Jessica Jung Shares Heartfelt Reflections: Family, Sisterhood, and Philanthropy in Singapore
K-Pop icon Jessica Jung recently graced Singapore, not just for a performance, but to champion a cause close to her heart. The multi-talented Korean American singer, actress, and fashion entrepreneur made a special appearance at the Kiat Lim–Shaping Hearts Awards 2026, a charity event held at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore on July 30. During her visit, Jessica opened up about the unwavering pillars that guide her life: her family and her deep-seated responsibility as an older sister to fellow K-pop star Krystal Jung.
The 37-year-old former Girls’ Generation member shared with local media, including The Straits Times, that her family, particularly her mother, has been instrumental in shaping her personal values. “For me, it was definitely my family and my mum. They’re continuously shaping my heart, even still today, and they keep me grounded and humble and happy and loved,” she revealed. Jessica also highlighted that being a role model comes naturally as Krystal’s older sister, guiding the 31-year-old f(x) member and actress. “I need to be a good example and teach my sister, like clear the way for her, actually,” Jung explained, emphasizing their continued close bond and frequent conversations.
Championing Opportunities: Jessica’s Role at Kiat Lim–Shaping Hearts Awards
The Kiat Lim–Shaping Hearts Awards, organized by the North East Community Development Council and Lim Family Foundation, celebrated the artistic achievements of 51 artists with disabilities, distributing a total of $126,000 in grants. The event was graced by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Baey Yam Keng, Mayor of North East District. Jung called her involvement “a very natural decision” because she shares the same values as the event’s patron, Singaporean businessman Kiat Lim, the 33-year-old son of local tycoon and philanthropist Peter Lim. Kiat Lim himself noted, “Jessica seemed like a natural choice with a lot of the values that she embodies as well, and I am very happy that she’s able to make time to come this year,” adding that they have been friends for more than 10 years.
Jessica Jung (right) and charity patron and Singapore businessman Kiat Lim have been friends for over a decade.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Explaining her support for artists with disabilities, Jung stressed that it is “giving opportunities for creators”, noting that “opportunities are rare, and I feel like supporting that is going to help the artists in their future”. Prior to the interview, she completed a collaborative mosaic heart artwork with the event’s award recipients, whom she praised as being “very pure and very honest”. She joked about her own artistic skills, saying with a laugh: “I draw stick figures… that’s still art.”
Jessica Jung waving at fans at The Fullerton Hotel.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Jung, who was part of Girls’ Generation from 2007 to 2014, is also known for her fashion brand Blanc & Eclare, launched in 2014. She made her television acting debut in K-drama Wild Romance (2012) and later starred in feature films such as Chinese comedy I Love That Crazy Little Thing (2016). She has also published young adult romance novels Shine (2020) and Bright (2022).
She has released four solo EPs: With Love, J (2016), Wonderland (2016), My Decade (2017), and Beep Beep (2023), and held her first solo concert here at Resorts World Convention Centre in 2023 as part of her Diamond Dreams tour.
When asked if she will return to town to perform for her Singapore fans again, Jung – whose Reflections tour stopped by Malaysia in January, Bangkok in June and Macau in July – teased: “Stay tuned.”
