'I don't worry about my kids picking up Singlish'

The Straits Times, June 3, 2007
By Serene Goh


Korean scientist Lee Su Seong also hopes his children pick up Chinese so they can translate for him


THE PERFECT GASTRONOMICAL COMPLIMENT to Korean instant noodles is kimchi, reckons Dr Lee, who is seen here with his daughters Hyun Jin (left), three, and Hyun Ju, five, and his wife, Jee Won, 32.









DR LEE Su Seong hails from a land most familiar to Singaporeans for its kimchi instant noodles, soap operas and ski opportunities.

The 37-year-old team leader and principal research scientist at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) at A*Star left Seoul, South Korea, three years ago. He now makes his home with his wife Chung Jee Won, a senior officer of administration also at IBN, and their two daughters - Hyun Jin, three, and Hyun Ju, five - at a condominium in Bukit Batok.

When he is not tucking into his favourite local chicken rice, Dr Lee dabbles in computers or plays tennis.


Q When Asians go to the United States, they shop at Korean supermarkets. When Koreans come to Singapore, where do they shop for groceries?

A Usually, we shop for most of our groceries at local markets. For special items, we go to downtown supermarkets, which sell some Japanese specialities. We also order food items from Korean websites, which are set up by shops selling Korean products in Singapore.


Q You've lived in the US before moving back to Korea, and now you're based here. What is it about Singapore that makes it a viable option for you?

A In Singapore, there is a good mix of East and West. I like how there is harmony between the Asian and Western cultures.


Q Many expatriates worry about enrolling their children in local schools, and choose instead to place them in private schools. Why did you do the opposite?

A I think the kids can learn both English and Chinese in the local schools. They can also learn more about Singaporeans and their culture. I don't worry about them picking up the Singlish accent.


Q The property market is hot right now, and you've recently invested in a place. What did you find most confusing?

A The tenure and legal process is different from that in Korea. All properties in Korea are freehold, and I found the 99-year tenure a bit strange. So, I bought a freehold condominium.

We also do not usually consult a lawyer when we buy a property in Korea, as licensed real estate agents will be able to do everything for us.

Also, the taxation of a property is totally different from Korea. There, we pay a tax on the official purchase price, but the property tax here is calculated based on market rates.


Q What do you miss most about your homeland, and how do you try to re-create it?

A I miss Korean food and my family. We visit Korea at least once a year and will bring back lots of Korean food.

We bring back about 20 to 30kg of kimchi, which we can keep for about a month in our fridge. After that, it becomes too fermented to be eaten.


Q Korean dramas have inspired more Singaporeans to visit Korea, but what attraction there is most underrated?

A I think Korean history is underrated. I recommend that Singaporeans visit the famous historical relics, for example, the royal palaces in Seoul, Kyungju City and the museums.


Q Have you ever been mistaken for a Korean soap opera star?

A Karm Woo Sung - people say I remind them of him. He recently starred in King And The Clown.


Q What makes Korean women irresistible?

A Many Singaporeans think they are pretty because they have pale skin and are trendier.


Q Singaporeans are most self-conscious about their weight. What about Koreans?

A Most Korean women are also self-conscious about their weight and appearance.


Q Scientific researchers are not known for being party animals. How different are research communities in the US, Singapore and Korea?

A I think that scientists in the US and Singapore are family-oriented. Those in Korea tend to mix with their colleagues more.


Q If you could wish for a discovery that could put Singapore on the global map, what would it be?

A A technology that can conquer all kinds of cancer. I am now working on cancer-related research, involving the development of novel capture agents for cancer-related proteins. If it becomes a success, it may open new doors in cancer research and treatment.


Q Between Singapore's spicy food and that of Korea's, which is harder on the stomach lining?

A Both types of food use the same kind of red hot pepper with lots of capsaicin. Usually, most of the spicy food in Korea is not cooked with lots of oil and so they have a more naturally spicy taste. Oil-coated spicy ingredients seem less irritating to the stomach, so Singaporean food may be less harsh.


Q How does your family's life here differ from that of other expats'?

A It is much easier for us to adapt because we are Asians. But there have been times when people try to speak Mandarin to us. When my children grow up and understand Chinese better, we may ask them to translate for us. That's another reason why we enrolled them in a local kindergarten.