In the ever-evolving world of social media and online influence, inspiring stories of personal transformation are like a breath of fresh air.
Simon Khung, a 36-year-old Singaporean influencer who, under the alias Simonboy, has risen from the depths of a 16-year-long battle with drug addiction to become an influential figure in the digital realm.
Simon Khung’s recent advertisement for Heng Heng Herbal Soup caught the attention of many, but his journey to this point is a story that deserves to be told.
The Viral Ad for Heng Heng Herbal Soup
Simon Khung’s recent ad for Heng Heng Herbal Soup not only showcases his acting skills but also provides a glimpse into his personal journey.
In the video, Simon portrays a stall owner at an undisclosed Heng Heng outlet, engaging in a rude exchange with a dirty-looking customer who takes an unusually long time to place an order.
The customer surprises the stall owner by requesting just a bowl of white rice, handing over a humble S$0.50 coin for the order. He also asks for a refill for his water bottle. The stall owner, though visibly annoyed, obliges the customer’s requests.
Overhears him lying about eating well
While filling the bowl of rice, the stall owner unintentionally overhears the customer’s phone conversation with what appears to be a loved one.
The customer paints a false image, claiming to be eating well every day and reassuring their loved one to focus on taking care of their mother instead.
After finishing his order, the customer mysteriously disappears, leaving the stall owner in bewilderment. The stall owner eventually finds the man sitting on the ground outside the kopitiam, looking crestfallen.
A Gesture of Humanity
The customer, likely due to his appearance and the cleanliness of his clothes, requests to eat his rice outside to avoid dirtying the kopitiam. The tattooed stall owner, in an unpleasant and harsh tone, insists that he sits inside the kopitiam.
As the man reluctantly takes a seat, the stall owner surprises him with a bowl of herbal soup, accompanying the bowl of rice he ordered. When the customer expresses his surprise at receiving the soup, the stall owner explains that it’s on the house, even offering a refill once he finishes it.
As the famished customer digs into his rice, he discovers a delightful surprise beneath—a portion of braised meat, as he bursts into tears and tucked into his food.
Holding a fully refilled water bottle, the customer graciously bows to the stall owner, expressing his heartfelt appreciation for this act of kindness.
@simonboyyyyyyy Never judge a book by its cover. @Heng Heng Herbal Soup 19 Outlets in Singapore 🇸🇬 Every sip, is love ❤️ 🎥: @ErisAndRonald #teamsimonboy ♬ 像鱼 – 王贰浪
Simon’s background with drugs
Simon Khung’s early life was marked by adversity. Growing up in a challenging environment, he was constantly exposed to smoking and family tensions as a child. These early experiences left an indelible mark on his upbringing, setting the stage for the trials he would later face.
Simon’s descent into the world of drug addiction began at the tender age of 16. What started as an experiment soon spiraled into a 16-year battle with addiction.
Desperation led him to steal thousands of dollars from his own mother to fuel his habit, a decision that would haunt him for years.
Mother’s undying love
Throughout this tumultuous journey, one person never gave up on Simon—his mother. Her unwavering support and love were his pillars of strength, even in the darkest of times. Her enduring belief in her son would become a key motivator for Simon’s eventual recovery.
In 2019, Simon hit rock bottom. He found himself in Changi Prison, serving his third sentence. After his release, he sank into a deep depression, culminating in a harrowing attempt to take this own life by drinking bleach. Miraculously, he survived, awakening to a new sense of purpose and determination.
Determined to break free from the chains of addiction, Simon made the courageous choice to check into a halfway house. It was here that he began his arduous journey toward rehabilitation and recovery.
Met fellow former drug addict
As Simon embarked on his path to recovery, he stumbled upon anti-drug TikTok videos created by former addict Luke Chan. These powerful videos served as a beacon of inspiration for Simon, igniting his desire to use his experiences to make a positive impact on others.
Simon not only found inspiration in Luke Chan’s content but also a friend and mentor. The two former addicts bonded over their shared experiences, offering each other support and encouragement on their respective journeys to recovery.
Today, Simon has made significant strides in his life. His content creation and other investments have allowed him to achieve financial stability, enabling him to give back to his mother as a gesture of gratitude for her unwavering love and support.