In a bizarre incident that has left the local community in shock, a giant pink frog statue was stolen from outside the newly opened Yeyak restaurant in Tanjong Pagar. The restaurant owner, Lee, discovered the theft when he arrived at the establishment on June 8, 2025, only to find the statue missing.

Details of the Theft

The theft occurred around 1 AM, shortly after the restaurant had soft-launched its second outlet at 39 Neil Road. Lee reported that he only realized the statue was gone the following morning and promptly lodged a police report. The pink frog statue, a promotional gift from the popular soju brand Jinro, held significant sentimental value for the restaurant team, especially since it was a rare pink version.

CCTV Footage Captures the Incident

CCTV footage from the restaurant captured the moment of the theft. The video shows a man wearing a white cap casually walking behind a couple before he turns to the table and picks up the frog statue. He then follows the pair as they leave the scene. Shortly after, another individual can be seen walking by and playfully slapping the man on the shoulder, seemingly unaware of the theft taking place.

Community Reaction and Police Investigation

Lee expressed his disbelief over the incident, noting that it was particularly shocking given Singapore’s reputation for safety. He mentioned that other Koreans living in Singapore were equally surprised by the theft. The restaurant team reviewed the CCTV footage to confirm the details of the incident and have since filed a police report.

The frog statue, due to its size and weight, would have incurred shipping costs of approximately S$500. Listings for similar frog statues on Carousell range from S$399 to S$508, indicating the value of the stolen item.

Appeal for Help

In an Instagram post, Lee appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the thief, stating, “To us, we lost something precious, but to this thief, it seemed to be something cool and exciting.” The incident has sparked discussions on social media about the importance of community vigilance and the need to protect local businesses.

As investigations continue, the police have confirmed that they are looking into the matter, and the restaurant team remains hopeful for the safe return of their beloved frog statue.