No O levels for teen as she moves to Korea to chase K-pop dream

As she holed up during the Covid-19 pandemic, 12-year-old Cassa Tan spent hours watching K-pop videos.

"I want to become a K-pop idol. I want to learn how to sing," she told her mother Yvonne Lim.

Now Cassa, 15, is in South Korea to chase her K-pop dream while her peers prepare for their O-level exams.

CNA reported that Cassa secured a scholarship to train as a performing artiste.

"I've never considered a different career path. K-pop is my calling," she said with confidence.

Madam Lim and her husband Roger Tan, who are both in their 50s, are fully supportive of Cassa's dream and acknowledge the rarity of such an opportunity.

Cassa learnt ballet when she was four years old and Chinese dance in Primary 3.

She picked up singing at age 13 and took part in talent and modelling competitions.

"I always accompanied her, planning her trips and performances to ensure that she had the right opportunities for growth," Madam Lim told CNA.

Last year, Cassa started dancing lessons and auditioned for a major Korean entertainment company.

She made it past the highly competitive first round and her parents believed she could go far if given the opportunity.

"We've spent tens of thousands on overseas trips, lessons and auditions, but we don't see these as expenses. They're investments in her future," said Madam Lim.

"It wasn't an easy decision to pull her out of school so she could focus on training in Korea, but when we saw the joy on her face when she passed the (first round of) auditions, we knew we had to support her."

Cassa on March 4 started her Grade 1 studies at a Korean performing arts high school.

"I've never doubted myself. I know the industry is harsh and I've read stories about idols struggling with mental health, which saddens me," she said.

"But I'm mentally preparing myself to handle the pressure. My personality is naturally bright, cheerful and confident, so I believe I have what it takes to survive."