• 2025.10.22 (Wed)
  • All articles
  • LOGIN
  • JOIN
Global Economic Times
APEC2025KOREA가이드북
  • Synthesis
  • World
  • Business
  • Industry
  • ICT
  • Distribution Economy
  • Korean Wave News
  • Opinion
  • Arts&Culture
  • Sports
  • People & Life
  • Lee Yeon-sil Column
  • Ko Yong-chul Column
  • Photo News
  • New Book Guide
  • Cherry Garden Story
MENU
 
Home > People & Life

Sumi Jo Honored with France's Highest Cultural Award, Vows to Serve as Diplomatic Envoy

KO YONG-CHUL Reporter / Updated : 2025-06-16 19:57:39
  • -
  • +
  • Print

SEOUL, South Korea – Renowned South Korean soprano Sumi Jo was awarded France's highest cultural distinction, the Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters), on May 29, 2025, a prestigious recognition of her profound contributions to the arts and her role in promoting French culture internationally. Jo, adorned with the distinctive green medal, shared her sentiments at a press conference held at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul on June 16, 2025.

"This medal is not only my honor but also the glory of the Republic of Korea. I came here today, wearing it with gratitude, to share this moment with all of you," Jo stated, her voice resonating with pride.

The Order of Arts and Letters is bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature or who have helped to promote French culture globally. It is divided into three grades: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), and Commandeur (Commander), with Commandeur being the highest. Previous recipients of this esteemed award include a diverse array of international figures from the realms of music, film, literature, and visual arts, underscoring its global significance. Notably, Korean luminaries such as director Bong Joon-ho, actress Youn Yuh-jung, and maestro Chung Myung-whun have also been honored with various grades of this order, placing Jo among an elite group of cultural ambassadors.

 
A Journey Paved with National Pride

During the press conference for her upcoming opera concert, "The Magic: Sumi Jo & Winners," Jo candidly reflected on the challenges she faced at the beginning of her international career and how those experiences fueled her dedication to her homeland.

"When I started my career and began traveling overseas, I experienced a lot of difficulties with my Korean passport. I was constantly held up, needing to confirm whether I was from South or North Korea, and my flights were often delayed because of me," she recalled. "Going through such experiences made me realize how important it was for our country to prosper."

This deep-seated sense of national pride, she explained, became a powerful driving force. "I had a strong, unwavering spirit to work hard for our country. I believe that's what brought me this far," Jo emphasized, adding, "The path I've walked for 40 years was not mine alone."

 
Global Recognition and Future Endeavors

Jo expressed her disbelief and profound gratitude upon receiving the French honor. "Receiving a cultural medal from France is an immense feat, and I couldn't believe it," she said. "I am incredibly grateful and surprised, and I feel a strong commitment to do even better in the future."

She attributed the recognition to her extensive activities in France, which include the release of numerous opera aria albums, performances at prestigious French opera houses, and her collaborative work with UNESCO. Her commitment to cultural diplomacy is set to deepen as she prepares for the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and France in 2026. "As a diplomatic envoy, I plan to work diligently," Jo affirmed, highlighting her intention to bridge cultures through her art.

Looking ahead, Sumi Jo is preparing to release a new album around spring 2026. The album is anticipated to feature beloved popular songs, including "If I Leave," the original soundtrack from the drama "Empress Myeongseong," and "Champions," the iconic cheering song for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which she famously performed. This upcoming release signifies her continued dedication to connecting with a wider audience while maintaining her classical roots, further solidifying her legacy as a versatile and influential artist.

[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]

  • #NATO
  • #OTAN
  • #OECD
  • #G20
  • #globaleconomictimes
  • #Korea
  • #UNPEACEKOR
  • #micorea
  • #mykorea
  • #UN
  • #UNESCO
  • #nammidonganews
  • #sin
KO YONG-CHUL Reporter
KO YONG-CHUL Reporter
Reporter Page

Popular articles

  • The Imminent Reality: Donald Trump's Unlikelihood for the Nobel Peace Prize as a Destroyer of International Order

  • "Trump's Delusion for the Nobel Peace Prize: The Award He Deserves is 'The NO PEACE Prize'"

  • McDonald's 'Subtle Racism' Controversy: Korean American Denied Order After 70-Minute Wait

I like it
Share
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Kakaotalk
  • LINE
  • BAND
  • NAVER
  • https://globaleconomictimes.kr/article/1065610542907139 Copy URL copied.
Comments >

Comments 0

Weekly Hot Issue

  • US Ships to be Built in South Korea: Washington Considers Easing Protective Maritime Laws for Alliance Shipbuilding Cooperation
  • South Korea to Drastically Increase Domestic LNG Shipping Rate to 70%
  • 'Export Boom-Up Korea Week' Kicks Off as Nation Prepares to Host APEC
  • Japan Elects Ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as First Female Prime Minister: The 'Female Abe' Ascends
  • Trump Pressured Zelensky to 'Accept Russia's Demands or Be Destroyed,' Report from FT Reveals
  • Kering Sells Beauty Division to L'Oréal for €4 Billion Amid Gucci Slump 

Most Viewed

1
The Imminent Reality: Donald Trump's Unlikelihood for the Nobel Peace Prize as a Destroyer of International Order
2
Renewable Energy Covers 100% of Global Electricity Demand Growth in H1 2025, Marking a Turning Point in the Fossil Fuel Era
3
McDonald's 'Subtle Racism' Controversy: Korean American Denied Order After 70-Minute Wait
4
Early Winter Chill Grips South Korea as Seoraksan Sees First Snow
5
A Chemical Revolution, the Era of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Begins: 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
광고문의
임시1
임시3
임시2

Hot Issue

Chinese Researchers Unveil Ultra-Fast Analog Chip, Targeting 1,000x Nvidia Speed

US Ships to be Built in South Korea: Washington Considers Easing Protective Maritime Laws for Alliance Shipbuilding Cooperation

South Korea to Drastically Increase Domestic LNG Shipping Rate to 70%

Japan Elects Ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as First Female Prime Minister: The 'Female Abe' Ascends

Let’s recycle the old blankets in Jeju Island’s closet instead of incinerating them.

Global Economic Times
korocamia@naver.com
CEO : LEE YEON-SIL
Publisher : KO YONG-CHUL
Registration number : Seoul, A55681
Registration Date : 2024-10-24
Youth Protection Manager: KO YONG-CHUL
Singapore Headquarters
5A Woodlands Road #11-34 The Tennery. S'677728
Korean Branch
Phone : +82(0)10 4724 5264
#304, 6 Nonhyeon-ro 111-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Copyright © Global Economic Times All Rights Reserved
  • 에이펙2025
  • APEC2025가이드북TV
  • 세종시
Search
Category
  • All articles
  • Synthesis
  • World
  • Business
  • Industry
  • ICT
  • Distribution Economy
  • Korean Wave News
  • Opinion
  • Arts&Culture
  • Sports
  • People & Life
  • Lee Yeon-sil Column
  • Ko Yong-chul Column
  • Photo News
  • New Book Guide
  • Cherry Garden Story
  • Multicultural News
  • Jobs & Workers
  • APEC 2025 KOREA GUIDE