K-pop icon Sandara Park, also known as Dara, brought an electrifying surprise to Singaporean basketball courts! On the morning of July 17, local players in Geylang were stunned when the 41-year-old superstar suddenly appeared amidst their league games.
A Surprise On Court
The Basketball Association of Singapore (BAS) in Geylang was buzzing with excitement as the 2NE1 member graced the Singapore Schools Sports Council Basketball C Division National School Games. Students from Swiss Cottage Secondary School and Nanyang Girls’ High School seized the incredible opportunity to chat and snap photos with the K-pop idol. Dara even showed off her own hoop skills, successfully making a shot on her second attempt, much to the delight and cheers of the young athletes.
South Korean singer Sandara Park (centre) shooting hoops with players from Nanyang Girl’s High School during her visit to the Basketball Association of Singapore on July 17.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
One of them who took a group photo with Park was Beatris Chua, a Secondary One student from Swiss Cottage Secondary School.
The 13-year-old, who was about to play a league round when Park dropped by, said: “It is heartening that someone so famous took an interest in the sport. My friends and I felt it was such a delightful surprise to see her.”
Dara’s Love for Sports & “Rising Eagles”
Dara’s special appearance was a highlight of BAS’s launch for its ambitious 2026 fundraising campaign. This visit tied in perfectly with her current project, “Rising Eagles Season 2,” a basketball-themed variety series filming in South Korea, where she serves as the team manager. The show, which premiered on South Korea’s SBS and Netflix on July 5, follows the Rising Eagles as they compete against other Asian teams for the pride of South Korean basketball.
Reflecting on her role, Dara shared her newfound appreciation for the sport: “I learnt a lot about basketball. I see how the players practise and play… (and) I really want to support young athletes and their dreams. I think sports teaches discipline, teamwork, perseverance… we learn about life through sports.” Her inspiring words resonated deeply with the young players.
Hoops for a Cause: BAS Fundraising
As part of the fundraising efforts, Sandara signed four commemorative basketballs, which will be hot items at a BAS fundraising dinner auction on September 11. Proceeds from these auctions will fuel the development of Singapore basketball, focusing on youth, coach development, national team readiness, and community engagement.
Sandara Park signs on commemorative basketballs during her visit to the Basketball Association of Singapore on July 17.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
BAS president Seah Liang Bing said the funds would go towards programmes such as BAS’ under-16 regional training centre, under-23 national team and senior national team.
He emphasized the sport’s importance, stating: “Basketball is one of Singapore’s leading sports and one of the most popular sports among our youth. At BAS, we believe every talented young athlete deserves a clear pathway to succeed.” In a memorable moment, Seah presented Dara with a Singapore national team jersey, jokingly inducting her into the team, saying: “From today, you are (part of) Singapore’s national team.”
Fan Moments & Enduring Impressions
K-pop star Sandara Park (second from right) at the launch of the Basketball Association of Singapore‘s (BAS) 2026 fundraising campaign on July 17. With her is (from left) emcee Joyce Lim, BAS honorary president Kevin Wang, BAS president Seah Liang Bing and BAS secretary general and 2026 BAS fundraising chairman Kelvin Tan.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
The event’s emcee, BAS volunteer Joyce Lim, got Park to sign a basketball jersey belonging to her 16-year-old daughter Michelle Ayeni, a former Raffles Girls’ School basketball player who is now attending high school in the US.
Both mother and daughter, who are Singaporean, are huge fans of Park. Lim’s excitement was palpable: “We bond over K-pop music and dancing, and just love Sandara and 2NE1. When I got to know she was coming and I was emceeing the event, we came up with the idea of getting the jersey signed if I had the chance.”
Joyce Lim, the event’s emcee, holding her daughter’s basketball team jersey signed by Sandara Park during a media preview for the BAS fundraising campaign on July 17.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
“I did not expect she would actually sign it. I am going to take a picture of this to send to my daughter right now.”
Dara’s Busy Singapore Schedule
Dara’s packed Singapore schedule also included announcing her partnership with Singapore-based entertainment company Power Entertainment on projects throughout South-east Asia on July 16 at Raffles Sentosa Singapore. Capping off her eventful day, she held court at a thrilling fan meet on the evening of July 17 at Orchard Central’s level one atrium. Her visit truly left an unforgettable mark on Singapore!
