in his life still he continued his life without bitterness. He is really strong and admirable. I wanna be strong just like him. I watched this video many times and I even cried. This is what you called bravery…
julianoswald´s last [type] ..Cut Down Cost On Groceries

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15 Vickie July 2, 2011 at 8:13 pm

I sobbed away when I first watched this video and did the same again this time. The full gravity of the life that he lived and the life that he could shortly be living is amazingly overwhelming. Being a mom with three kids, all I wanted to do is go up there and hug him and let him know what an amazing soul he is. I hope that he gets to surround himself with loving people who will help him on his journey to the life he is destined to live.
Vickie´s last [type] ..When You’re Tuned In, You Can’t See Flaws – Abraham Quote

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16 Nancy July 4, 2011 at 3:08 pm

I had immediate goosebumps when he started to sing. His story and his voice … what a juxtaposition. He sings like a trained professional vocalist and speaks with great humility. What a fantastic story of overcoming the worst life could throw at him and still come out singing with a positive attitude. Thank you for sharing this.

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17 ben July 7, 2011 at 6:17 am

The first day we went it was the middle of the week and the kids were all playing happily….the whole lake was quiet and peaceful
ben´s last [type] ..Zeitschriften

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18 jim July 7, 2011 at 11:38 pm

very inspirational for sure.It is amazing to see the people over come issues that some of us would seem impossible.We can if we think we can. ;)
jim´s last [type] ..supreme concentration

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19 femi July 27, 2011 at 2:07 am

it shows how the human mind can overcome any obstacle if we put our mind to it i have been blessed listening to this young man and i hope he surrounds himself with people that can help him achieve his dream

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20 Manuela February 14, 2012 at 10:33 am

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Manuela´s last [type] ..DiGeorge syndrome

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