The singer-producer ran five F&B ventures that are now shuttered
Local musician Hong Junyang has recently fallen victim to Singapore’s harsh food and beverage (F&B) industry.
Grappling with rising debts from his now-shuttered Thai street food restaurant chain, The Original Boat Noodle, the singer-producer has declared bankruptcy.
In an interview with AsiaOne, Hong shared that The Original Boat Noodle had been facing obstacles since the pandemic a few years back. “Ever since COVID-19 started, it has been very, very tough for us, up till our closure… I tried my best,” said the 44-year-old.
While he did not disclose the amount of his debts, he admitted that this was his first foray into the F&B industry and that he lacked the necessary experience for it.
Hong, who rose to fame in 2005 after emerging as a male runner-up in local talent search competition programme Project Superstar and recently performed as a guest on JJ Lin’s JJ20 World Tour, opened The Original Boat Noodle’s first outlet at Changi City Point in 2018.
He expanded it to five more locations throughout the years, including Suntec City and Bugis Junction.
In addition to The Original Boat Noodle, Hong had also operated several F&B concepts, including the Korean food stall Oppa Kitchen, Indian food restaurant Bananabro and cafe Caf—all of which have since closed down too.
What does it mean to be bankrupt in Singapore?
In Singapore, bankruptcy is a legal process involving an individual or firm that is unable to repay any outstanding debt of at least S$15,000. A person may file for bankruptcy voluntarily, or a creditor may file a bankruptcy application against them.
Once declared bankrupt, the debtor’s name is entered into Singapore’s bankruptcy register, which is publicly accessible.
Bankruptcy imposes several financial restrictions.
The debtor must hand over their assets to a trustee, who will sell them and channel the proceeds into a bankruptcy estate for distribution to creditors. The debtor may also be required to make monthly contributions from their income. However, certain assets are protected and excluded from the bankruptcy estate. These include the debtor’s HDB flat, CPF savings, and items necessary for personal employment use, such as work-related vehicles.
Bankrupt individuals must also seek permission from the trustee before travelling overseas.
According to PKWA Law, being declared bankrupt is not necessarily a bad outcome—especially for those who are overwhelmed by debt and have exhausted all repayment options. Bankruptcy can halt the accumulation of interest, offer a structured and more manageable repayment plan, and protect the debtor from legal action by creditors.
In Singapore, bankruptcy typically lasts three years. It can end earlier through an annulment, if all debts and expenses are repaid in full or a settlement is reached with creditors, or through a discharge, which frees the debtor from remaining unpaid debts after the three-year period.
What’s next for the singer-producer?
Reflecting on the bankruptcy, Hong said: “This has been a difficult and painful experience. But I feel that it’s right that I face it responsibly and I will continue to choose to face it responsibly.”
“I also take this moment to reflect, move forward, reset, relearn and most importantly to rebuild everything to be stronger in the future. I don’t see this as the end.”
The singer-producer also told AsiaOne that he is grateful to have the support of his loved ones.
“I have family and close friends who stood by me and offered help to me. They are always there for me,” he said. Hong highlighted that their support has made him cherish them even more, giving him “better wisdom and discernment” about who his true friends are.
Regarding his current plans, Hong emphasised that his priority is to keep working to earn a living and create music he is passionate about, which he said will be something that never changes.
Also Read: Entertainment To Entrepreneurship: 6 S’porean Celebrities Who Started Their Own Businesses
Featured Image Credit: Hong Junyang via Facebook/ Shaun Chng
Last modified: October 17, 2025
About the Author: Eric L.
