Fans of Korean pop music were left in mourning this week following the apparent suicide of singer Choi Sung-bong. 

According to the Daily Mail, Choi's body was discovered by police near his home in Seoul's Yeoksam-dong district on Tuesday morning.

Star rose to fame following 2011 television appearance

The newspaper noted that Choi first rose to prominence in 2011 when at the age of 22 he gave a performance on Korea's Got Talent that led to viral video clips of him singing Ennio Morricone's "Nella Fantasia."

I was very saddened today when I read that Choi Sung-bong died by suicide 💔 I first heard him in 2011 on Korea's Got Talent (Youtube). An orphan, he grew up on the streets and taught himself to sing extraordinarily well. I hope he is now resting in peace.https://t.co/CvD44v7I1N

— 🪃 Boomerangℂ𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤 🌈(4x💉) (@BoomerangChris) June 22, 2023

He then went on to sign a contract with Bong Bong Company and won praise from other musicians, including Justin Bieber, BoA and Jung-Hwa Umwho.

However, Choi was hit by scandal in recent years after it was revealed that he falsely claimed to be suffering from cancer while soliciting donations from fans.

Suicide note posted to YouTube channel

Authorities believe that Choi committed suicide based on a message he posted on his YouTube channel, writing, "From 2011 to the present, I have been receiving attention and love from so many people. I sincerely thank you and express my gratitude."

Choi Sung Bong's last message on his youtube channel is heartwrenching... https://t.co/fTVSTuKwgZ https://t.co/wlERf7Gxzr

— yasmina 𓃬 (@yasminaaaaa9) June 21, 2023

"For the past two years, we have returned all those who have asked for a return of donations. Looking back, since I was young, I tried my best to enjoy a normal life, like every day for 10 years, but in the end, I'm sorry," he added.

"I have no regrets about the journey of life that I have lived brilliantly. I have lived to the best of my ability and tried to have happiness every day," Choi continued.

The singer concluded by saying, "I am sincerely sorry to the many people who have been harmed because of me... I'm sorry to the many people who helped me."

Fans grieving over Choi's death

News of Choi's death was met with an outpouring of grief from fans, including one who tweeted, "My God, this is so sad."

"May his soul rest in peace. I don't know him but it's such a difficult thing to read about these young artist taking their life's. My condolences to the family," the fan stressed.

My God, this is so sad. May his soul rest in peace. I don't know him but it's such a difficult thing to read about these young artist taking their life's.
My condolences to the family. 🥹

Singer Choi Sung-bong dies in apparent suicide https://t.co/eUAl58OhYA

— Carmen (@cmmg48) June 21, 2023