Hung bangs into town

Just why Hung's performance inspires such a response isn't a mystery to the man himself.

"I'm unique," Hung said. "People are inspired by my passion."

Although he's never had any professional music training, Hung said he's been singing karaoke with his mom and dad since he was 9. Hung's got three more semesters to go before graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, but Hung's not sure if he's going to stick out his college career or become a full-time star.

"It depends on how the future goes," he said.

For now, it doesn't look like Hung's 15 minutes are up. Since its release Tuesday, the album has been flying off the shelves, said Tower employee Dan Schoenrock, who also bought a copy. The album is made up mostly of covers of Hung's favorite songs like "I Believe I Can Fly." As of yesterday, the album was No. 34 on the billboard charts. When Hung hit San Diego for an album signing, about 3,000 people turned out, said Kahli Najar, a spokesman with Hung's record label Koch Entertainment.

When asked why she was such a big fan of Hung, 45-year-old Sandra Kriletich of Redwood City said for the same reason everyone else is - because he's "so honest and so sweet."

San Mateo resident Susan Cone agreed. Hung's fans aren't laughing at him, she said; they embrace him for his sincerity.

Seven-year-old fan Brittany Posadas said she likes Hung because he's funny. Christine Louie, 18, said she thinks Hung is cool because he wasn't ashamed to give American Idol a shot despite his clear lack of talent. Some may just be laughing at Hung, but Louie said that's not why she or her friend turned out to see him.

"I don't laugh at him - I think he's cute," said Aejny Rodriguez of Daly City.

"You gotta give him props for getting to where he is without any talent," said Jessyca Stephenson, a Sacramento resident who was the first in line to get Hung's autograph.

Despite her love for Hung, Stephenson said his 15 minutes of fame are probably just about to run out. A second album is nevertheless already in the works, but Hung declined to say whether it will be filled with more cover songs or if he'll perform his own works.

If Hung's popularity continues to soar, Foster City resident Roland Wang said a lot of dentists could find themselves out of work - referring to Hung's crooked teeth.

In the meantime, Hung's mother said she doesn't mind that girls are throwing themselves at her son. She said Hung has had plenty of offers, but is waiting to decide who he will pick to be his girlfriend.

Yunmi Choi can be reached by e-mail at yunmi@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 109. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.