Soprano Sumi Jo named S. Korea's cultural cooperation ambassador

Sumi Jo-public ambassador

Soprano Sumi Jo named S. Korea's cultural cooperation ambassador

SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry said Friday it has appointed world-renowned soprano Sumi Jo as cultural cooperation ambassador to help support the global expansion of K-culture.

The position is an external-title ambassador post in which individuals with expertise and public recognition are granted the title and utilized in the government's diplomatic activities for a one-year term.

"Ambassador Jo is expected to contribute to the realization of the 'K-Initiative' and the global expansion of K-culture by enhancing understanding of Korea's public and cultural diplomacy policies and by conducting outreach to stakeholders in both the public and private sectors," the ministry said in a release.

The Grammy-winning artist is widely regarded as one of the leading voices in global classical music, who also marks the 40th anniversary of her international debut this year.

Jo has previously served as a public relations ambassador for the Korea-Japan World Cup, a cultural public diplomacy envoy for the ministry and a promotional ambassador for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.

The ministry also named Lee Seong-hoon, a professor at Sungkonghoe University, as ambassador for human rights, peace and democracy.

"Lee is expected to expand the government's participation in international discussions on human rights, peace and democracy by attending relevant international conferences, including the UN Human Rights Council, and by strengthening cooperation networks with like-minded countries and international civil society," the ministry said.

Soprano Sumi Jo performs at a Korea-United Arab Emirates cultural exchange event held in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 18, 2025. (Yonhap)