Celebrity

Singer Choi Sung-bong's Funeral Delayed as No Family Members Appear Following His Tragic Passing

Jun 24, 2023 | by Nobelle Borines

Singer Choi Sung-bong, who was previously engulfed in controversy over false cancer claims, was found dead at his residence. However, his funeral has not yet been held due to the absence of immediate family.

According to sources in the music industry on the 25th, Choi Sung-bong's body was moved to a hospital morgue following an autopsy at the National Forensic Service, but no relatives have come forward to claim his remains. Consequently, he has been classified as a 'John Doe.'

A 'John Doe' is either someone whose relatives cannot be found, or someone who doesn't have any relatives, or someone whose relatives refuse to take custody of the deceased. If someone is ultimately classified as a 'John Doe,' the local government conducts a public funeral.

A friend of Choi Sung-bong plans to conduct his funeral in place of his family. However, the exact funeral schedule has not yet been determined.

Choi Sung-bong was found dead at his residence in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul at 9:41 a.m. on the 20th. He was 33 years old.

The police are investigating the circumstances based on the onsite situation and a suicide note. Choi Sung-bong left a note implying his intention to take his own life.

The day before his death, Choi Sung-bong posted a message hinting at his drastic decision on his YouTube channel. He said, "I sincerely apologize to those who have been harmed by my foolish mistakes, and I've done wrong. Over the past two years, I have refunded all those who asked for their donations back. Now I intend to pay for my sins with my life."

He added, "I'm 34 years old. This life may have been tragic, but I hope to end my next life with happiness."

Meanwhile, Choi Sung-bong solicited donations in 2021, claiming that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, and prostate cancer. However, suspicions were raised that he lied about his cancer diagnosis to receive donations. Following the controversy, he admitted, "Except for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, all cancer battles were false," and subsequently halted his activities.