As historic summit nears, South Koreans living in Singapore dare to dream of peace

At 9am on Tuesday, many of the 25,000-strong South Korean community in Singapore will take a break from their work, errands and studies to pay rapt attention to the television for an event they thought they would never witness.

As US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un prepare for their landmark summit, South Koreans in Singapore remain awkwardly detached as they are not direct participants but many are nonetheless caught up in the excitement.

“For Koreans, this is a very historic moment,” said politics teacher Lee Deok-hyoung, who works at the Singapore Korean International School.

While Seoul technically plays no part in the bilateral meeting between Washington and Pyongyang, it will be affected by the outcome of the talks. So while most in the community are simply observing the proceedings, some groups have taken a more proactive approach.

The Korean Association of Singapore – South Koreans, that is – will gather dozens of their compatriots to watch the meeting. It has also put up posters in Tanjong Pagar, a popular Korean enclave in the city’s business centre, adorning rows of shophouses and restaurants to draw attention to the event.

Elsewhere in upscale, suburban Bukit Timah, the summit will be used as an educational tool for lessons at the Singapore Korean International School, where teachers and students will tune in.

“There is a feeling of excitement in this school – many students, parents and teachers are highly anticipating this summit,” said Lee.