Singapore's first K-pop academy trains the next global idols

In a gleaming, mirror-lined studio above Singapore's Orchard Road, Gabriella Tjokrohadi moves through a carefully practised routine as an instructor calls out cues in Korean. When the music cuts, she rushes to the camera to study the footage, scrutinising every angle, posture and facial expression.

- AUDREY WAN

The 25-year-old Indonesian has long dreamed of breaking into South Korea's entertainment industry. But instead of Seoul, her journey has led her to Singapore — home to Southeast Asia's first K-pop training academy, opened in June by SM Entertainment, the company behind acts like Girls’ Generation and EXO.

Tjokrohadi received a S$500 (12,600 baht) scholarship from SM to attend a week-long bootcamp — a crash course in the Korean idol system, combining intense dance and vocal sessions with lessons on videography, modelling and media presence. The grant didn’t cover travel or housing, so she stayed with a friend to keep costs down.

“Twenty five is considered old in the industry,” she said. “As long as I have the chance, I’m always willing to take it.”

Singapore, already a tour stop for global stars like Taylor Swift and K-pop artists Blackpink and TWICE, is emerging as a hub for developing talent, offering connectivity and access to a wide pool of aspiring stars across Southeast Asia.