‘The 1st Sumi Jo International Competition’ winners to hold concerts in four cities from the 19th to the 24th,
Soprano Sumi Jo attends the press conference for ‘2025 Sumi Jo Concert – The Magic, Sumi Jo and the Winners’ at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 16th. The decoration around her neck is the Commandeur medal she recently received from France. Yonhap News,
,
, ‘“I believe the ‘Commandeur’ medal I received from France is not only my honor but also an honor for Korea. I received it thanks to all of you who have supported me for so long.”’,
,
, ‘Soprano Sumi Jo (62), who attended the press conference for the ‘2025 Sumi Jo Concert – The Magic, Sumi Jo and the Winners’ at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 16th, expressed her feelings on receiving the Commandeur, one of France’s highest cultural arts medals. Sumi Jo now becomes the third Korean recipient of the Commandeur following Kim Jung-ok in 2002 and conductor Chung Myung-whun in 2011.’,
,
, ‘Appearing with the medal around her neck, Sumi Jo said, “Next year marks the 40th anniversary of my international debut. I plan to release an album featuring various songs in addition to the 2nd Sumi Jo International Competition and hold the ‘Sumi Jo Festival’ named after me.” She added, “The Sumi Jo Festival will span 3 to 5 days, covering all genres of music, including vocal music, K-pop, and pansori. It will be designed to be like a ‘Park Concert’ where families can participate together, and the list of participants is astonishing.”’,
,
, ‘The press conference also featured winners from last year’s 1st Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition in France, including baritone Zhihong Li (1st place), tenor Georges Birban (2nd place), tenor Lee Ki-up (3rd place), and soprano Juliette Taquino (special jury award). Last year’s competition received applications from over 500 vocalists (aged 18-32) from 47 countries, with 24 making it to the finals. Birban and Lee remarked, “It is moving to perform with Sumi Jo, whom we watched perform on stage when we were young.”‘,
,
,
Soprano Sumi Jo (center) attends the press conference for ‘2025 Sumi Jo Concert – The Magic, Sumi Jo and the Winners’ at The Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 16th with winners of the 1st Sumi Jo Competition. From left: soprano Juliette Taquino, baritone Zhihong Li, Sumi Jo, tenor Georges Birban, and tenor Lee Ki-up. Yonhap News,
,
, ‘Sumi Jo noted, “Participating as a judge in various competitions, I have dreamed of one day establishing a competition under my own name. Thanks to the help of many, I was able to start last year.” She continued, “Although I won seven competitions in my youth, I felt disappointed by the lack of attention despite my wins. That’s why the Sumi Jo Competition aims to provide as many stage opportunities as possible for the winners, like in this concert.”’,
,
, ‘When asked about her secret to staying active at not such a young age, Sumi Jo laughed and jokingly replied, “I guess it’s because I’m single (unmarried).” She said, “By nature, I am lively and energetic. It’s not a joke when I say I don’t have much to do besides working; sometimes loneliness and solitude weigh on me, but I enjoy giving joy and help to others. This work is fun.”‘,
,
, ‘Meanwhile, the ‘2025 Sumi Jo Concert – The Magic, Sumi Jo and the Winners’ will connect with audiences on the 19th at Sori Arts Center of Jeollabuk-do, on the 21st at Seongnam Arts Center Opera House, on the 22nd at Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul, and on the 24th at Chuncheon Culture & Art Center.’\n’]