Singaporean singer-producer Hong Junyang has been declared bankrupt, a development that brings a difficult chapter to light following his ambitious ventures into the food and beverage (F&B) industry. The news, officially confirmed by the 44-year-old artist himself, follows his inclusion in the Government Gazette’s list of bankrupt individuals published on September 26, 2025. This significant financial downturn is primarily attributed to substantial debts incurred from his Thai street food restaurant chain, “The Original Boat Noodle,” which faced insurmountable challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
From Stage to Street Food: An Entrepreneurial Pivot
Hong Junyang, who first gained recognition as the popular runner-up on the reality singing competition “Project SuperStar” in 2005, has pursued a diverse career path that extended beyond his music endeavors. In 2018, he embarked on his first major foray into the F&B sector with “The Original Boat Noodle,” a venture that quickly expanded. Initially launching with a 60-seater restaurant at Changi City Point, the chain grew to include several prominent locations across Singapore, such as VivoCity, Suntec City, Bugis Junction, The Seletar Mall, and Northpoint City. This business expansion represented a significant personal investment and a strategic move to diversify his income streams, particularly as the entertainment industry faced its own disruptions.
Pandemic’s Heavy Toll on F&B Ventures
The entrepreneurial journey, however, took a sharp downturn with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hong Junyang revealed that “Ever since Covid-19 started, it has been very, very tough for us, up till our closure… I tried my best.” The prolonged restrictions, shifting consumer behaviors, and economic uncertainties proved to be a formidable challenge for his restaurant operations. Beyond “The Original Boat Noodle,” Hong was also involved in other F&B concepts, including the Taiwanese bubble tea brand Machi Machi, which he introduced to Singapore in 2020 and reportedly ceased operations in early 2025. Other ventures launched during the pandemic, such as the cafe-cum-cloud kitchen “Caf” and the Indian banana leaf rice restaurant “BananaBro,” both shuttered in 2022. Even a hawker stall, “Oppa Kitchen,” closed after just one year of operation.
Facing the Music: Hong Junyang’s Resilient Stance
Confirming the bankruptcy news to AsiaOne on October 13, 2025, Hong Junyang acknowledged the “difficult and painful experience” but emphasized his commitment to responsibility. “I feel that it’s right that I face it responsibly, and I will continue to choose to face it responsibly,” he stated. He admitted to lacking prior experience in the F&B business, which added to the challenges. Despite the personal and financial setbacks, the artist expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support he has received from his family and close friends. “I have family and close friends who stood by me and offered help. They are always there for me,” he shared, noting that this period has given him “better wisdom and discernment” about his relationships. His resolve remains strong, with plans to “reflect, move forward, reset, relearn and, most importantly, to rebuild everything to be stronger in the future,” asserting that he “doesn’t see this as the end.” His passion for music remains a constant, and he intends to continue creating and performing.
A Wife’s Unwavering Support: Candyce Toh Speaks Out
Amidst the news, Hong Junyang’s wife, local actress Candyce Toh, has publicly voiced her steadfast support for her husband. In a heartfelt social media post on October 14, 2025, the 45-year-old actress expressed her gratitude for the messages of encouragement received, stating she was “thankful and treasured everyone’s kind wishes.” Toh highlighted her husband’s courage, commitment, and responsibility in confronting the consequences of his business decisions. “He bravely faced and took responsibility for the consequences. He is both strong and courageous,” she wrote, referring to Hong as a devoted husband and loving father to their two daughters, aged nine and three. She also shared a poignant reminder of their wedding vows from 2009, promising to stand by him “in times of plenty and in times of want, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow… for all eternity.” Toh also assured the public that she is managing, working hard to balance her career and family life.
Broader Implications and A Path Forward
Hong Junyang’s situation underscores the significant risks and challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly in volatile sectors like food and beverage, and how external factors like a global pandemic can have devastating consequences. The news also brings into focus the intersection of careers in the entertainment industry and diversified business ventures, highlighting the potential impact on an artist’s public image and ongoing projects. As Hong Junyang navigates this period, his commitment to responsibility and his determination to rebuild signal a resilient spirit, while the support from his wife and loved ones provides a crucial foundation for his future endeavors in music and beyond.
