The Korean Couple Who Found Love In Singapore | Singapore Hour

Jungu & Kiri: A Life Bridging Korean & Singaporean Cultures

Key Concepts: Korean-Singaporean Identity, Multi-ethnic Community, Importance of Arts (Choir & Photography), Family & Intergenerational Connections, Maintaining Cultural Heritage, The Role of CCAs in Singaporean Life.

I. Introduction & Background

Jungu, a Korean who has resided in Singapore for approximately 20 years, and his wife Kiri, a Singaporean citizen of Korean descent, are the central figures of this narrative. Their story revolves around the intersection of their Korean heritage and their life in Singapore, highlighting the importance of community, shared passions, and family ties. They both actively participate in the Voices of Singapore Youth Choir, which initially brought them together, though not as immediate friends, but as acquaintances. Jungu recalls a time when he had blonde hair and Kiri playfully pointed out his Korean identity.

II. Voices of Singapore Youth Choir & International Recognition

The Voices of Singapore Youth Choir plays a significant role in their lives, representing a shared passion and a platform for cultural exchange. The choir was the sole Singaporean representative at the Juju International Choir Festival last year. This experience was particularly meaningful for Kiri, who felt proud to represent Singapore on an international stage in her homeland. Jungu, a professional opera singer who began singing in choir during secondary school and studied at Yongto Conservatory of Music, emphasizes the importance of relaxation in vocal technique, specifically for fast notes: “For fast notes, don't give too much air pressure because it gets very very difficult to sing fast. So try to relax a little bit.”

III. Teaching & Mentorship

Beyond performing, Jungu dedicates time to teaching vocal music. He has been teaching Grace for nine years, a student who initially benefited from having a Korean teacher to aid in her English language acquisition when she first moved to Singapore. He views teaching as a fulfilling activity, emphasizing the community aspect of singing: “And it's a community like the people you meet through singing.”

IV. Family Connections & Generational Differences

Family is a central theme. Jungu’s mother-in-law enjoys golf, a popular pastime amongst Koreans in Singapore (and even more so in Korea, where facilities are prevalent in every neighborhood). Jungu took up golf partly to impress his mother-in-law, discovering a newfound enjoyment in the sport. He notes his mother-in-law’s skill level (“If my mom is level 10 golf, I am maybe maybe I just reached level five last month.”) and his own recent progress. A fascinating observation is made regarding Kiri’s Korean language: “When she speaks Korean, sometimes the words that we use are quite different because her mom came here around 30 plus 40 years ago. So the Korean language that she uses was from back then.” Kiri’s parents recently returned to Korea, making her mother-in-law a particularly close family member for Jungu. He expresses gratitude for the presence of Kiri and his mother-in-law in his life.

V. Korean Photography Club in Singapore: A Second Family

Jungu’s interests extend beyond music to photography. He is an active member of the Korean Photography Club in Singapore, a group of approximately 20 members that has existed for over a decade. The club provides a space for cultural connection and artistic exploration. He highlights the benefits of learning from experienced photographers like Mr. Kim, who offer new perspectives. The club serves as a “second family,” offering a space to speak Korean, share Korean food (specifically mentioning tong paga), and maintain cultural ties while living in Singapore. He acknowledges the financial investment in his photography hobby, playfully admitting to his wife that he doesn’t disclose the prices of his purchases.

VI. Lifelong Friendships Forged Through CCA

Jungu’s long-term friendships with Seahad, Chaiin, and Marcus, originating from their time in the Tanuk Secondary School Choir, underscore the importance of Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) in Singaporean life. He emphasizes that these friendships were crucial, even assisting with his wedding. He states, “I love this…It’s like we’re in Korea,” while reminiscing with his friends over a meal. He values having reliable friends he can turn to for support. He reflects on how CCAs provide opportunities beyond formal education: “I feel that Singapore offers variety that is beyond education in school. For example, like the CCA. I wouldn't have met any of these friends here if not for that.”

VII. Marriage & Future Aspirations

Jungu and Kiri recently married in mid-2024 and are looking forward to raising a family. They believe Singapore offers a secure and enriching environment for children, citing education and safety as key factors. The large Korean community in Singapore provides a supportive network.

Notable Quotes:

• “For fast notes, don't give too much air pressure because it gets very very difficult to sing fast. So try to relax a little bit.” – Jungu, on vocal technique.
• “It's a community like the people you meet through singing.” – Jungu, on the social aspect of music.
• “I feel that Singapore offers variety that is beyond education in school. For example, like the CCA.” – Jungu, on the benefits of CCAs.

Technical Terms:

• CCA (Co-Curricular Activity): Extracurricular activities offered in Singaporean schools, fostering holistic development.
• Opera: A form of theatre in which music has a leading role and the parts are taken by singers.
• Tong Paga: A Korean pork belly dish.

Conclusion:

This narrative paints a vibrant picture of a life successfully navigated between two cultures. Jungu and Kiri’s story demonstrates the power of shared passions (music, photography), strong family connections, and the importance of community in fostering a sense of belonging and identity. Their experiences highlight the unique opportunities and benefits of living in a multicultural society like Singapore, while also emphasizing the value of maintaining one’s cultural heritage. The video ultimately celebrates the richness and complexity of a life lived at the intersection of Korean and Singaporean traditions.