進入英語學習論壇下載音頻 去聽寫專區一展身手

Choi Sung-bong, South Korea's manual worker-turned-international singing sensation, ended his months-long reality show journey on Sunday with a second-place finish to a female dancing competitor in the final round of Korea's Got Talent.

Dubbed South Korea's "Susan Boyle", who shot to fame on a British TV talent show, Choi has hit the headlines of news media at home and abroad, pulling at the heartstrings 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 student, Ju Min-jeong, who has already been dubbed the "Poppin' Dance Empress" by her fans.

Ten contestants, comprising singers, dancers, harmonica players and magicians, competed on the stage of the finals show, the South Korean equivalent of Britain's Got Talent.

"I am grateful to all who have helped me make it onto this position," Choi said of the final outcome, which was determined by a public vote through mobile telephone messaging systems.

Choi suddenly became an international singing sensation after performing 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 revealed that he was left in an orphanage at the age of 3 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, before a woman from a snack bar helped him enter an evening-course school at 14 and teachers discovered his talent for singing.

In a country which has spawned countless K-pop boy and girl bands which have churned out hit after hit across Asia after careful grooming and rigorous training, Choi's rise to fame is even more phenomenal than his choice of song.

Questions:

1. What is Choi dubbed?

2. How old is Choi?

3. What Nella Fantasia did Choi sing?

Answers:

1. South Korea’s Susan Boyle.

2. 22.

3. In My Fantasy.

（中國日報網英語點津 Helen 編輯）

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.