SEOUL — World-renowned soprano Sumi Jo expressed heartfelt gratitude to her fans on Monday as she celebrated receiving France’s highest cultural honor, the Commandeur of the Order of Arts and Letters — a recognition she called not a personal glory, but “an honor for my country.”

Jo received the award last month from the French Ministry of Culture for her outstanding contributions to French and global arts. At a press conference for her upcoming opera concert “The Magic, Sumi Jo & Winners,” she reflected on the significance of the honor and her dedication to supporting the next generation of vocalists.

“I couldn’t believe it when I first heard the news,” she said. “I was very surprised and thought to myself, I must do better in the future.”

The upcoming concert will feature winners from a vocal competition she hosted in France last July, aimed at helping emerging opera singers — especially those from Asia and South America — break into the European classical music scene. Chinese baritone Zihao Li took the top prize, with Romanian tenor George Ionut Virban and Korean tenor Lee Kiup also recognized.

“My job is to help young artists pursue their dreams,” said Jo. “It’s important for me to sing with them, promote them, and help make them visible to the public. I am proud to witness stars being born through these performances.”

Jo also announced plans to launch her own music festival next year — a long-held dream she hopes to realize as a way to give back to her fans. She is currently preparing to release a new album in the spring of 2026.

“As we approach the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and France in 2026, I will work even harder as a cultural ambassador,” she said. “Working is fun, but helping others is even more fulfilling. I’ve come this far thanks to many people, and now I want to give back.”

Sayart / Joy nunimbos@gmail.com