Monitoring K-pop Training Academies Operating in Singapore and Ensuring Well-being of Trainees

Ms Usha Chandradas asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether the Ministry tracks the number of K-pop training academies operating in Singapore and, if so, what is the current number; and (b) whether the National Arts Council has any concerns about the rigour and intensity of the training curriculum at such academies and, if so, whether there are plans to monitor the well-being of their trainees.

The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the National Arts Council (NAC) do not track the number of K-pop training academies operating in Singapore. NAC does not currently fund any of such academies.

Singapore's dance scene has a wide range of artists and groups spanning many genres. This includes ballet, contemporary, jazz and traditional and so on.

MCCY and NAC recognise the growing interest in K-pop and the various training institutions that have emerged to cater to this interest. We encourage all training academies to adhere to best practices, policies and regulations in education and training. This includes prioritising the physical and mental well-being of trainees as well as encouraging collaboration across genres to create innovative new works that our audiences can enjoy.