Of late, relations between North Korea and Singapore has been pretty tense — what with the latter’s disappointment with flagrant nuclear tests and imposing visa requirements on North Korean citizens when they visit our shores.
Nonetheless, Singapore remains semi-bros with North Korea. The Hermit Kingdom has an embassy in Singapore, and —more often than not — holds a friendly bond with us through continued trade and investment.
Relations between the two countries reached new heights recently when the North Korean embassy moved from its previous bungalow digs along Joo Chiat Lane to the lofty High Street Centre building at 1 North Bridge Road — just across Parliament House, the Supreme Court and the national gallery.
Investigations by NK News revealed that the move to the high-end spot may come at “major financial cost” to the North Korean foreign ministry. After all, monthly office rental at High Street Centre ranges from $1,937 to $17,312 — painful prices for any company here. According to a defector and former diplomat, he only earned $1,100 per month during his time as ambassador.
“The address change indicates that relations between the two countries might not be as strained as recent events would suggest,” writes NK News’ Chad O’Carroll.
