Or maybe it was. In a very Korean network sort of way.
While I think it's great that this kid got a shot on TV, I didn't feel it was Korea's "Susan Boyle moment." Remember, when Susan Boyle came out, the judges (and partially the audience) were partially laughing at her, and part of the point was that she showed everyone up, and called everyone out, with her singing, for judging/dismissing her so quickly. It was a teaching moment in telling us to remember not to make assumptions about people, and we were all as chided as we were moved.
In this case, and I'm not criticizing the kid, but rather the way he was introduced and most likely handled, it felt produced and manipulative. The sad music setting the mood from the beginning, the kid talking about how bad his life has been, the main judge being ready to cry as soon as the kid started talking about his hard life, and the general feeling that the show was trying to consciously make a "Susan Boyle moment" -- made one nearly expect (or at least not really be that surprised) some amazing vocals, which is exactly when the kid started belting out an opera tune. Not a popular song, or a folk favorite, but an opera tune, just like Susan Boyle.
Sorry -- the fact is that the show was obviously trying so hard to create a "Susan Boyle moment" that the clip loses the ability to do so. And the fact is that Susan Boyle's moment came from everyone underestimating her and even snickering at her in their minds, and then she busted it out and proved us all assholes. Also, the original British show didn't telegraph the move from jump, but played the surprise close to the vest. Jeez, the main host was ready to cry as soon as the kid said, "I sold gum and energy drinks on the street." I'm not trying on purpose to be cynical, but come on, now.