South Korean star wows world

22-year-old's life story, opera voice reaches millions thanks to Web

SEOUL - Dressed in blue jeans, a checked shirt and sneakers, the soft-spoken young contestant 40272 on Korea's Got Talent seemed a far cry from a typical opera singer.

But Choi Sung-bong's powerful baritone and his inspirational life story have now pulled at the heart strings of millions around the world thanks to the Internet, a story rivaling that of Susan Boyle.