Aspiring K-pop stars in Singapore will soon be able to learn from the alma mater of BTS’ Jungkook, Exo’s Kai and Blackpink’s Jisoo.
The first K-pop International school will open in collaboration between Singapore Raffles Music College (SRMC) and the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul (Sopa). A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the two organisations in Seoul to open Sopa –SRMC, which will accept students from Southeast Asia, primarily Singapore, and they said in a press statement that students would be offered specialised K-pop education. SRMC will also facilitate admissions for students from South Korea who wish to study in Singapore. Sopa Principal Hosung Lim stated that they were determined to further elevate the reputation of Korea’s School of Performing Arts as an exemplary educational institution not only in South Korea but also internationally as an educational institution specializing in K-pop.
The upcoming school, led by Sopa faculty members will conduct classes in English, while the curriculum will integrate the education systems of both countries. Ryan Goh, SRMC Executive Director said that they perceived this as a unique opportunity to bring the essence of specialised performing arts education from South Korea into Singapore and Southeast Asia. He stated that this would showcase the exceptional value of industry-focused education, providing the impetus to spur the industry forward regionally.
Sopa was established as Jeonghui High School in 1966, and in 2009 changed its name to the current one. Its long list of former students includes singer-actress Bae Suzy, IVEs Yujin, NCT’s Mark and Red Velvet’s Joy besides Jisoo, Kai and Jungkook.
SRMC which was founded in 2001 had partnered previously with the University of West London’s London College of Music to offer music and dance degree programmes, and is ‘the only tertiary institution in Singapore with a full focus on music and dance’ according to its website.
