SINGAPORE - The teenage daughter of Singaporean actor Benjamin Heng has completed an 11-week K-pop training programme with SM Universe (Singapore) and was in Seoul for an audition to be a trainee with South Korean entertainment giant SM Entertainment in Seoul, with results still pending.

On April 10, the 49-year-old Fly Entertainment artiste and property agent posted on Instagram pictures of himself with Sophie, 17, in the South Korean capital, writing: “This trip hits different. Not just a holiday... but the start of her dream. From watching K-pop on screen to standing in the same city where dreams are chased for real.

“I’ve closed many deals in life, but this one is different. No guarantees. No shortcuts. Just passion, discipline and heart.”

He added: “As a dad, you want to protect them from the world. But sometimes, you have to let them step into it.”

Proud is an understatement. This is her journey now — and I’ll be right behind her every step of the way. Let’s see how far this dream goes.”

According to SM Universe (Singapore), SM Entertainment’s first K-pop training academy outside South Korea, Sophie was amon...