[MyDaily = Reporter Park Seoyeon] Soprano Sumi Jo marked the 40th anniversary of her international debut and is launching a new artistic chapter.
On the afternoon of the 6th, Jo held a press conference at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas Rose Hall in Gangnam to commemorate the milestone. She was joined by Lee Seong-su, CAO of SM Classics.
Jo outlined the scope of her 40th-anniversary project and its first step: a special album titled CONTINUUM. The record distills four decades of her career and signals the direction of her future work. She has signed an exclusive recording and production agreement with SM Classics, SM Entertainment’s classical and jazz label.
Lee Seong-su, who has worked at SM Entertainment for 21 years, reflected on the company’s global outlook. “People ask why K-pop succeeded and how long it will last. I think it’s because it aimed worldwide from the beginning,” he said, noting that while SM celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, Jo helped introduce Korean music to international audiences a decade earlier.
Lee added that SM developed a multi-label strategy to strengthen its musical foundations, which led to the creation of SM Classics. “We’re honored to welcome Sumi Jo as an exclusive recording artist. I hope this partnership becomes meaningful for Sumi Jo, SM, K-pop and Korea’s cultural industry,” he said.
Jo recalled playing the 40th-anniversary album for younger artists and hearing reactions like, “I wasn’t even born,” or “I was three.” Those responses made her reflect on how long she has performed. “If I could speak to myself, I’d say two things: ‘Thank you’ and ‘Well done, Sumi Jo.’ It wasn’t an easy road, but I’m proud of the work that brought me here,” she said.
About the album, Jo explained that “CONTINUUM”—from the Latin for “to continue” or “to proceed”—reflects her view that life and art don’t have neat endings. She described the project as a look back at her 40-year career and a personal statement, reinterpreting works by composers who are no longer alive and presenting them as fresh musical expressions in new “languages.”
The project mixes traditional classical elements with contemporary touches, featuring a duet with EXO’s Suho, a guest appearance by violinist Danny Gu, and performances by the Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Choi Young-seon.
On working with Suho, Jo said she approaches collaborations with an open mind. “I love and take pride in K-pop—I even listen to EXO when I work out. Beyond his fame, I valued Suho’s warm voice and his steadiness as a leader. In EXO he often sang higher parts, but on this track he takes on romantic, lower lines. I recorded my part first, then watched his session in Seoul over video; you could tell he had practiced. It turned out to be a beautiful song. I’ve listened to it more than ten times,” she said.
Jo will launch a nationwide tour beginning in Changwon on the 9th and will perform in roughly 20 cities through December.
She chose Changwon to open the tour because of its personal significance: her parents were born and raised there and gave her the courage that sustained her career. “They’re no longer with me, but I wanted to perform live there for them,” she said.
Jo also announced the second Sumi Jo International Vocal Competition, set for July at a château in France’s Loire region. She said about 500 singers from 55 countries applied. The field will be narrowed to 24 finalists, with the selection announced on May 10. “I don’t yet know how many Korean singers will qualify—the standard is very high,” she said.
Jo outlined three priorities going forward. First, she will continue to advance as a vocalist—studying, performing deeply felt music and exploring new repertoire. Second, she will invest in mentoring younger artists: providing performance opportunities, masterclasses and building platforms for artists who have a clear artistic vision and pride in their origins. Third, acting as a cultural ambassador for Korea, she wants to create more accessible events—small concerts that bring joy without financial strain, like “1,000 KRW concerts (approximately $0.75)”. “These three aims feel essential after 40 years on stage. I believe many will support them, and I’ll work hard,” she said.
Many Read News
Ji Ye-eun and Bata: First photo together after confirming their relationship, spotted side-by-side at an event
Like a living Barbie: Comeback-bound Ye Jeong-hwa wows with ideal proportions and sculpted abs
Pregnant at 47: Han Da-gam becomes one of the oldest new mothers, receives an outpouring of gifts and a renewed sense of responsibility
