What's K-pop star Gary's connection with Singapore?

What's K-pop star Gary's connection with Singapore?

Are they close? And why does he call him boss? Does this mean he is buying a house in Singapore?

Local fans of Gary, the K-pop star who rose to fame as part of top hip-hop duo Leessang and the cast of immensely popular Korean variety show Running Man, went wild over one of his Instagram pictures recently.

In it, Gary is seen posing with Mr Kwek Leng Joo, who is the deputy chairman of City Developments Limited and a member of the Nanyang Technological University Board Of Trustees.

Gary, 36, whose real name is Kang Hee Gun, caused further excitement here when he captioned the photo "Boss!".

Some Singapore fans leapt to the conclusion that the rapper must be in Mr Kwek's employ.

Other fans even went as far as to say that Mr Kwek is Gary's potential father-in-law.

But Mr Kwek put speculation to rest when he told The New Paper that none of it is true.

He said: "The picture that Gary posted on Instagram was taken in Seoul earlier this year when he treated me to dinner.

"Gary was introduced to me by a mutual friend who's not from the music industry.

"I have no idea why he called me 'boss'. Maybe that's the way he shows respect to his elders?"

Mr Kwek, who had brought Gary here along with K-pop singer Jung In to perform for free at NTU Fest in August, added: "Gary is a good performer who takes his profession seriously.

"I like people who are passionate and committed to whatever (they are) doing."

BACK IN TOWN

Gary, who performed his hit single Your Scent with Jung In to a great reception at NTU Fest, is back in town with an entourage of 13 today for his showcase at Kallang Theatre.

The star has requested that the concert organiers prepare local snacks for him.

Singapore holds a special place in his heart as this was the first country he visited when he toured as part of Leessang last year.

Gary told TNP: "The Leessang showcase was my first visit to Singapore.

"I was surprised because there were so many fans who could sing our songs together with us and this really touched me.

"Singapore is very impressive to me."

This time round, Jung In will join him as a special guest at his showcase.

But is she girlfriend material?

On Running Man, Gary is coupled with Korean actress Song Ji Hyo. And as the show is filmed every Monday, they are affectionately known as the Monday Couple.

So Gary, which hottie tickles your fancy?

He said: "Both are very attractive. I guess I can't select one.

"So my ideal type would be one that is a good mix of the two.

"She would have the naive and artistic charms of Jung In, and the hardworking and go-getter personality of Ji Hyo."

Gary Showcase Featuring Jung In in S'pore 2014

WHERE

Kallang Theatre

WHEN

Today 7.30pm

TICKETS

$198, $138, $108, $98 from Sistic

cchar@sph.com.sg


This article was first published on Oct 24, 2014.
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