Kim Jong-un impersonator detained for two hours on arrival in Singapore

Comedian says police told him he had arrived at a 'very sensitive time'

Howard X said he is not planning any protests during the historic summit (Reuters)

A Kim Jong-un impersonator said he was detained by authorities in Singapore and questioned about his political views.

The Australian comedian who goes by the name Howard X, said he was held for two hours and questioned for around 30 minutes when he arrived in the early morning hours at Singapore's Changi Airport.

His visit to the city state comes days before the city-state is expected to host historic talks between Mr Kim and US president Donald Trump - the first time since the Korean War that a US head of state has met with a North Korean leader.

Mr X said he was asked "what my political views were and if I have been involved with protests in other countries."

He added that he was told to stay away from Sentosa Island and the Shangri-La, two areas that are designated "special event areas" for the summit between the two leaders.

"They said, 'It's the Trump-Kim summit, you've come at a very sensitive time'," he said.

Mr X was in Singapore late last month, posing as Kim Jong-un against a backdrop of the city's bay, which features sites such as the Merlion and the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

He said he is planning similar stunts for the purpose of political satire in the coming days, this time alongside Donald Trump impersonator Dennis Alan. But he insisted he would not be taking part in any protests.

Rights groups have criticised Singapore's laws that they say limit critical speech and peaceful assembly.

Protests in the city state have to be pre-approved and are allowed only at a designated downtown area called the Speakers' Corner.

Singapore has maintained that its laws and regulations are needed to maintain social order and harmony.

The summit between the two leaders was previous called off by Mr Trump, who later said not only was the meeting back on, but that he would invite the North Korean leader to the White House if it went well.

Reuters